Motor recommendations for homemade boat

[markws]

My son was given a "free" homemade tunnel hull/hydroplane -- just under 10 ft long. We are trying to figure out what to power it with. It ran well with a 9.9 Mercury (recent vintage), but was a little tipsy when not moving. It did not seem overpowered when running.<br /><br />I'm told that pretty much all 10 HP's weigh in at 74 lbs -- is this true? And also that 8HP's are the same weight also.<br /><br />Any recommendations for a motor that would be any lighter? Really need to buy used to keep this "free" boat from breaking the bank (controls are going to cost another $500, I'm told).<br /><br />Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[chris thomas]

Re: Motor recommendations for homemade boat

How heavy is the boat? Where is the fuel tank located. It may be possible to relocate the fuel tank, or anything of weight, forward.<br /><br />If it were me, I would buy a motor that is inexpensive. I think the 9.9 and the 15 hp are the same weight. I have a 1989 force 15 hp that I use as a kicker motor. It origionaly came with the remote throttle controls.<br /><br />Make him search the garage sales. I bought an 1990 johnson 8 hp for $80 and traded it for the Force 15. I saw a 1996 Merc 15 hpand a 10' aluminum boat, with less than 2 hours for $450.