trolling with 25hp johnson

[maxair]

Thanks JB for the etiquette tip - I haven't used this forum much...<br /><br />Does anyone have any insight on using a 25hp johnson 2 stroke for trolling? I'm using mine on an 18ft cedar strip (weights around 400 lbs). Would I be better off using a small kicker? Not overly concerned about gas consumption, but will prolonged idle speeds foul plugs, etc?<br /><br />Would appreciate anyone's input here...<br /><br />Max

 

[JB]

Re: trolling with 25hp johnson

What year engine do you have, Maxair?<br /><br />Older model 25s might foul plugs if idled extensively. If that happens, switch to Champion J6C plugs and gap them at .040.<br /><br />This is more of an outboard question than a Project Boat question, so I will move it to General Outboard Discussions.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Tin lid]

Re: trolling with 25hp johnson

Maxair I use a 25 hp 1955 for trolling with a cedar strip too. I'm not to worried about fouling the plugs, just give it to her every once and awhile that should clean them up.

 

[Lark40]

Re: trolling with 25hp johnson

I've owned 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 (still have it) BigTwin/Larks and a 2004 version.<br /><br />One thing they all share is that they aren't the smoothest choice for trolling. Fouling plugs and cutting out at idle are common problems. Always have had electric start to deal with the cutting out problems.<br /><br />Maybe a small 4-stroke would be a better fit.

 

[glass from the past]

Re: trolling with 25hp johnson

Hey Max,<br /><br />You could invest in a trolling plate for your motor, It is a large metal plate on a hinge that mounts on your cavitation plate. Release the lock and it folds down right behind your prop. It will allow you to run well above idle but maintain trolling speed. I had the same problem of keeping my 2 stroke motor running slow enough to troll, but trying to keep the motor running without shaking the transom of the boat. One word of warning, with the trolling plate down, you can't run in reverse, you gotta raise it up. I think I paid about 50 bucks for mine.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: trolling with 25hp johnson

I used to use my 30 hp Johnson 1988 vintage for trolling. It was ok, but I had to pump the bulb every so often to make sure it was hard and getting enough fuel. You do have to run it full out every so often to keep it running smoothly at idle/trolling.<br /><br />Later on, we bought a little 1980 Evinrude 4 hp twin cylinder for trolling. Big fuel savings and less smoke.