up the creek...part deux SEE PHOTOS OF SAID BOTE>>>

[troutseeker]

So you guys are saying I need more hp, or a bigger boat? Both?
If hp was 8-9.9, would that work?


2001 13 foot original Riverhawk--12'6" length and 44" width tan color with black bottom
• 2001 Tohatsu 5 hp four stroke tiller engine with very low hours
• Engine has forward, neutral and reverse along with separate gas tank
• Fitted boat cover that can be used on the interstate
• Two high end padded foldable seats--rear seat slides port to starboard for added comfort
• Both foldable seats are removable
• Two spare tires--one spare tire mounted to trailer
• Line-X added to hull for extra protection
• Integrated trolling motor mount upgrade
• Minn Kota RTA-17 quick release bracket for trolling motor
• Quick connector for trolling motor
• Bearing buddies
• Two batteries can support 24v or 12v trolling motor
• Two rod holders
• Two cup holders
• Transom straps
• Fire extinguisher
• Motor anti-theft lock
• Guide posts
• Tiny Tach digital tach and hour meter
• Bilge pump
• Attwood anchor rein
• SharkEye navigation lights
• Running lights
• Electrical center with four switches, 12v lighter/accessory plug and battery tester for two batteries
• Onboard tool kit
• Two anchors
• Two camouflage life jackets and camouflage safety throw
• Engine owner's manual
• Oar
• Just had bearings replaced at Dekalb Marine






 

 

[Bfish]

Less stuff and your boat will work fine.
or
bigger boat with bigger hp and carry everything.

[Travis C.]

I am in the same boat no pun intended.

Trying to outfit my 14ft polarkraft and after looking at 5hp's which I believe would push it fine may end up with a 9.9hp. Our boats are probably close to the same weight but the main reasons for me to lean to a 9.9hp were two things:

1) I would be able to keep out of strainers/bridges easier with the extra umph or if in trouble get out of it quicker.
 
2) It may go to small lakes or lakes in general which definitely warrants at least the 9hp.

There was a you tube video of a guy with a 9.9 gamefisher on a 14ft jon with fishing gear and he would run between 20-25mph on the lake.

[DSchlact]

Less stuff and your boat will work fine.
or
bigger boat with bigger hp and carry everything.

I tend to agree, but will say it again...test drive.  And will add...I have a Gheenoe Classic...if you are anywhere close to Murfreesboro I'd be happy to let you take a look at it.  I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to actually get out on the water, but would give you a chance to at least check out one of the larger models to compare it to in person.

Dave

[troutseeker]

I appreciate the info that you guys have given.  Thanks!

[lawnman]

My vote would be a bigger boat and more hp  , but that's just me.  Ive been on that river with everything from a 12' old v hull with an antique 3hp motor (that was fun) to a 14' 48" wide bottom aluminum with a 25 jet.  Now I have a Gheenoe Classic with a 25hp on it.  My philosophy with boats is get the largest hp that the boat will allow, I've never wished for a smaller motor.  You have to be prepared, there have been several times when the good old corps turned on 2 gen when only 1 was scheduled, there was one time when they cranked 2 gen plus sluice and a nice howling 30mph wind with a storm coming right down river.  I was sure glad to have the 25hp that time.  Of course you can't plan for everything but, like I said within reason I would try to get the biggest.  You can find some deals on Gheenoe's if you are patient and look around hard enough, although a wide aluminum is a great choice as well.  It's kind of like women and their shoes, there is no one perfect boat.

[bd]

I run a Gheenoe Custom Classic with a 15 hp. I am 90 percent happy with that motor, but I do occasionally wish I could upgrade to a 25.

The main reason for a 25 would be so I could put on Line X to protect the boat hull and a Mac's River Runner to protect the prop. Both of those things cause a little loss of speed, so I'd break even if I added those options but bumped up to a 25 hp outboard.

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