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Hi, am new to boating, picked up our Montauk in November and am looking forward to taking her out soon. We are in Montreal and will be using it mainly on the St Lawrence. Presently the boat has a 1992 Evinrude 90, and if the motor proves to be reliable, would like to keep it as long as possible, I am a fan of the 2 stroke sound and smell. But, just in case, given that we have 2 small kids aboard, am thinking of putting a small kicker as an emergency backup to plow us home if needed. Since pretty much all of the time to get home would be downstream, I would really only need enough power to cross the current and guide me into the marina. Maybe some light trolling but not sure yet. Was thinking of getting the 2hp Honda because I read the Montauk is weight sensitive on the stern and I believe my motor already weighs in at 300lbs. I seen the 2hp on some 18ft sail boats so I figure if it could move those, it should be able to move the Montauk. But I have seen a couple of long shaft late eighties and early nineties 4hp 2 stroke motors (Johnson, Evinrude, Nissan) and was wondering if the gas line for those was the same connection as mine (or maybe just install a Tee on my fuel line).
Would it be possible to just unplug my fuel line and plug it into the 4hp and this way avoid another external gas tank?
That would be more convenient than having to fill the 2hp with different gas. They probably run at 100:1 rather than 50:1 but I don't think that extra oil should be an issue for the few miles I would have to go to get home. Maybe the extra 2hp might make it more fun for trolling as well. I don't really want to spend more than $500.
On the other hand, does anyone have experience moving a 1300lb boat with a 2hp?
Ideally, I would like to be able to get up the current as well, I read somewhere that it is at about 6-8knots.
I think your idea of a kicker motor is a great idea , however I have reservation about a 4hp engine. My thoughts are a 4hp in a stiff wind or current may not be adequate. And for the record my 8hp 2 stroke Mercury pushed my Montauk 5-6 mph max.
I agree with donp and a 2hp is not enough especially if you are doing it for safety reason. The St.lawrence has a lot of commercial big boat traffic you want to be able to get away from (no matter if you have the right-a-way.
You never get your 9 mph out of a 2hp pushing your Montauk 17 with crew. Look for some higher HP. As for gasoline hookup do not put a T connection in your fuel line. Just get another fuel line with the same tank connection. Current tank connections are basically check valves and when disconnect from the tank and still connected to the OB will not spill back.
As for weight many owners of the older Montauks have repowered with 4 strokes which are much heavier than your current 2-stroke and addition of a 26kg to 35kg (say 60 to 75 lbs) 8 to 10 hp 2-stroke will make it less than a new 90HP 4-stroke alone.
You will be fine.
