We receive many calls on the topic of adding a motor to our drift boats. Most of our drift boat models are rated for up to 10 horsepower. If you want to put your boat under power there are a few things you want to consider.
- The best option is?
Because most people just want to putt around small lakes or cruise through slow water on a river, we have found that an electric trolling motor works best. For starters, trolling motors are light, have enough power to push our boats and are nice and quiet. You won’t break any speed records or tow a water skier, but it will get you across the lake or back upstream to hit that good run in moderate running current.
- More Horsepower
As we have mentioned before, you can put up to a 10 horsepower motor on most of our models. You need to think about a few things if you are going to do this. With the addition of the extra weight in the back you will need to make adjustments inside of the boat to get the best performance. Because our boats are made for the rivers and rowing they do not have a keel. On most lake boats that use a motor, the keel helps aid in steering and keeping the boat running in a straight line. Without a keel you will need to make sure that the weight is dispersed properly in the boat so that you have control at all times. Depending on whether you are fishing alone or with friends you may need them to move to the front of the boat or put additional weight in the bow to allow you to get the proper weight distribution needed. Depending on many additional factors, such as how much weight is in the boat and what size of motor will dictate how well it will perform.
- In conclusion….
Putting a motor on your drift boat is not what it was originally designed for. If you think that you are never going to need a shuttle and can fly upstream to the boat ramp you are mistaken. If you want to get to that secret cove on the lake or re-fish that run that you just came through, you sure can. Just don’t be in hurry. If you are need of a motor mount for your trolling motor or gas powered engine give us a call for our specifically designed motor mounts.