Is a 9.5 Johnson enough for a 18 foot jon boat?

[meisnejo]

I am looking to purchase a old 18 foot jon boat and restore it and just keep the motor off of the boat I have now and put on it but need to make sure it is big enough. This motor pushed around my 14 footer really easily. Thanks for the help.

 

[Crosbyman]

being a flat bottom boat te motor should be fine but what are your intentions....? fly cruise or troll ? it won't fly the 2 other options should be ok

 

[meisnejo]

just get me and maybe a friend or two from fishing spot to fishing spot.

 

[meisnejo]

I also need some advise. I have a minn kota trolling motor with a 30 lbs thrust. Should I keep this trolling motor or not? Im just not sure if it is big enough to push that big of a boat around? Thanks

 

[F_R]

It really doesn't take much power to move a boat. The question concerns how fast do you want to move it. Sure, the electric motor will do for it's intended purpose, which is slow. As for the 9.5, it depends on whether or not you expect to plane the boat. A heck of a lot depends on the load and balance. Two people probably will balance it better than one person. In any case, I predict the 9.5 will be marginal. But try it and see what you think.

 

[Crosbyman]

30 pound electric will only push you if in non windy situation 18 footer acts like a big sail and you will need to draw lots of juice... drawing your battery rather fast or..relativily fast

better to look for a small 3hp Jw or a 4hp. both twin cyl. engines and smoother

 

[meisnejo]

Okay I will probably sell the Trolling motor than. I plan on using this boat on the Mississippi. Will the motor(9.5) be able to go upstream alright? Im not worried about speed just getting there

 

[F_R]

Oh well that's better info. If you are talking about bucking river currents, I'd say you should look for more power, both main motor and kicker. Of course, I suppose the Mississippi current varies considerably, both seasonal and location. But I've been across it many times on bridges, but never in a boat, so what do I know?

 

[steelespike]

How did the 9.5 do on the 14 footer with 2 guys along?If it's a b are bones 18 footer It should get up on the water with a load easier than on the 14.
And it will feel like a cruise ship with 3 guys,lots of room.really stable.
The 9.5 will run about 19 or 20 on a light reasonably fast boat.
If it pushed 3 on the 14 footer the 18 should work.

 

[64osby]

What is the 18'er rated for?

Most will say 75% to max hp would be optimum.

What is the average current on the big muddy river where you drop in?

 

[meisnejo]

In my 14 footer i could go up the main channel with equipment and a buddy like nothing. The current is pretty fast but still moved quit fast. It really impressed me and I don't need speed. All that would do is get me in trouble

 

[gm280]

meisnejo, are you using the trolling motor to also go up river? If so then it may be on the iffy side, However if it is used in some side pool areas or slower moving water and not the raging river current, I think it would suffice very well. Same with the engine. If you were satisfied with in on the 14' rig, I don't see much different with the 18' rig. There is more surface friction to deal with but it would certainly work. Just don't enter it in and boat races and you'll be fine. Also before selling off or swapping trolling motors, give your present one a try. You can always buy another if it doesn't work to your requirements, and you may be surprised that it does your job as well! Also remember that IF you do go bigger on either engine or trolling motor, you have to use more fuel and more battery power. You don't get something for nothing!

 

[oldman570]

I fish the Miss and have both a 14' and 18' flat bottoms. It would be better to keep the 9.5 and the trolling motor both for the time being, and get a bigger motor for the 18' flat. A 25 to 40hp motor will do a better job and still not cost a bundle to run. The boat you have is probably rated for a 40hp or bigger motor. This way you can use the 9.5 as a kicker trolling motor and as a backup for getting home when the need arises. The 30# trolling motor will work for trolling in the back waters but will not be of much good if there is wind or going upstream in the main channels of the river, and this is where the 9.5 will do best for trolling. Going fast on the Miss should be done ONLY after one has run the river EVERY spring as the ice flows push trees and other things down stream every year, and they can be very dangerous when hit. Good life jackets are no good if not worn. Many bodies are pulled from the water every year because of this, and speed on unknown waters. JMO
Oldman570