12' flat bottom...what size outboard does everyone else use?

[bucksnducks]

I've got a 12' flat bottom from the 60's. This thing is built like a tank, thicker aluminum, heavier and braced better than my Dad's newer 14' flat bottom. I've run a little 2.5hp outboard on it, and that pushes you around just fine. Now, that 2.5 ain't no speed demon, so I'm looking to get around a little faster. I'm getting beat to the best fishing holes everyday! I don't have time to get there earlier, so I gotta get faster.

I was looking at the new Mercury 9.9hp and thought that would do the trick.
The problem is I've heard a few guys that have similar boats say that the 9.9 is too much motor for that size boat. I don't know the max hp rating because the plate is gone.

I was wondering if a 9.9 was too much and if an 8 might be better?

I know there are some flat bottom owners on here with some experience in these matters. What would yall suggest?

[fowlwaters]

I ran a old 6hp on a 12 footer in private marsh and it ran good some guys running welded boats are running 40 hp.

[rjtkdplus]

9.9 will work fine.

[bucksnducks]

fowlwaters... i think that 40 would sink my little boat before i even got it cranked lol

[Mike D]

I've got a 12' flat bottom from the 60's. This thing is built like a tank, thicker aluminum, heavier and braced better than my Dad's newer 14' flat bottom. I've run a little 2.5hp outboard on it, and that pushes you around just fine. Now, that 2.5 ain't no speed demon, so I'm looking to get around a little faster. I'm getting beat to the best fishing holes everyday! I don't have time to get there earlier, so I gotta get faster.

I was looking at the new Mercury 9.9hp and thought that would do the trick.
The problem is I've heard a few guys that have similar boats say that the 9.9 is too much motor for that size boat. I don't know the max hp rating because the plate is gone.

I was wondering if a 9.9 was too much and if an 8 might be better?

I know there are some flat bottom owners on here with some experience in these matters. What would yall suggest?

I was thinking at least a 20hp.


Sent from my iPhone

[bucksnducks]

at some point that boat needs to touch the water though

[Texas Grown]

Take a pic of the transom from the inside (transom area and floor) and post. Dose it have any knee braces?

[bucksnducks]

Yea, it's got one brace... don't have any pics of the transom at the moment but other than the brace it's the same as all the other riveted flat-bottoms i've seen

[Txjourneyman]

Even a 5hp would do good if you're worried about the 9.9

[bucksnducks]

i'm not necessarily worried... but i do need something get me to the duck hunting honey holes as well as the fishing holes.

them duck holes are a LONG way from the ramp, so I want as much speed as possible
the 2.5 seriously lacks in that department.

anyone have an idea what a 2.5 hp merc (05 model) in really good condition is worth as a trade in?

[cantexduck]

Get a 9.9 2 stroke. 4 strokes weigh a bit more. I might be willing to buy your 2.5. Send me a price.

[Mike D]

at some point that boat needs to touch the water though

It's got a throttle and you're in control of it.

Seriously, I can't se a 9.9 being too much motor for that boat. I wouldn't even be skeered of a 15. I would get a 2 stroke though, it will weigh less.


Sent from my iPhone

[Stevotary]

I had a 25 hp on a 14" riveted boat. It ran like a champ on calm water. Choppy water would ware it out. I think a 9 would be fine. Just don't run it wide open unless you are in smooth water.

[fowlwaters]

I have seen a 1248 that had a 60hp would run 50+mph. if you need a shallow water motor there is a new surface drive out called a Copperhead that is getting good reviews or look at one of the Briggs air cooled outboards.

[bucksnducks]

i understand that flat-bottoms aren't meant for choppy water, but why is choppy water more of an issue at speed?