19 8" Fisher w/ I/O 130hp...need some advice

[JinxCanada]

ok guys. i just bought a 2000 Fisher 19 8" Sport Avenger with split winshield, 130hp I/O. It looks brand new pretty much, and i can't wait to get it on the water. Thing i need to know is, what to expect with an I/O? will it be quieter? better on gas? any concerns with using one of these for fishing? I used to have 3 other boats and they all had outboard mercury on them, so i'm a little unsure of what to expect.

also, do you think i could get away with a 55lbs trolling motor? or do i REALLY need a 70+lbs??? TIA

[perchjerker]

I had a Crestliner 18.5 ft similar to your boat that I just sold.

as far as the noise. it will be quieter.

Mine had a 190hp V6 Volvo penta and had plenty of power. It was a great setup. I assume you have a 4 cyl.

Not sure but seems underpowered. But maybe not.

A 130hp outboard will have more getup and go since its lighter.

Mine did great on fuel. Overall I prefer an I/O if its setup right.

Just be careful if you are using it and its going to freeze overnight, you will need to drain the block if it does not have a closed cooling system. If it does, you may have to drain the heat exchanger. . I put remote drains on mine so i could drain it in a matter of minutes, so it wasnt an issue for me

[JinxCanada]

ya it is a 4 cyl. motor. it has a 21 pitch prop on it, so i'm assuming it will get up and go pretty quick but maybe lose power on the higher end...which is ok to me. it is the original motor that the manufacturer put in, so i can only assume that it has enough power for this boat. the weight on the boat is 1430lbs so it's pretty light for almost 20feet but we'll see.

[perchjerker]

1430 lbs with or without the motor?

just because they offer the motor on that boat doesnt mean its underpowered...just look at Tracker

they are known for this to keep prices down

Im sure the boat will be just fine for you, just a comment on this is all

and on the question of the trolling motor, I had a 65lb Minnkota and it was fine

all depends on your style of fishing and where you are doing it

[ffishman]

Congrats, looks like a beauty. Good luck with it. I've also had a few I/O's, they are quieter. The two problems I had was winterizing is more work, and the I/O does not raise as high for shallow water fishing.

[JinxCanada]

thanks for the help guys. i lucked out BIG TIME yesterday!!! I went to a local marina for a trolling motor and some batteries...i was going to buy a brand new Motorguide wireless 75lbs motor for about $1000.00 (that's what they cost here with taxes in) but i just happened to ask if they might have something used...just to save some money.

well the salesman says NOPE...and i thought ok well i gotta suck it up i guess...then the head mechanic comes out and says no no no, "i forgot we have a brand new (returned after 1 day) Minnkota Terrova 80lbs w/ built in sonar and autopilot upstairs"

so he runs up and grabs this thing, and it's covered in dust, but other than that it's pretty much BRAND NEW!! not a mark on it etc. so the mechanic says how about $900.00 taxes in, and i'm said "SURE"!!!

well, then the salesman goes to speak to the owner of the shop, and comes back and tells me he'll do $750.00 taxes in if i buy my 2 batteries as well...which i was going to do anyways...so..... in a word

SCORE!!! this motor would have cost me over $2200.00 Canadian with all the bells and whistles on it..and I got it for $750.00 total!!! WTF eh? sometimes the Gods do smile....even on me..and i normally have crappy luck. LOL

so im' SURE that 80lbs of thrust will move this 19 8" boat around nicely even in the Detroit river, and with the autopilot and built in sonar that i'm going to connect to my new colour humminbird on the bow, i should be ready to rock in about 1 week!!! WOOT! :-)