Need info on boat and motor.

[Billy boy]

Does anyone have anything good to say about a boat new or used plus any thoughts on a 15 hp Evenrude E-Tec 2stroke. I'm limited to 20 hp and don't know a thing about Honda 4 stroke. I thing Iam trying to cover all bases as far as the motor is concerned. Thanks for any comments. Billy boy

[John Bales]

Billy, That 15hp evinrude will do you just fine. You put that on a 14 ft lowe big jon boat and it will make you a great starter boat. The 14 ft big jon is a stable boat and you can rig it with seats and stick a depth meter and an anchor and you are ready to get going. Easy to launch on and off the trailer and a good solid boat. It comes with a live well too. John

[BV Rives]

John B is right on,I used a 15hp evinrude around 30yrs ago on two diffrent boats on big wind blown Texas lakes. Bob

[Fran Myers]

14 ft big jon is a stable boat and you can rig it with seats and stick a depth meter and an anchor and you are ready to get going. Easy to launch on and off the trailer and a good solid boat. It comes with a live well too. John

Amen...
I do have my Ranger but I have a 14' Big Jon. And I LOVE it. I bought it as an experiment and I was very skeptical. Maneuverable, light, economical. If I had bought this boat first, my trolling would have progressed faster and I would been better, sooner.

I originally had a 9.8 HP motor. I sold it and I intend to put a 20 on it.

I had a Honda engine on my first boat. It a great motor. Quiet, sips gas. I'd get it with an electric start cause they can be a bit cold blooded. It'll always start but mine cranked a lot.

As an alternative I strongly suggest you consider Tohatsu or Nissan (same engine, different stickers). Denny Coulardot runs the shit out of them and has never had an issue. I had a 9.8 and It was great. The only reason I got the smaller engine was because I'm a big fat guy and I was concerned about weight. It is not an issue. The Tohatsu is nearly silent, sips gas, AND cheaper and lighter than the Honda.

I sold my motor because I was so impressed with the boat I wanted to take it on the Mississippi but while I have some very good areas within a couple miles of the ramp, my best spots are 12 to 14 miles away from a Ramp. I just didn't want to be that far away in a boat with that size motor.

If your buying new the larger boats and motors start at $12000 and can get over $25000. The new Jon boat, motor, trailer will be below $10,000. Buy used and you could get some really good deals. John Zaborny spends a lot of time on Craig's List buying and selling boats.

14' Lowe Big Jon is a GREAT boat. Not fancy but fun, functional, precise. I haven't gotten to use it much the last couple years but that is going to change.

Morning,

[Billy boy]

Thank you John, BV,Fran. I just realized that the Etec and the 14 Lowe /Jon is the package I'm shooting for. I kinda had this package in mine and Fran was right I want the motor with electric start. Thanks again guy's. talk to you soon. Tight lines. Billy boy

[indianabass]

just fyi...with regard to the Honda outboards, I do have a 30hp model that's carbureted and it is finicky at cold start. I have heard the fuel injected models don't have this issue.

[Billy boy]

Thanks for the info. I have narrowed it down to two. It's either the Evenrude 15E-Tech or the Honda 20 mph a start for both. I am limited to a maximum of a 20 hp because of the rules. So be it. The boat in the question I posed earlier will be a either a Lowe 14 or 16 ft or all welded in some other brand. Tight lines Indianabass, Billy boy