Motor for 14ft aluminum boat

[joseph]

Last year I bought an insta-bote, which is much a like a fourteen foot car topper aluminum. It folds like up like an accordian and can be carried under one arm for a short distance. This year I have considered a motor. However, I need an education in motors. I am not looking for speed but something that would push two people for a day of fiishing. Would a trolling motor do the thing, or should I go with a gas motor, and what are the smallest. The lake we fish does not allow motors but I saw a trolling motor attached to an inflatable boat.

[saskie]

A trolling motor will work if you're not in a hurry. You can get gas motors down to 2hp (also if you're not in a hurry). I'm not familiar with the your boat, but it should say somewhere on it the max hp rating. I wouldn't exceed that as it seriously can cause stability problems in lightweight boats (as I learned when I mounted my 15hp on my little 12' car topper which was only rated for 9.9hp).

A "normal" 14' aluminum car-topper typically would mount a 5-15hp. I've also seen them with 25hp but those boats wouldn't be described as a "car-toppers"

[|D4|]

You can go to C-T or Wal-Mart and pick up a electric motor and a Deep cycle baterry ! It will be good for a day of fishing. It wont go fast but will get your from point one to point two. If you want I would suggest getting a 6 HP. That is what I have on my 12 ft boat and it goes great !

[Dan Smyth]

I have a 5 hp Briggs and Stratton air cooled 4 stroke for sale if you are interested. They sell at Lebarons for about $850-900. Mine has about 10 hors use and I will let it go for $600.00.
It was not big enough for my boat as a kicker and i upgraded to a 8hp Honda.

[CNs]

14 foot Porta botes are rated for max 9.9 hp (gas)

if your lake does not allow gas motors then electric is the way to go. a minnkota 55 would be plenty.