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Looking for pros and cons about putting a smaller hp outboard on my project.. Anyone using a 9.9? I live on a tidal river with a little current and it's an older boat with a little extra weight... I like the idea of a new 4 stroke engine, but figured I might gain some knowledge from the forum.. Thanks for any input! Brian

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4 stroke motors are not the friend of the older classic 13. A DFI 2 stoke will give you the economy you want with lower weight.

The E-TEC 30 has been heavily discussed/selected if you choose to not go with a 9.9

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The local yacht club sailing program 13" whalers
were outfitted with 20hp 4-strokes.
They can scoot surprisingly well.
TP

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I would put a 9.9hp on a 13' whaler if I was going to use it on a lake with a 10hp maximum. I have been on classic 13' with 15hp and it did just over 20mph.

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For 1-2ppl a 9.9 gets you where you need to go at a pretty slow pace, but not painful. More than 2 and you're not plaining out. I have a 13' custom (skiff) as it's a tiller with no interior so it's light and I'm in need of a 25hp 2 stroke tiller badly. I fish a tidal river the Napa River so it works for now but I'm not getting from A to B very fast.

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For a tiller, get a 2 stroke 25 HP, for wheel steering a 35 or 40. Been there, done both. The minimum you need is one of those old Evinrude 18 HP jobs, which are pretty good engines. Another consideration is the transom height, which is 15 on the pre-72's and 20 after. It can be difficult or expensive to find the right engine with the right length.

I really think the boat does best with a 25 HP tiller motor on the back. Simple and roomy.