What's minimum HP to get me on plane

[crockett]

last year I got a little 12-foot car-topper that suits my needs for now (I'm constrained for parking and towing, so it has to be a car-topper). I got a 4 hp 2 stroke to match, which is great for transport in the car and putting on/off the boat at every use. However, it does not come close to planing with me, dog, and a buddy. In addition to being slow to the blind/fishing spot, this can get my in trouble when it comes to tides, current, trestles etc... I want to be able to plane, but I don't want to go any heavier/bigger than necessary to achieve that. My boat is a v-hull. Any suggestions on what minimum HP will get me on plane. I like 4-strokes, but I can save space and weight with a 2-stroke. Other than that, I don't know whether a 6 hp will plane me, or if I'll have go to and 8. Any suggestions? Croc + Ruby = 300 lbs. Buddy and some gear = another 200 lbs, so MINIMUM 500 lb load, 600 lbs would probably be max.
-Croc

[bond85]

i would say a 9.9 maybe a 8 but ive been up the river on a 2.2 susuki but i would say something bigger then 8 at least

[chezz]

Aug 9, 2008 4:54:09 GMT -5 bond85 said:

i would say a 9.9 maybe a 8 but ive been up the river on a 2.2 susuki but i would say something bigger then 8 at least

I agree..but remember that depending on how much weight you have in the boat you may have to go up to a 15hp to get it on plane but at the same time you could exceed the weight limits of the boat as well.

[crockett]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'd have to go to a 9.9 anyways. I think you're right Chezz - if I needed to strap a 15 to her to get her up there I'd probably be overloaded, which is never a good idea. Most I've had in her is about 550 lbs, and that was fine but I'd not go too much heavier, maybe 700 lbs at an absolute maximum... Maybe I should have got a jonboat instead - they tend to plane on a fart into the breeze! lol!
-Dave

[Joey]

A 9.9 Should plane you out nicely. I Found a 15hp on the 12ft was major over kill. Fun though if your into that kinda thing.

[crockett]

Aug 10, 2008 16:14:46 GMT -5 Joey said:

I Found a 15hp on the 12ft was major over kill. Fun though if your into that kinda thing.

There was a day Joey, but now I just want to get to the duck blind without having to clean out my waders, so a 9.9 will do just fine thank-you!
-Croc

[BirdDawg]

I picked up a 14-foot Princecraft a couple of years ago and an 8hp Johnson to power it. I've regretted that choice for a couple of reasons. One, it feels a little underpowered sometimes, and two, when I don't have anyone else with me, all the weight in the back puts the nose up in the air and makes it hard to control. I've been thinking I might be better off switching to something lighter and more powerful, like a 9.9 or 15-horse 2-stroke. I just wonder how much I'd have to sacrifice in terms of noise, etc.

[shermie]

I run a 15 honda 4 stroke [100lbs] on my 14 had a 20 but it was a long shaft and the 15 is a short.
you can change the angle of your motor to match your boat or add trim tabs,im gonna put some on my duck boat which is 12.5 feet long and it will handle a 20hp but you need trim tabs.they bring it up on plane fast.they create drag at the rear of the boat so it slams the front down much more gas %efficent.bigger boats put auto trim tabs on them they cost alot then there are hydrolic or electic trim tabs or the home made ones of wood or turnbuckle type i believe justin had a pic here on them...

is your boat shallow draft or deep v hull ,is it a long or short shaft transom??

to compensate for bow lift with out trim tabs use weight in the bow section,i dont have to worry on that as those who have hunted with me can attest i bring everything and you have to sit on top of it....im always over loaded lol or close to it ...
is your 8 2 or 4 stroke..?

you get higher rpm on a 2 stroke if i remember right ask lloyd he is our engine guy very crafty with motors..

when i load me boat i load heavey in the front to compensate for my weight and partner and dawg i use to even it out i get her to sit where it planes out perfect and no spray in my face lolat wide open

in my little duck boat i can almost keep up with seagulls flying along the top of the water thats withthe honda 15 4 stroke and a little weight in the bow and me ..gotta be 30 mph or better i dont know how fast a seagull can fly when i was chasing them lol

hope some of this made sum sence as ive had to many teas to day

[BirdDawg]

Mine's a 4-stroke, regular shaft (which I guess would be short). Boat has a semi-V hull. I tried putting the trolling motor battery in the front for solo use and that worked better. Need to get cable extensions so I can leave it there though. Of course, that doesn't change it being a little underpowered with a full load. The dealer did warn me 8hp was a little skimpy, but I got a great deal so I went with it anyway. Learned my lesson. I'll likely trade up on the motor eventually.

[shermie]

hey if your selling the 8 hp 4 stroke let me know ill see if i can afford it id love to have it for the barneygat, when your ready to trade up..

too bad i could of sold ya 20 hp 2stroke in the spring did a little trading we could of..oh well my luck

[Rommel]

I have A 15 Yamaha 4 stroke and it is really quiet the noise of a 2 stroke is not missed .. the start is not as quick but the top end speed is the same as my Evenrude 15 2 stroke. and the lack of the blue and green water behind you just makes you fell a little better about boating..