Thread: Question on wiring batteries, graphs and trolling motors

Depending on what waters I was going to fish. I would want an outboard that is close to the top of the HP rating for the boat

A Yamaha F90 would be my choice

Originally Posted by Jamesdean

This is a drawing of the ser up in the boat. It's 16' long with a beam of 74", an the empty weight when new was right at 9oo lbs. According to one sight on line, it's only rated for a 105 hp outboard. I said I was looking at the 75hp Tohatsu and Yamaha but may drop back to a 70 hp. But I don't think Tohatsu makes a 70. Any sujestions on anything I might have missed, or do differently/better? Thanks

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Funny, I just saw your location and saw you're not far from me.

Anyway, having just sold a four stroke and going back to an OMC 2 stroke myself, they are great in many ways but sometimes aren't the best choice for these older boats.

My boat is rated for 90hp, however the heaviest 90hp two stroke at that time was a little over 200lbs. That 90hph Merc four stroke was 400. Despite my best efforts to brace up the transom, it started cracking. Along with that, it didn't pull as well down the road with the boat so back heavy, and it sat very low in the water.

If you're thinking about four strokes I would stick with a 60hp. Once you jump up the to 75hp+ class there is a huge weight penalty, usually 100lbs or more. Tohatsu has a 60hp four stroke triple that only weighs 220lbs or so.

Yamaha F 70 weights 243
F 90 weights 353

Well one thing that should help with the weight is getting rid of that huge aluminum tank. its easily 2 gallons or better. The previous owner didn't know the size as he said he never filled it up...???Water, condensation??? I'm thinking something around a 12-18 gallon tank. I'm going fishing, not long cruises, or speed runs. I pleasure fish, not tournament fish, so If I want to fish a certain part of a lake, go to the closest ramp is my thinking not run from one end of the lake to the other...But to take out/ switch tanks, top and bottom have to come apart. Will be that way to do the stringers and foam anyway...
Thank you Atimm693, and tlefire for the weight insite.

Searching the internet I found some brand new, in the crate, with controls, cables and gauges F70LA Yamaha outboards for $5145.00, or new 2023's (same crate, controls, cables, and gauges) for $8550.00. Free shipping (upto 2 weeks delivery), Regular shipping is $200 (upto a week), and express shipping 3-5 days) for $300.00. Still a ways till I get to that point, but at least I have that cost figured out.

Now to acquire the wiring needed. I think 16 ga will work for most everything except the heavy cables for the batteries. Also the need the battery disconnects/kill switches, and busbar's and new fuse box.

Please forgive me, but if that was my boat and I was discussing motor selection with my late Dad, He would quickly answer with "Just put a 12 horse Wizzard on it, son".
That was His favorite motor of all times. I often told Him they even favored each other.
Seriously, I agree with DSJ, go near the upper HP limit, you'll be glad you did. Sure, nothing wrong with mosey along, but I sometimes find the need to get the boat up into skint back mode back toward the house!