Need some help on outboard decision

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02-09-2021, 09:02 PM
RDL

2 Attachment(s)

Need some help on outboard decision

First off hello to all-new member here. I have a basic Lowes 14 ft jon boat and currently have a 9.9 2 stroke on it. I looking to upgrade to a Mercury 9.9 4 stroke or a 15 EFI. Nothing wrong with my 2 stroke just wanting something that idles smoother and not have to mix oil anymore. I leaning toward the 15 but almost afraid it will push the boat to fast at idle for trolling crankbaits. I like to stay around 1.2 to 2 mph. What's your thoughts-the 15 going to push me to fast? I can get the 15 and it being fuel injected for $350 more than the 9.9.
And here's a couple pic that the old 9.9 can catch a few from last year on 2 morning one weekend.
Attachment 394310 Attachment 394311
02-09-2021, 09:08 PM
tlefire

I think it will be the prop size that will make a difference. What are the prop sizes between the two motors?
02-09-2021, 09:14 PM
RDL

Not sure about the prop size but was thinking the same it going to push the little rig to fast. I know I could use a troll plate to slow it down just don't know if I want to go that route. But on the other hand I could sure get to my fish spot quicker. LOL
02-09-2021, 09:50 PM
RDL

My 9.9 has a 9 1/2 X 10 and looking on the web they show factory size for the 15 @ 9.2 X 9.8. So now looking at that the 15 may get down to what I want. Maybe?
02-10-2021, 12:07 AM
strmwalker

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDL

Not sure about the prop size but was thinking the same it going to push the little rig to fast. I know I could use a troll plate to slow it down just don't know if I want to go that route. But on the other hand I could sure get to my fish spot quicker. LOL

why not use drift socks to slow it down to the speed you want ???? you might have to try different sizes to get the speed you want !!!

you can purchase them from Cabelas , walmart , and other stores too !!!!
02-10-2021, 12:51 AM
Baitwaster

I would think a drift sock would get ruined...maybe not. I've never used mine.

You could back troll.

The evinrude/Johnson was only a carb and a decal difference from 9.9 and 15. I dont know where the mercs and 4 strokes line up though.

I had a 14ft lowe vbottom with a 9.9 and then upgraded to a 25. I didn't notice much difference at idle. But the 25 sure scooted....pulled little kids tubing actually.

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02-10-2021, 07:45 AM
wannabe fisherman

first item is to check the maximum HP for the boat. I didn't see that mentioned
02-10-2021, 12:45 PM
Atimm693

What about going electric instead of a newer outboard?

You are looking at a significant weight consequence with a 4 stroke, it may not be any smoother, and you may be disappointed in the performance, depending on the engine.

For the same money, you could get a decent electric motor and a lithium battery, whisper quiet, minimal weight expense, and very good speed control.
02-10-2021, 02:18 PM
BroKenneth

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDL

Not sure about the prop size but was thinking the same it going to push the little rig to fast. I know I could use a troll plate to slow it down just don't know if I want to go that route. But on the other hand I could sure get to my fish spot quicker. LOL

Go with the 15 and trolling plate. I upgraded my 14 ft Jon boat several years ago and loved it! The 15 will give you more control in rough water, plus get you to your spot quicker which is always a plus.

The drift sock is a bad idea. I tried that and was sorely disappointed. Drift socks are great for slowing rigs down in the wind, but trying to pull it through the water under power at anything over 1 mph caused me great grief.

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02-10-2021, 02:20 PM
BroKenneth

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroKenneth

Go with the 15 and trolling plate. I upgraded my 14 ft Jon boat several years ago and loved it! The 15 will give you more control in rough water, plus get you to your spot quicker which is always a plus.

The drift sock is a bad idea. I tried that and was sorely disappointed. Drift socks are great for slowing rigs down in the wind, but trying to pull it through the water under power at anything over 1 mph caused me great grief.

Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

And go with the 4 stroke. Any weight disadvantage will be canceled by great performance, quietness and ease of maintenance.

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02-10-2021, 02:53 PM
tlefire

I'd go with the 15. Don't think you'll see a difference idling.
02-10-2021, 04:06 PM
RDL

Quote:

Originally Posted by strmwalker

why not use drift socks to slow it down to the speed you want ???? you might have to try different sizes to get the speed you want !!!

you can purchase them from Cabelas , walmart , and other stores too !!!!

To many old snags around to be fighting with that. Sure I would have one of those tore up my first trip.
02-10-2021, 04:10 PM
RDL

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

first item is to check the maximum HP for the boat. I didn't see that mentioned

Rated for 15hp max- 530LB person motor and gear
02-10-2021, 04:19 PM
RDL

Thank you for all the input everyone. I'm going to go with the 15 EFI and if its pushes little to fast Ill use a troll plate to slow it down. I'll be picking it up tomorrow weather permitting. I use a troll plate already on my pontoon and it works great.
02-13-2021, 10:54 AM
RDL

1 Attachment(s)

It's found a new home. Picked it up yesterday.:biggrin
Now just have to wait till this dang cold (9deg now) weather breaks to get it installed.
Attachment 394544
02-20-2021, 04:18 AM
skeetbum

:popcorn

Patiently waiting to see the results.
02-20-2021, 07:56 AM
RDL

1 Attachment(s)

Attachment 394897

Maybe able to get it on the boat this weekend but highly unlikely I see any water in a liquid form anytime soon to test.
02-20-2021, 08:16 AM
Barnacle Bill

That is made by Tohatsu for Merc and are reported to be excellent motors.
02-20-2021, 10:07 AM
GrumpyLoomis

I have a 15 four stroke merc on my 18 foot Ranger Fisherman and 1.5 mph is the slowest speed I can manage. They make a trolling prop now for merc's but it does not fit my long shaft Bigfoot motor. I would go for the 15 if your boat will handle that. Do a little research from your dealer of choice, I'm sure the technology is better today than my 20 year old 4 stroke.
02-22-2021, 08:11 PM
Bricks

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDL

Thank you for all the input everyone. I'm going to go with the 15 EFI and if its pushes little to fast Ill use a troll plate to slow it down. I'll be picking it up tomorrow weather permitting. I use a troll plate already on my pontoon and it works great.

Or you could run it thru a few stumps or rocks put enough nicks in it to slow it down, :biggrin:Rofl
02-22-2021, 09:00 PM
RDL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bricks

Or you could run it thru a few stumps or rocks put enough nicks in it to slow it down, :biggrin:Rofl

:scratchhead That idea sound awfully painful! LOL
02-28-2021, 02:41 PM
RDL

2 Attachment(s)

Finally got around to getting the 15hp put on the boat. Also put on a transom saver since the 15 is little heavier (30lb more) than the 9.9 2 stroke. Not sure it needed it but sure not going to hurt anything. Also temporally mounted in front center just below the motor a small hour/tach meter to keep up with the maintenance. If it works out mounted there I'll make a bracket to mount. Now hopefully next weekend I can get it in the water and do the break in. That 15 sure looks huge sitting there compared to the 9.9.
Attachment 395359
Attachment 395360
02-28-2021, 03:25 PM
Bricks

What you are going to find is the EFI`s of all brands idle about 100 RPM faster then a carbed motor, besides having some work done to the prop no way to slow it down. One board I am on some of the guys are taking the prop to a prop shop and having 3/8 of an inch taken off of the diameter, if trolling a lot.