Posted By: Marsh Rover
Recommendations on motor/setup – 16’ War Eagle - 07/22/22 03:14 PM
Good morning – I’m new to the forum (first time posting) and know very little about boats, but I’ve been doing a lot of research and soaking up as much knowledge from experienced boaters as I can. I'm actually from SC, but have been reading the TFF for years and have gotten a lot of valuable info here. I just purchased my first boat, a used War Eagle 1648 jon boat. I plan to primarily use it for fishing in the tidal creeks and coastal marshes in the Lowcountry of SC, and possibly some local freshwater lakes close to where I live. The boat did not come with a motor, however, it does have a very basic (one position only/non-adjustable) Garelick Eez In motor bracket attached to the transom. I’m not sure if this is considered a jack plate, but it extends the motor out a few inches from the transom and lowers/angles the motor down toward the water. The bracket is only rated for a 30 HP motor, but the boat itself is rated for up to 40 HP. The boat has a 21” transom. The previous owner used an older 25 HP Mercury tiller with a short shaft mounted on the Garelick bracket. He said that was more than enough motor for the boat and he was pleased with it while running that setup with the Garelick bracket.
So…here’s my question(s)…what are your recommendations for a motor and how to set it up on this boat for my specific application?
I’d really like to stick to a 20 to 25 HP tiller (primarily due to lower initial purchase cost, lighter weight and better fuel mileage than a 40 HP) if it is adequate, however, I have read some comments on some forums stating that a 40 HP is a minimum for a 16’ boat. As far as weight…I would typically be fishing alone or with up to 2 other people. The majority of the time it would probably be me and one other person. I realize that fishing 3 people would be a challenge in this boat so that would likely be a rare occurrence. I also plan to add a plywood floor, a plywood casting platform, trolling motor, and electronics/accessories. I will try to keep the floor and casting platform as light as possible, but I know all this will still add some weight. I don’t care about reaching blazing speeds, but would want the boat to get on plane efficiently, etc. The bare hull weighs approximately 400 lbs.
As for setting the motor up…I am a “less is more/keep it simple/minimalist” type, and especially since this is my first boat and I know nothing about boating. I’m also not much of a DIYer, nor am I mechanically inclined. The less I have to install, adjust, fine tune, tinker with…the better. So, I was thinking I would just bolt the motor directly to the transom. That being said…if there is a strong enough case for using a bracket or jack plate, then I would definitely go that route.
So…to summarize...what HP tiller motor should I get? Can I "get by" with a 25 HP, or will I regret not getting a 40? Long shaft (on transom) or short shaft (on bracket)? Electric start, electric tilt, options, etc.? Use a jack plate/bracket or mount directly to transom? (I plan to buy new, not used. I saved some money buying the used hull, but don't want to buy a used motor).
If you were setting up a beginner's, idiot proof marsh boat on a budget (and assuming you were working with a War Eagle 16’ jon as the platform) what would you do? And feel free to provide very specific brands, model #s, options, setup tips, etc. The more specific/detailed info, the better.
Apologies for the lengthy post, but I wanted to provide adequate context and details for the recommendations.
I greatly appreciate any advice you can provide!
So…here’s my question(s)…what are your recommendations for a motor and how to set it up on this boat for my specific application?
I’d really like to stick to a 20 to 25 HP tiller (primarily due to lower initial purchase cost, lighter weight and better fuel mileage than a 40 HP) if it is adequate, however, I have read some comments on some forums stating that a 40 HP is a minimum for a 16’ boat. As far as weight…I would typically be fishing alone or with up to 2 other people. The majority of the time it would probably be me and one other person. I realize that fishing 3 people would be a challenge in this boat so that would likely be a rare occurrence. I also plan to add a plywood floor, a plywood casting platform, trolling motor, and electronics/accessories. I will try to keep the floor and casting platform as light as possible, but I know all this will still add some weight. I don’t care about reaching blazing speeds, but would want the boat to get on plane efficiently, etc. The bare hull weighs approximately 400 lbs.
As for setting the motor up…I am a “less is more/keep it simple/minimalist” type, and especially since this is my first boat and I know nothing about boating. I’m also not much of a DIYer, nor am I mechanically inclined. The less I have to install, adjust, fine tune, tinker with…the better. So, I was thinking I would just bolt the motor directly to the transom. That being said…if there is a strong enough case for using a bracket or jack plate, then I would definitely go that route.
So…to summarize...what HP tiller motor should I get? Can I "get by" with a 25 HP, or will I regret not getting a 40? Long shaft (on transom) or short shaft (on bracket)? Electric start, electric tilt, options, etc.? Use a jack plate/bracket or mount directly to transom? (I plan to buy new, not used. I saved some money buying the used hull, but don't want to buy a used motor).
If you were setting up a beginner's, idiot proof marsh boat on a budget (and assuming you were working with a War Eagle 16’ jon as the platform) what would you do? And feel free to provide very specific brands, model #s, options, setup tips, etc. The more specific/detailed info, the better.
Apologies for the lengthy post, but I wanted to provide adequate context and details for the recommendations.
I greatly appreciate any advice you can provide!