Adding a second motor

[cornersoyo]

I have a 16' Browning (tri-hull, heavy boat) with a mercury 850 (long shaft of course). I have a side mount bracket (20HP rated) where I have a 55# thrust trolling motor, which does move the boat but of course slowly. I want to replace this with a small HP gas motor. My 2 questions are: (1) Does it always follow suit that long-shaft main moter = long shaft kicker? Can this motor be a short shaft so long as it is able to reach low enough to use intake / circulate water? The bracket is set up that it is level with the transom when lowered, but of course the transom itself doesn't go as low on the sides as in the middle. (2) How would a 4HP or 6HP compare to a 55# trolling? Just want a little more movement, not a lot. Thank you for any thoughts to this. Cornelius R. Soyo

 

[stmbtwle]

I should think a 4 hp would be fine; A 6 would give you a little more; but don't expect more than about 5 mph anyway. The long shaft will get the prop into less-turbulent water for better thrust and less chance of cavitation, the short shaft will allow you to get into shallower water. Your call.

I put a 4 hp evinrude on a 21' Stamas years ago, we were quite happy with it. It wasn't fast but it did the job it was asked to do. How it would compare with a 55# trolling motor I don't know.

My suggestion would be to see if you can borrow one for a day.

 

[gaineso]

A 55# TM is less than 1 HP. Figure it from there.