Powering a drift boat

[Fish Head]

I'm considering the purchase of a small outboard for my drift boat, which is a 16.8 Hyde hi-side (fiberglass). Hyde sells a transom bracket that seems to be a first necessity for getting the correct angle and protecting the transom. They also market a 3.5 and 4 hp motor, which seems small, but I just don't know!

My questions are:
What is the best hp to get around, 4, 9.9, 15 ... Upstream and motoring around
Long shaft or short shaft?
Do I need to modify my rear mounted anchor system?
Fuel tank placement for balancing weight of the motor ... Does it matter?

Any insights that you can share are greatly appreciated!

[Darrin.Deel]

anything over 6hp is complete overkill with a hyde.

a 4hp is all you need anyways.

you need a long shaft, won't have to modify your anchor

definatley get the motor mount...

[Fish Head]

Thanks for the input Darrin. I figured if Hyde is selling a 4hp that it would be well suited for the boat. It's god news from a transporting standpoint! Now all I need to do is pull the trigger!

[BigKahuna]

I have a 6 hp 4 stroke on my Hyde and it is sized pretty good. I purchased the bracket from Hyde and it broke after about a year. It had metal fatigue from being mounted while trailering. It really didn't travel that much either. I had it re-welded and reinforced and its bomber now. Hyde would have fixed it but they would have just re-welded it. It cost me $90 to have it fixed.

Clay Hash
www.flyfishingtraditions.blogspot.com