Hi all,
I have a small 12ft vhull aluminum jonboat. I am thinking of buying a motor for it. I want something faster than a regular 12v trolling motor.

With advances in batteries, such as we see in Teslas today, I was thinking that electric outboard would be the way to go. But wanted some advice.
So I would like to stay below $700, get HP equivalent or greater to traditional 5hp outboard, but not be an unreliable piece of junk...

1 question: anyone have experience with Electric Outboards? Whats the difference between them and a strong trolling motor...
Or is it still better to go with gas, at this point

Here are some options; anyone have any experience with these:
- chinese gas outboard, 4 stroke: https://a.co/d/3qbojb1
- chinese gas outboard, 2 stroke, cheaper: https://a.co/d/agMRlbp
- chinese electric : https://a.co/d/iDbK3gI - this looks like a big trolling motor...
- chinese electric outboard: https://a.co/d/1S5iNrK this one looks like a regular outboard, but is electric.

These are WAY cheaper than for example a Mercury 5hp outboard ($1600)

I am a practical guy... some guys will say "just get the Mercury, who cares if it costs more, you get what you pay for", but have not tried the cheaper options. I don't really want that feedback.
I would like feedback from people who have tried these, and if they are truly junk from personal experience, let me know

You KNOW a small Japanese or US built outboard will meet your expectations.

I don't know anyone who's actually used the Chinese stuff, but history shows from scooters to everything else, your results are probably not going to be great. And when it breaks, you're just stuck without support.

I found a new Suzuki 2.5hp for $700. Anyone have experience with these? Is 2.5hp too little?

I wouldn't look for anything less than a 10. A 25 would just make you better.

I've sold hundreds of boats, every variety you can imagine.
Not once ever has anyone come back to complain they had too much motor.

yeah, but it depends on your boat. I have a small alum vhull I just carry in the back of my truck. I dont want something heavy thats hard to lug around. But yeah I am thinking 2.5 is too little. maybe 4 is better choice.

What's wrong with an electric trolling? Lithium battery to save weight.

In addition to Pat Goff's advice, try your best to get a 2 cylinder outboard. You may not need a lot of horsepower, but the twin will run smoother, quieter, and will be more reliable in the long run. And, F-N-R gears are desirable, and lots of the one-lungers don't have that feature. IslandJim

25hp on a 12ft jon boat will be way to heavy on the rear, add a gas tank and the you, that's just a dangerous setup. Been running and modding small jons for decades. A 15hp will be plenty, as most 14ft jons I've own get 20-24mph with a 15hp, but a vhull will run faster as there will be less drag. One of my very first jons.was a 12ft vhull and it had a Johnson 9.9hp, it would run about 15-17 mph. 2 strokes will be lighter, I'd suggest Mercury between 1998-2011 the power to weight ratio is impressive. These Mercurys are rebranded Tohatsu made in Japan, rock solid motors that last a lifetime.


A 2.5hp or 5hp will move you better then a trolling motor, but you will never get on plane.