coastalfreak Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 So, here's the scenario. I'm transferring schools and will stay in a dorm for a little bit, then get my own apartment/duplex/something like that. When I have the space and the money, I would like to get a small little boat to toodle around marshes and such in. I'm thinking a Alumacraft Jon Boat, or if I could afford it, something like a Mako 16 ft skiff. Anyhow, if I were to go with a Jon Boat/Dinghy, which brand and horsepower motor would you think would be a good fit? I don't know the length, but maybe 10/12 feet or so? Thanks! "It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most Not where you live, what you drive or the price tag on your clothes" -Zac Brown Band "A leader is someone who keeps their head when everyone else is losing theirs." -Bryant Wright Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kml Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 Have you considered a solo skiff? If you are low country marsh I would be all over that. Bote makes a nice one . csteven and BWalsh 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Adams Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 My advice is before you do this you should realize what BOAT stands for Bust Out Another Thousand As soon as you come to terms with that you're ready for one. hunter123 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Ahab Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 I love a Johnny rude simple and reliable and cheap. If money is no issue get a honda. Nothing wrong with an older rude 2 stroker as they are usually very forgiving and tough hunter123 1 I fish fine look stupid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salt deficient Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 Buy boat first, then outboard. Bots are like booze.... Over 21 and not a much fun. I personally have a 16ft deep V with a 20hp tohatsu. I've had a 8hp evinrude 2 stroke on 2 different inflatables and a 14ft row boat. Jon boat will handle shallower water, V hulls take waves better. Little boats with undersized outboards are not really a problem though. Outboards too heavy on the transome is a bigger issue. You may not plane with less power, but 8-10mph is very doable with minimal power. Tohatsu make mercury outboards. You can find a sale on a brand new 2.5 3.5 mercury 4 stroke for 750-900 online... I just bought a 12ft rowboat for $150 without registration though. It's for row only NYC reservoirs, that have some great trout and bass fishing. I may buy a larger boat someday, good chance I may not. But, I will never be without a rowboat and a small outboard! Never. I can hit the saltwater bays, most rivers, even some braver souls leaves inlets with what I got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makorider Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 (edited) 3 hours ago, Captain Ahab said: I love a Johnny rude simple and reliable and cheap. If money is no issue get a honda. Nothing wrong with an older rude 2 stroker as they are usually very forgiving and tough +1 Don't be afraid of an older johnson/rude 2 stroke. They run damn near forever. My kids have outgrown my '73 6hp that has THOUSANDS of WOT hours on it, and I abused the hell out of it as a kid. My only regret is that I didn't have the 9.9 or 15 And they are extremely simple to work on - you are on a budget, you will learn or you will pay Edited April 4, 2020 by makorider coastalfreak 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastalfreak Posted April 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 12 mins ago, makorider said: And they are extremely simple to work on - you are on a budget, you will learn or you will pay Very true. Thanks for the input all. "It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most Not where you live, what you drive or the price tag on your clothes" -Zac Brown Band "A leader is someone who keeps their head when everyone else is losing theirs." -Bryant Wright Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWitek Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 There's a fair chance that whatever you buy, either new or used, is going to come as a package. If used--which I'm guessing is what you're going to be looking for--the question is going to be whether the engine is still running well, and whether it's a reasonable match for whatever you buy. While you don't want to over-power a small boat, and doing so can be dangerous, under-powering has its problems, too. The right horsepower engine will depend on the size and hull design of what you ultimately buy--hard to give specific horsepower numbers without knowing the hull. If buying new, the package price with the engine the dealer supplies will likely be more attractive than buying them separately. Just talk to the dealer about what performance to expect ahead oif time, so that there are no disappointements. Also, it's usually a good idea to buy an engine that has a number of dealers in your area. Some of the lesser-used engines can perform very well, but if you don't have a dealer nearby, or there is only one, you could have problems if you need a part and there is no dealer or the one dealer in town is out of stock. Generally, in most places, Yamaha and Mercury dealers are most abundant, although in some places other brands also have good representation. Finally, in the size class you're looking for, buy a pair of oars. Not just for breakdowns, although they're handy for that, but for makeshift poling in the shallows, pushing off stones and sandbars, and moving really quietly when stealth matters. You'de be amazed how easy it is to paddle even a larger (20' class) boat with an 8-fooit oar, rathern than a short paddle., Small boats and oars are a natural. coastalfreak 1 "I have always believed that outdoor writers who come out against fish and wildlife conservation are in the wrong business. To me, it makes as much sense golf writers coming out against grass.." -- Ted Williams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWalsh Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 Bote Rover is a nice option. think they also make an inflatable Kml 1 (*member formerly known as 'Roook13') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kml Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 2 hours ago, BWalsh said: Bote Rover is a nice option. think they also make an inflatable That is cool. Is that you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWalsh Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 No not me. That’s on the Bote board site (*member formerly known as 'Roook13') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastalfreak Posted April 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 A guy I watch on Youtube has one. Looks super cool. "It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most Not where you live, what you drive or the price tag on your clothes" -Zac Brown Band "A leader is someone who keeps their head when everyone else is losing theirs." -Bryant Wright Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonesipher Posted April 6, 2020 Report Share Posted April 6, 2020 I’d go for a v hull as well much better all around and will go as shallow as you might want. Any of the new outboards are great, try to find one that can be serviced by a local dealer and try to shop there last and buy from there. You’re not some crazy uncle you know! I'm so glad I don't live in the fact-less bizarro world you live in...just sayin'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aae0130 Posted April 26, 2020 Report Share Posted April 26, 2020 Kayak. No hastles. No gas. Can be launched just about anywhere. You can outfit them for fishing with a sonar, small battery, and rod holders. Roof rack and your good to go........ “Shall not be infringed” was the “talk to the hand” of that period. (Me 2022) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littletunnie Posted April 26, 2020 Report Share Posted April 26, 2020 I had a Nissan 9.8 2005 just sold it last year, had it on multiple boats just changed oil and plugs and water pump. Trouble free motor less expensive and lighter than most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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