Recently aquired polarkraft Dakota 10' Jon boat. I mainly run trotline by myself on Aquila and some crappie fishing on the lake. Sometimes venture to the Brazos to catfish. I have a little tohatsu 3.5hp that runs great. However I have a lead on a Johnson 9.5hp for $50. Been sitting for a while,so know it's going to need carb gone through. I think it's a1966 model. The USCG data plate for the Dakota has faded to where I can't read the max hp rating for the boat. No information on polarkraft website for max hp rating for 1995 Dakota model. My question is, a 9.5 too much hp for the Dakota? Or do you guys think it'll be ok on it. No mods to the boat at all. Use a little motor guide 17lb trolling motor as a backup to the 3.5, and to motor up to my lines. So heaviest thing in the boat besides me is the trolling motor battery
Would like the forum concenus on the 9.5 before I get it.
Thanks up front for any help

It'll be too much HP in the sense that you'll run into hull speed limitations well before you can utilize that much power. And, that's a lot of extra weight for a 10 footer to lug around.

Yes, it would work; no, it wouldn't be optimal. Little or no additional top end speed, extra weight, etc.

I have a Meyers Sportspal S-15 and it has a wide beam. It is rated for up to 5 HP but I'd imagine it'd run just as fast with a 2 HP motor.

That little Tohatsu you have, the brand, has a really good reputation. I like your idea if pairing it with a TM as a secondary "get home" power source.

Brad

i thought hull speed limitation was about displacement hulls, not planing hulls and an old 66 model 9.5 probably won't weigh much more than that tohatsu. plus, that's what the throttle is for. i say set it up right and go for it. hp rating is just that, a rating, it's not law

I have a 1972 9.5 on my 1975 sears 1248 thats rated for 7hp max. It will run 21mph at wot with just me in it. That being said i would not put a 9.5 on a 10ftr

Side note: if you dont buy that 9.5 for 50$ let me know so i can

You will be fine with the 9.5

Pulled trigger on the 9.5. Good compression. Needs new pull rope and carb kit. New impeller. Get by rest summer with my little 3.5. Work on getting the 9.5 ready to go for the fall. Thanks for the suggestion and advice guys. Happy with the 3.5 takes a little longer to get where I'm going sure I won't have that issue with the 9.5. Next step is to get small trailer. The 9.5 is heavier than the 3.5. I load and unload from the back of the pick up