What tiller outboard?

[KsRancher]

Wanting to put together a little aluminum boat fishing rig. Something I can throw on the back of the pickup and go to some small lakes. Thinking a 12ft flat bottom jon boat. Wanting a nice reliable tiller outboard motor for it. Something that I can just throw in the boat and load it all by hand. So need something that I can manhandle. I have no idea as far as what size. Main thing is I want it quiet since I plan on trolling for walleye with it.


Any recommendations as far as size and brand? Or would I be better off getting a big trolling motor?

 

[Slickhill]

I’d go to OnlineOutboards.com and buy the 9.9 that is the cheapest.

I went with Suzuki when I bought my last one, a 20, and it has been flawless for 6 years now. But I think that any of the big brands are going to have their 9.9 dialed pretty well, half of them are probably made by Tohatsu anyway.

 

[Ferrulewax]

On a 12’ jon you don’t want or need much motor. I would try to find something with an internal gas tank. The online outboards suzukis seem to be the best deal around.

 

[Rich M]

Check the legal hp rating. Probably 3 hp. 6 hp will likely plane 12 ft.

If you get a 14 ft, put a 9.9 on there.

You can also do a 14 ft v hull w 9.9. Great combo here.

A 55# troller w a 100 ah lithium bettery will do a lot for you. With or without the gas motor.

You need gas motor if running any distance.

 

[JimIsland]

How important is weight to you? Some portables are pushing 100 lbs wet. That's not something you want to be taking on and off a bunch. A little F6 weights around 60 lbs so definitely more manageable. A 9.9 would probably plane off with one person however, if you want to be able to plane off and run with 2 people you would need a 15HP. I've been in the boat biz for over 20 years and partial to Yamaha however, I think most manufacturers are making good 4 strokes these days. In fact the Suzuki 15hp is Fuel Injected. That's really nice

 

[KsRancher]

No need to get it on plane. I am talking little 15-80 acre lakes. So just wanting to troll around. I have a 17ft aluminum tracker for the bigger lakes around. Just looking for something that I can hit the smaller lakes without boat ramps. Or like some of our lakes they close the ramps when the water levels get to low. They go to hand launched boats only. My main thing is I want it quiet.


Yes, I would want one with an internal fuel tank. I am trying to decide if it's worth having a gas motor around. I am about to talk myself into a big trolling motor. Would have the advantage of spot lock if I go that route.

 

[CorbLand]

If you want simplicity, I would look into an electric trolling motor and a couple good batteries. If your fishing solo, the gps system would be nice.

My brother in law has a 6 horse Johnson on a 12 foot flat bottom and it moves it decent. It’s a little slow but I am Ricky Bobby when it comes to things.

 

[JimIsland]

Gotcha. I would want both! A little F6 and a 12 volt trolling motor with a lightweight lithium. If you opted to go trolling motor only, a Minn Kota 24 volt 80lb thrust would push it along briskly. Again, a 24 volt lithium that only weights a tick over 30lbs. Much better than 2 heavy lead acid batteries.

 

[roosiebull]

No need to get it on plane. I am talking little 15-80 acre lakes. So just wanting to troll around. I have a 17ft aluminum tracker for the bigger lakes around. Just looking for something that I can hit the smaller lakes without boat ramps. Or like some of our lakes they close the ramps when the water levels get to low. They go to hand launched boats only. My main thing is I want it quiet.


Yes, I would want one with an internal fuel tank. I am trying to decide if it's worth having a gas motor around. I am about to talk myself into a big trolling motor. Would have the advantage of spot lock if I go that route.

Yamaha F8 short shaft, if you drop down to the 6hp they are more prone to rattling, 8’s are the smallest 2 cylinder I think is the reason, I have had both and the 8 is a better option. You can get an aftermarket high thrust prop which will be good if you don’t need to plane. The 8hp trolls down slower too, it has a lower idle, don’t need electric tilt or start (and would weigh and cost more)

I have an F8 on my little sled and it’s been bomb proof, and still runs perfectly with not enough maintenance and a lot of hard use


Yamaha is the Toyota of outboards

 

[Rich M]

Quiet = big troller.

Get the lithium battery and dont look back.

 

[Ucsdryder]

My vote is trolling motor too. Buddy has one for his lake and it works great.

 

[Gravel Road]

Another vote for a trolling motor. I wouldn't want to troll around all day on a gas motor.
Since you have a nice bigger boat you might even consider the 10 ft Pond Prowler or Quest Angler. They are supposed to be more stable than a 12 ft flat bottom.