Small motor capabilities

[iggyw1]

I am thinking about buying a used 3.5 Mercury outboard motor to use as a trolling motor on my boat. I currently have a 50 pound thrust electric motor and it pushes my boat good for trolling on speed 2 to 3 out of 5 speeds available. The Mercury is a 1979 model with 25 hrs. use on it. Runs and looks like new. Just wondering if it would push my 16 foot fiberglass Geneva (1965 model) boat good enough to troll??? I do not have any idea of the weight of my boat as I just bought it and don't know too much about it except it is show room condition for a '65 model. Any opinions guys? Thanks!

 

[Sea Rider]

A 3.5 HP will push a 1.5 ton J-24 sailboat nicely on flat calm no wind waters at around 4 knots. Why wouldn't it push a 16 footer...

Happy Boating

 

[Starcraft5834]

After you install the 3.5 gas engine, your going to ask yourself this.......... why did'nt I do this long ago.....that motor will run circles around the electric trolling motor. my all means put that baby on there...

 

[iggyw1]

Sea Rider and ImperialVC, Thank you for your replies. I just was not aware at all how much of a boat this motor would move or how fast. I don't know anyone around me that uses one that small at all. I will go ahead and pick it up if its still available, or watch for another one. Thanks again!