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While I was screwing around on the net I came across a 1.5hp outboard that weighs only 14lb. It is a 2 stroke so it probably would be fairly load on high, but might be ok in the lower ranges. Has anyone thougt about trying something like this. Here is the link check it out and tell me what ya think.
[url "http://www.smalloutboardmotor.com/15hpminioutboard.html"]http://www.smalloutboardmotor.com/15hpminioutboard.html[/url]
KAZUALT
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I haven't checked out the link but I do have a toon.
My question to you is "why would you want to put a gas motor on a toon?"
1. they polute our rivers and lakes
2. they are noisy
3. you now have to pack a flamable liquid
4. Depending on where you live you may be required to carry a fire
exstrinisher
5. You loose the stealth that a toon offers.
And the list can go on and on. I can understand an electric but not a gas. Just my opinion though.
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Dave Scadden uses one on his pontoons to demo them.
I have used a gas Merc Motor on my pontoon (I bought two, one for me and one for Hubby, which was a lot of money to start)
The reason for thinking GAS is if you are camping in a remote site for several days it is very hard to charge a battery (generator) plus it will take a better part of a day to recharge it fully.
Gas motors are a lot lighter than the battery for the electric ones.
Now, down side. The smaller motors do NOT have idle, which means it is either off or on. Now if for some reason you do stop it out in the middle of a lake, think about restarting it. You have to kneel on your seat and pull the cord hoping you don't fall in, then for best tracking you have to now spin the motor around to pull you.
They will move you faster than an electric even on the lowest setting so trolling is going to be more difficult.
And lastly, as already pointed out...they stink and they are noisy.
Just PERSONAL opinion (been there DONE that[cool])
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Hey FG I never even considered the back country over night thing. You make a good point for the gaser. For me it would be row row row your toon, then kick kick kick it around. But I can see some advantages for the gas motor to get you there and back.
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I realize the down sides that you pointed out, and this is something I would probably never try. I just thought it was an interesting addon to small craft.
I live next to the Mon River in pittsburgh, which has a heck of a current and to go up river I have to run my Minn Kota 30 at 4 or 5 to make any headway. I realize that there is pollution involved with this motor, which is not good, but is not on the top of my priorty list concidering it is no more than a weed wacker. The Loss of stealth doesn't bother me because I usually Motor up river then float back down. I don't fish on the trip up because I have to keep my eyes open for large barges. Since I use my toon for alot of overnight camping trips, I always have flamables on board IE fire starters, lighter fluid ect...
Thanks for your input though.
KAZUALT
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[black][size 3]Hey K.,[/size][/black]
[size 3]For a gas motor, I think that you made a good choice.[/size]
[size 3][/size]
[size 3]That one is light weight, small, and has a automatic nutral (centrifical clutch) meaning that the prop. doesn't engage until you hit the gas. [/size]
[size 3][/size]
[size 3]Let us know how it turns out on the toon.[/size]
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[black][size 3]It is a sweet little motor for sure. A few of the stillwaters out here do not allow gas however, but it would be nice not wondering if your battery will last.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I would like to see one of these in person however.[/size][/black]
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Well got my tax refund today so I think I will go for it and buy the 1.5 hp motor. Although after some research I found a 2 hp that is a 4 stroke that runs on unleaded 87 octane gas. It is $495 which is considerably more than the 1.5, but being able to take regular gas and not being nearly as noisy as a 2 stroke it might be the way to go. The other factor is that it weighs 35lbs. But considering the Minn Kota 30 and the battery I use weighs at least 55lbs I guess thats not really a factor.
I know that using a motor is a SIN to most floaters, but I think what ever makes the float more enjoyable is worth it.
KAZUALT
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[cool][#0000ff]Putting a pencil to it would seem to show that you would have more power and less weight with the higher priced motor. Plus, it would not require messy oil mixing and all that.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Since you are essentially using your toon as a boat, on moving water, the gas engine makes more sense than an electric.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Do what you think is best and don't sweat the comments of silly tubin' purists...like me.[/#0000ff]
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TD & Fly Thanks for the encouragement. After alot of thought it going to be the 2hp regular gas motor. I will be ordering it wednesday so hopefully it will be here by next weekend. Me and a few friends do a 3 day river trip and I would love to have it for then. The tip is 35 miles and there are several places on the river, Youghagheny, that are really still water. It has great trout and bass fishing and I would like to be able to motor to where ever I want without eating up alot of time rowing back and forth.
I will post the results and hopefully some great fish pics when I get back.
KAZUALT
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I was reading where it recommends 1hrsp per 100 lbs, so the 2 is probably a good choice. That is what I would get, not that I weigh that much more than the 100 but, the boat, frame and gear, In fact I would think the next one up to play it safe (gotta remember Elvis and his new little brother[laugh])
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] But at least I will be able to afford fishing when I am too old to do it![pirate][laugh]