Does anyone use a 2.5hp outboard like an electric trolling motor

[markz]

Hi,
I’m debating whether I get a 2.5hp outboard on my Scout Inflatable.

Will the boat go slow enough to cast and retrieve for stripers and largemouth bass at the lowest throttle position?

I have a 30lb thrust minn Kota that goes slow enough but can only fish a few hours before the marine battery dies.


Thanks
Mark

[PV_Premier]

I would guess that the answer to this depends on the RPM setting of the slowest throttle position, and the amount of water the boat pushes. Is it feasible to get a higher capacity battery instead? Or design your fishing day in a way that allows you to get back to the ramp to swap batteries at mid day?

[markz]

The Costco battery is pretty heavy and it’s the smaller of the two types.
I saw the thread on Lithium battery but that’s $500. At that price, it got me thinking about 2.5hp outboard.
I may need to map out a place closer to where I want to fish.

I usually run at 100% on the trolling motor to get where I want to be fishing then run 25 to 50% output.

Thanks
Mark

[willies99]

May not work for you, but some guys use two size 24 batteries. One to get you there and do most/all of your fishing, and the other to get you home.

They used to use the same method on the Fall to get to Zug Bug (2 size 27's in 12 ft jon).

Best of luck at finding a perfect solution.
Dan

[grnwtrs]

You can always try Oars, or even a small paddle, these devices work most places.

[JAWallace]

I would never have an air cooled outboard--SO SO LOUD! The 2.5 may be water cooled but electric is SO much nicer. You can get a variable speed 55# for not too much and with a Group 27 100 AH I can go for almost 8 hours at full to crawling, average maybe a third of max. Variable speeds get a LOT more hours than fixed speed electrics.

[tcorfey]

Hi,
I’m debating whether I get a 2.5hp outboard on my Scout Inflatable.

Will the boat go slow enough to cast and retrieve for stripers and largemouth bass at the lowest throttle position?

I have a 30lb thrust minn Kota that goes slow enough but can only fish a few hours before the marine battery dies.


Thanks
Mark

I think it could be a good idea, gas tank is builtin so no extra hoses or anything. The weight of a 2.5hp gas motor is less than the weight of a battery and less than the weight of a 55lb thrust Minn Kota.

Battery is around 50-60 lbs
Minn Kota 55 lb thrust is 45 lbs
Mercury or Tohatsu 2.5 gas is 41 lbs
Suzuki 2,5 gas is 31 lbs

Let us know if you get it and how it works.

Regards,
Tim C.

[markz]

Hi,
Thanks for everyone’s comments. I’m still thinking about the motor. Online outboard has a sale $779 for the 2.5hp Suzuki but it’s on back order. Gave them my email if they get more.

Mark

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

https://scoutinflatables.com/

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Maybe look at buy a Minn Kota tiller Enduro 55# 12 volt with 36" shaft $239.95

Maybe go a Lithium battery?

https://dakotalithium.com/ 11 yr warranty/60% lighter/can discharge ~90%


If you run your electric motor on high it will discharge your battery much faster than down one setting.

_______________________________________

A Honda 2.3 hp (30#) or Yamaha 2.5 hp (37#) outboard would be good but a little noisier than electric.


________________________________

What about the little outboard for traveling and the electric for fishing?

Might all be too heavy?

[markz]

Hi,
One problem with a gasoline outboard is the gasoline storage. My tool shed smells like gas because the gas vents in the summer. Another problem is that transporting the gasoline can in my Honda Accord my kids complained about the smell. I tried transferring into one liter plastic bottles and enclosed in ziplock bag that seems to work.

I’m on the water with the kids about 4 hours so may stick to electric motor, but still thinking. The Costco battery is less than a year old

Thanks
Mark

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Here is a crazy idea......

Buy 2 of those Dakota 54AH batteries that are only 17# ($500 x 2 + $1,000) so you have a reserve to get home if one battery dies?

Buy a new Minn Kota Endure 55# thrust 12volt tiller 36" electric if you want more speed? $240.00


That is about the cost of a new Honda/Yamaha 2,5 hp outboard....$1200?

_______________________________________

I am assuming, like many here, you have no place to store a small boat on a trailer?

.

[markz]

Yes, don’t have room for aluminum boat.
Thanks for suggestions

[JayDubP]

markz, as BILL posted, consider a lithium battery AND running on 3/4 throttle to/from your fishing spot.
Minn Kota motors are meant for "Trolling" , not for full throttle use to/from fishing.

But before you buy anything, you should test running to/from at less than full throttle-- that might be enough to make your battery last all day.

Bill's suggestion on Dakota lithium and a bigger Minn Kota are spot on. You could upgrade in steps: 1 lithium battery; bigger electric motor; need for 2nd lithium. (of course if you want the best solution, look at Torqeedo or epropulsion and spend $2600 or more).

In researching electric motors to take in an RV I found information on speed vs battery life on Torqeedo.com, epropulsion.com and related user forums. I am not an engineer so I am guessing this information is approximate for other electric motors- maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can clarify all this- or can post some information based on real use.

I was amazed the fast drop in battery at full throttle. What I understand is running at 3/4 speed (vs full throttle) gets you 2.5times the distance and only add 10mins or so to go 1 mile to your fishing spot.

Basically:
Full Speed = 6 knots - 2.4 nm distance
3/4 Speed = 4 knots - 6.3 nm distance
Slow Speed= 2 knots - 15.6 nm distance

Jim

[markz]

Hi,
Just bought a 12V 54AH Dakota Lithium battery. My plan is to bring two batteries in the Scout Inflatable. One will be the Lithium battery and the other the Costco lead acid battery.

Thanks
Mark

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Keep us posted.........