original fatboy motor size?

J

Jamus

Member
hey guys--
hope you all have been well. It's been a while since I posted last. New job, more babies, same old same old...

I'm in the market for a motor for my original fatboy and am looking for recommendations on size and make. Ira's sticker says 2.5 hp but I'm wondering if that's truly the best size or a cya coast guard deal. Anybody run a larger motor? how did it work? was it safe? also, any thoughts on make for cold weather?

for application, it looks like I'll be using the boat in sheltered tidal areas, in addition inland waters, so I'd like to have enough power to run against tide if need be (which rules out the trolling motor I have been using).

Thanks all
Jamus
 
Hey Jamus, good to see ya again.

I think Sutton runs a little Merc 3.5 on his and it works like a charm. When I had mine I strapped my 9.9 on the back as an experiment because it weighed the same as my 12v battery and electric motor I normally used....definitely not safe. I was fine as long as I kept the throttle at a minimum but when I twisted the handle the back end would REALLY squat down. I think I'd stay with a 3.5 or smaller if I were you.
 
Jamus,
I use a 3.3 on a boat VERY similar to Ira's boats and it works great. I don't get there really fast, but it pushes it along decently.

Scott
 
Yeah Glenn had that mud motor on his and it worked sweet! Although I must admit I was a little pissed, ok jealous, when he would zip past us as we were slogging through the waist deep mud at RPR.
 
I use the 5 Hp B&S motor on mine and I really need to watch what I'm doing. Something a tad smaller might be a better choice.

Bill
 
Jamus, hope all is well. Still doing some writing? The 5 B&S doesnt like either boat for some reason. I put one on a DP and it was very squirrelly. Shaft too long? Mudmotors for some reason both boats like and perform well with. Not sure if it is a prop location thing or a center of gravity issue.

3 hp outboards seem to perform well. Pins can be a pain with them- at least the one I had. Always shearing pins in the mud.

Supposedly Mudbuddy is coming out with a 3hp shorttail for next year that will weigh 27#'s. We will see- I am waiting with baited breath.
 
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