Hi gang. I know there is no definitive answer to this question, but I need
help making a decision as to what size outboard motor to purchase for a Lowe
Lake Jon model L1236. The maximum horsepower rating for this boat is 10 hp.
Looking at the new Nissan 9.8 hp four-cycle, but am somewhat concerned about
putting a 90 pound motor on the boat. Years ago I had a 14 ft Lowe Lake Jon
with a 10 hp Mercury, which was easily able to put the boat up on plane. My
old boat was rated at 15 hp maximum (as I recall).

Was curious if I could get along okay with a lighter, less powerful engine.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has experience with this.

Will

"wshinn" wrote in message
om...
Hi gang. I know there is no definitive answer to this question, but I
need
help making a decision as to what size outboard motor to purchase for a
Lowe
Lake Jon model L1236. The maximum horsepower rating for this boat is 10
hp.
Looking at the new Nissan 9.8 hp four-cycle, but am somewhat concerned
about
putting a 90 pound motor on the boat. Years ago I had a 14 ft Lowe Lake
Jon
with a 10 hp Mercury, which was easily able to put the boat up on plane.
My
old boat was rated at 15 hp maximum (as I recall).

Was curious if I could get along okay with a lighter, less powerful
engine.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has experience with
this.

Will

On Fri, 16 Jul 2004 02:44:06 GMT, "Will" wrote:

Years ago I had a 14 ft Lowe Lake
Jon
with a 10 hp Mercury, which was easily able to put the boat up on plane.
My
old boat was rated at 15 hp maximum (as I recall).

Was curious if I could get along okay with a lighter, less powerful
engine.
I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has experience with
this.
========================================

The real question is what size motor are you going to be happy with
over the long term. It's been my experience that you can always
throttle back on a motor that's a bit bigger than needed, but you
can't add horses that aren't there. A lot depends on how much weight
you put in the boat and what your expectations are. If you want to be
able to zip around on a fast, smooth plane with a couple of people in
the boat, go for the maximum horsepower. You can always cut back on
the power when you're out by yourself.

If you are going with something less than a 9.9 or 9.8, do yourself a favor and
get a two cylinder motor. Single cylinders run rough and tend to be a bit
noisier. I think you can get a 6HP with twins...

Dan


Will wrote:
"wshinn" wrote in message
om...

Hi gang. I know there is no definitive answer to this question, but I

need

help making a decision as to what size outboard motor to purchase for a

Lowe

Lake Jon model L1236. The maximum horsepower rating for this boat is 10

hp.

Looking at the new Nissan 9.8 hp four-cycle, but am somewhat concerned

about

putting a 90 pound motor on the boat. Years ago I had a 14 ft Lowe Lake

Jon

with a 10 hp Mercury, which was easily able to put the boat up on plane.

My

old boat was rated at 15 hp maximum (as I recall).

Was curious if I could get along okay with a lighter, less powerful

engine.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has experience with

this.

Will