Trolling in the Current

[Richard]

I want to buy a trolling motor for a 16.5 Lund to troll in the St. Clair River (5-7mph current) I need to know if a 6HP 4-stroke would be enough motor to move the Boat up river. I see that the 6hp and the 4hp are the same motor just different Carbs.Don't want to get stuck with a motor that won't do the Job. Any Ideas????

[Capt. Larry D. Jones]

I would go with a Honda 4-Stroke 9.9 hp.The 6 hp may have enough to push you upstream at slow trolling speeds,but it will be runing most of the time over 1/2 open throttle, will not last as long as a 9.9 hp that is pushed at a lot lower rpms.If a storm kicks up and you loose your power to your main motor,the 9.9 hp will get you to the dock much faster as well.The New 2001 Honda 4-Stroke 9.9 hp is much more sreamlined and weighs a little less then they did in past years.It also comes with a 16 amp alternator for runing lights,electronics and all at night without battery loss of power.There is also a hand remote control option on one model of Honda 4-Stroke 9.9 with High Thrust just for trolling.You can save sustantialy by purchaseing the motor in Canada also. Capt. Larry D. Jones http://www.mostlymuskies.com