Is 4hp too small?

[txpitdog]

Picked up a little 14ft v-hull Jon boat that needs a motor. There's a newish Tohatsu 4hp on Craigslist that seems like it would be a good fit. Boat will be used for short runs on Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston, and Trinity River. Will 4hp do it or do I need to get something a little bigger?

[jmoore2006]

10-15 minimum. A 4hp will not run in flooded backwater IMO. I have a 9.9 on a 14' skiff and its not enough to do much with. It will get the job done but takes all day

[PSD Ryan]

I agree. A 4 will move you, but it's going to leave you wanting a lot more. I would go 15 minimum. I've got a 9.9 on a 14' V hull, and I end up running it wide open most of the time.

[txpitdog]

Thanks!

[Tubby]

It'd be fine for a large pond or small lake but I wouldn't feel safe in the big waters or a river with a 4hp.

[txpitdog]

I guess my frame of reference is a kayak, which I've paddled 11 miles on Lake Conroe in a 20mph wind. Anything I don't have to paddle is a step up...but I also don't want to ride at the speed of a kayak either.

[BrandonH]

but I also don't want to ride at the speed of a kayak either.

I would bet a kayak would be able to outrun that boat/motor combo. If all you were doing is fishing ponds and creeks I think you'd be OK.

[LeifBarnes]

I used a 4hp on the Trinity in college. It worked but don't plan on getting anywhere fast. It would go through the flooded current.

[apc10]

I have an old 4 HP Seahorse I sometimes use on a 12' v-hull when I can't borrow my friend's 9.9. It will do the job, but it takes a while. I only use it on short runs across the lake to check trot lines though, never in any kind of current.

[txpitdog]

Thanks for all the input so far. Watched some video on YouTube, and it looks like the 4hp is bare minimum. 5-10hp looked like it would move good enough for what I plan to do.

[RickyS]

4 hp is a trolling motor