electric vs fuel in saltwater

simontom

Recruit
Joined
Jul 25, 2002
Messages
1
I have a small (12ft) fold-a- boat and wish to purchase a motor for it. It will only be for getting to a fishing spot and maybe trolling. I am looking at both a Minn Kota electric with 34lbs of thrust and supposedly 10 hr running time and a 2.5 HP mercury. I am leaning to the electric for the much quieter engine but like the other for the better speed. Are all electrics ok in saltwater or are there specific salt use motors?<br /><br />Thanks simon
 

Mumblerone

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 12, 2002
Messages
344
Re: electric vs fuel in saltwater

I would go to the the website for the electric motor your looking for...see if OK in salt water. I suspect the new ones are. Be sure to use tinned copper electric wires (such as Ancor) through out. Keep in mind, you'll have to have a large battery, too. Finally there is a considerable difference in HP...the electric may only have 1/4 hp or so. You might consider a 4-cycle Yamaha...very quite and realible. All a matter of what YOUR requirements are. ;)
 

b.gagnon

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 28, 2001
Messages
835
Re: electric vs fuel in saltwater

I would go with the gas. You may not be able to steer when the wind picks up, and the extra weight of the battery will slow you down. The gas motors in the hp range your looking at are light and last forever with very little care, and usually have tanks built right in. You could probably run all day on two gallons of gas.
 
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