Which motor

[60thjeep]

I am purchasing an older 14' Sears aluminum boat for duck hunting.

I have a 55lb bow mount trolling motor I was going to make a bracket for and install on the front. Is this enough to pull me and another guy/dog?

I can buy a 2003 3.3 merc for $600

I can wait and look for a bigger motor

What would you suggest? I don't need to speed across the lake, but don't want to go .5mph either.

Thanks

 

[CarlF]

With the TM you will do about 5 mph. The 3.3 wont do much better but at least you wont have a heavy batteries to mess with and you can refuel it.
I would think that boat should be rated for at least 10 mph. Find a 9.9 or 15 hp johnson/evinrude from the 80s-90s and you should be set.

 

[free jonboat]

get a bigger motor if you go to craigslist then you can get a better deal on a bigger motor

 

[Waterwings]

I am purchasing an older 14' Sears aluminum boat for duck hunting.

I have a 55lb bow mount trolling motor I was going to make a bracket for and install on the front. Is this enough to pull me and another guy/dog?...

The 55# tm should do just fine on the 14 ft'er. I have a 54# MG on the front of my 16' rig, which is a heavy all-welded boat, and it does fine with myself, a second person and gear. No outboard on mine, so I don't have the weight of a motor to contend with. On my previous rig, a 17' PT175 Bass Tracker, I had a 46# tm on the front and a 50hp Merc on the back, and it trolled fine. Sometimes difficult to hold on-station if the wind was picking up, but other than that I had no problems.

 

[60thjeep]

Thanks,
I'll try the TM this fall and keep my eye out for a motor.

 

[Captain Ahab]

You can do OK with the electric - especially for duck hunting. It will get you to your spots and back

Wait and look for a used OB motor - if you are patient you will find a deal.

Welcome to TinBoats - please add your location to your profile

 

[CarlF]

You can do OK with the electric - especially for duck hunting. It will get you to your spots and back

Of course that depends on what kind of duck hunting you do & where. Small potholes and ponds, the TM is fine.
Open water, big lakes or rivers, and its not. Dont take chances in cold weather, be prepared for the worst condition, which is sudden wind shifts and rough cold water.