08-21-2017, 05:01 PM
[#0000FF]Welcome aboard.
Very familiar with the Colorado. A good sturdy craft but not sure I would put a gas motor on it. But you can upgrade to a 40# electric without adding significant weight. You could probably go to a 55 also but might have to use two batteries and wire for 24 volt. Different options. I've never used higher than a 40# so can't be much help on the voltage requirements. I just know that guys I know with bass boats that use the larger motors usually have a higher voltage.
I'm guessing you have not had experience with toons and motors before. Most of us fisherfolk who use motors on tubes and toons simply rely on them for saving our legs and arms by allowing us to motor longer distances between point A and B without having to use fins or oars. Speaking for myself, I have never felt a hankerin' for wind in my face. Got over that after getting smacked in the face with a wasp while standing up in the back of a pickup.
Bottom line...you could rig a gas motor on your Colorado and it might work fine. I know of others who have gone with light weight 4 strokes and they had no problems. One of the big issues is weight distribution for level floating and running. Might take some re positioning of the seat to get it balanced right.
It would be great if you could borrow/rent the model of motor you are considering and take it to the water to try it for weight and efficiency. I know from many years experience that theory and reality do not always go together well.
Too bad there is no "one size fits all needs" craft that will serve for all potential use scenarios. The good news is that with a bit of creativity and a few trips to Home Depot you can usually "McGuyver" something if you need to.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
Very familiar with the Colorado. A good sturdy craft but not sure I would put a gas motor on it. But you can upgrade to a 40# electric without adding significant weight. You could probably go to a 55 also but might have to use two batteries and wire for 24 volt. Different options. I've never used higher than a 40# so can't be much help on the voltage requirements. I just know that guys I know with bass boats that use the larger motors usually have a higher voltage.
I'm guessing you have not had experience with toons and motors before. Most of us fisherfolk who use motors on tubes and toons simply rely on them for saving our legs and arms by allowing us to motor longer distances between point A and B without having to use fins or oars. Speaking for myself, I have never felt a hankerin' for wind in my face. Got over that after getting smacked in the face with a wasp while standing up in the back of a pickup.
Bottom line...you could rig a gas motor on your Colorado and it might work fine. I know of others who have gone with light weight 4 strokes and they had no problems. One of the big issues is weight distribution for level floating and running. Might take some re positioning of the seat to get it balanced right.
It would be great if you could borrow/rent the model of motor you are considering and take it to the water to try it for weight and efficiency. I know from many years experience that theory and reality do not always go together well.
Too bad there is no "one size fits all needs" craft that will serve for all potential use scenarios. The good news is that with a bit of creativity and a few trips to Home Depot you can usually "McGuyver" something if you need to.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]