Minimum motor size, Alumacraft and Lund

[1989Lund]

I'm looking at a 2008 Alumacraft Classic 165cs which has a 20hp Honda 4 stroke on it and a 55lb electric trolling motor. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with a similar setup. The lakes I will be fishing all have a 20hp limit so does the 20hp Honda do a decent job of getting around? One of the main lakes I would go on is about 3 miles wide and 12 miles long. I don't plan on going from one end to the other, but need to go across and up/down fishing in a reasonable time. The other lake is an electric only about 1/2 wide and 4 miles long. I'm wondering if the 55lb electric can drag the Alumacraft across up/down a 1/2mile fishing and back across reasonably ? The Alumacrft is 16.6ft x 82 inches and weighs about 1050lbs with motors.

I have a 1989 Lund Mr Pike 16 ft boat that that has a 48hp and 6 hp kicker plus a 55lb trolling motor. We just don't go the lakes that we can use the 48 hp on any more as they are too far way. The 6hp does OK moving it around as long as the wind is not up, but it's not a remote motor so using the tiller is a pain plus it's getting old. The 55lb troller also does OK moving the boat on the electric only lake as well in decent weather. I started just looking a 20hp 4 stroke for the Lund but the prices are pretty high around here ($5k). A neighbor has the Alumacraft (2008 Alumacraft Classic 165cs with 20hp Honda 4 stroke, 55lb electric) which he wants to sell. I really like the Lund, but spending $5k for a motor for an older boat vis buying the Alumacraft doesn't seem to make sense if I can get around on the lakes I want to fish on with it. The Alumacraft is 10 inches wider, a plus for the family (3 of us) but also heaver. Any experiences or thoughts would be very helpful. (the lund is 16ft X 72inches and weighs about 940 lbs)

Thanks, Tim

 

[pootnic]

Re: Minimum motor size, Alumacraft and Lund

I can't see there being to much difference between the two.
There both semi V's(I think)weights not that much different,not sure how much difference there is (riding)actually in the water.
A 20 hp with the right prop should get you on plane and move you around decently...low 20mph.
The 55lbs TM will do alright also but if looking to spend all day you may want to parallel the batteries or move to a 24V system.
I hope you weren't thinking sped because none will give you that,not what there made for...approx 4mph.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Minimum motor size, Alumacraft and Lund

I think you'll be fine and it it doesn't look like you have much choice in HP. She won't be no speed demon but I would think it will move along fairly well. Just as a comparision I have a 9.9 kicker on my 16' boat. It will move it along fairly well (10-12 mph).

 

[1989Lund]

Re: Minimum motor size, Alumacraft and Lund

Thanks for the information, sounds like it's more a hull design issue and I can expect about the same out of either boat. Now I just have to decide. I really like my Lund, but the extra width of the Alumacarft is pretty nice and the adjustable seat for driving is a plus since I'm 6'2". Usually my wife helps on these decsions as in don't even think about it, but this time she said whatever you think is best.....

Tim

 

[wifisher]

Re: Minimum motor size, Alumacraft and Lund

You could buy the new setup and try it out. If you decide your "old" boat is better, just swap the motor and sell the alumacraft. I would think you are still ahead compared to buying a motor for 5k.

 

[1989Lund]

Re: Minimum motor size, Alumacraft and Lund

I think that's the way we may end up going. Seems like the best idea and we still have time to sell whichever one we don't want before the fishing season gets going around here. Thanks !!!