9.9 HP vs 15 HP,...which to go with on a Lund A-14

**Lundman A-14** · 11-19-2009, 06:36 PM

Okay,guys,...we have lakes here in Indiana that have HP restrictions and/or
electric trolling motor use only. Okay,the Lund A-14 I am hoping to be able to get next summer is rated for 15 HP max. Some lakes I want to visit have 10 HP outboard motor limits. Though I am a firm believer in using the max hp the
boat is rated for,I may decide on the 9.9 HP motor(Mercury,of course)instead
so I can run on those lakes that have the 10 HP motor limit. How would,in your opinion,the 9.9 HP motor perform vs the 15 HP motor? BTW,these are four stroke motors I am referring to. If I go ahead with a 15 HP motor,that would prohibit me from visiting the lakes with the 10 HP limit and I would obviously miss out on some possibly good fishing on such lakes. But,if I go to a large reservoir/lake where there are no HP restrictions,I would wish I had the 15 HP motor. Note; a 9.9 HP Mercury short shaft four stroke weighs only
84 lbs,...their 15 HP short shaft four stroke motor weighs in at 115 lbs. I guess the one question I would have to ask myself is "Can I live with just a 9.9 HP motor and be happy with it?" Yes and No! It would depend on where I am fishing and how big a body of water I am fishing on. Cost wise and fuel economy wise,the 9.9 would be a good bet probably,...and probably less
maintenance costs associated with the 9.9 motor vs. the 15. Your thoughts
on this issue?

**Fishtaco** · 11-19-2009, 10:09 PM

That 115 lbs is dry weight. It is an unwieldy thing to put on or remove from the back of my boat without help. I have an 18 HP Nissan and its basically the same motor if you're considering a Mercury.

The more I think about it however, and the type of fishing I do, a 9.9 HP would do me just fine. Even on a bigger lake. I have a 14 foot fiberglass boat.

**PanMan_VA** · 11-20-2009, 08:05 AM

Find an old (2005 or so) 9.9 Merc four stroke with the Yammi powerhead. The newer ones are made by Tohatsu I think. All the older powerhead needs to get close to 15 hp is a carburetor. This worked great on my 1448 Jon.

Just keep your speed down on hp restricted lakes.

**Shellback** · 11-20-2009, 08:26 AM

Go with the 9.9. You will be able to use your boat on the lakes you wish, and the weight of the motor will be easier for you to handle. Whatever motor you choose, make sure you get the alternator package with it. Even though you might not choose an electric start motor, it's nice have the battery charging capabilities for your depth finder, gps, and navigation lights.

**Cane Pole** · 11-20-2009, 09:25 AM

I got a 15hp Suzuki on my 14 foot Jon. I like it, but wish I had gotten the 9.9.

I was bargain hunting. I bought this motor in 2006. It was cheaper than a used Merc 2 stroke at that time.

I can not remove the motor by myself (120 lbs dry). Ima feeble old coot. It sure pushes the Jon boat though.

**whiskerwhipper** · 11-20-2009, 11:48 AM

Get a 15hp. I have a 9.9 mercury 4 stroke on the back of my Tracker 1448 grizzly. It does ok with my lil wee self in it or with my featherweight Pops or bro in it. Kinda lags with 2 big Scotsmen in it though

**JET4** · 11-20-2009, 03:38 PM

I'd go with the 9.9 motor. you'll be able to fish all the lakes.

**rocket rich** · 11-20-2009, 04:15 PM

9.9 is a super go with Johnson electric start and you'll be glad you did

**Flatwater** · 11-20-2009, 04:30 PM

I never heard a man say my motor is to big. Go with 15.

IN most cases the 9.9 and 15 are the same motor, in the 4 strokes the only differance is the carb and crank. exact weight. Mind you a 4 stroke carb for a 9.9/15 will run you close to $400.

Also factor in how you fish, alone or always with a partner. Weight is everything to a 9.9 on a 14' boat. A 9.9 will get you 16-18mph gps speed and the 15 should do 20-22mph. On this size motor adding one 250lb person and gear can make you go from an 11 pitch prop to a 10 or you will not keep up enough rpm and can harm the motor.

Get a tiny tack with hour meter when you get your motor, about $40 at cabela's. Helps with proper pm of 4 stroke motor. remember you got to change the oil in 4 strokes, first at 10 hours with oil that is $5 a qt.

I had a suzuki 9.9 4 stroke and sold it and got a 20 year old 9.9 2 stroke, popped in a new 15hp reed pack and get 20mph with 2 big riders in boat.
Some folks buy a 15 and pull the sticker off and put on a 9.9 sticker. Seems to work, as I have not seen anyone get a ticket.

**Cane Pole** · 11-20-2009, 06:17 PM

I looked forever at kickers. Suzuki, Nissan, Tohatsu 9 vs 15 all have different bore/stroke per engine. What you get is what you get. I liked all of them. I just went for the "deal". Mine has ele start, thus heavier.
I have an old 1436 Jon and it runs about 22 gps mph with me and my wife. Kinda squirrely at WOT. I been looking for a crappie jon so to have a wider footprint.

As stated, Tohatsu makes most kickers now and made in China too.

good hunting.

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