fishshtick
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- Aug 19, 2009
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Sorry to pester you guys with something this basic, but I need help and need it sort of fast. [-o< I have a deal on a Tracker 1448 SC package, but it comes with a Mercury 20 hp 4 stroke (power trim and tilt). I know that most everyone always recommends maxing out hp when you can, but I don't thin I can. Still, I don't want to be plowing water. My limitation is 2 fold, I am trying to keep my boat package under 1000 lbs to help with my Chevy Tracker's 1000 lb towing capacity (its a POS car) and in truth the only tracker 1448 SC in my area is the one with the 20 hp on it.
My question is simply whether this motor will get this boat up on plane with 2 average size people and fishing gear etc. I know that Grizzlies are heavy (463 lbs in this case), and that is something of a selling point for me because I want a very stable fishing platform. I also have enough experience to know that weight is helpful in maneuvering a boat with a bit of wind. However, I would dread having a boat that just plows water because I plan to do a bit of running to fishing sites (at least 20 mph would be nice - am I dreaming?). I don't want to shed the SC console for a tiller package because I don't have a good back, so pull starting and hand raising the motor is something I want to limit. For that matter, the AWL is only 23 lbs lighter. However, the Merc 20 is both available and keeps me under my weight limit (the 20 is about 40lbs lighter than the 25).
I know that what I want is a paradox (i.e., a light but heavy boat #-o ), but your insights would really help. If it helps, Tracker sells the boat in a base package with a 15hp, but that would seem insanely under-powered.
thanks again for any insights you might have.
Mike
My question is simply whether this motor will get this boat up on plane with 2 average size people and fishing gear etc. I know that Grizzlies are heavy (463 lbs in this case), and that is something of a selling point for me because I want a very stable fishing platform. I also have enough experience to know that weight is helpful in maneuvering a boat with a bit of wind. However, I would dread having a boat that just plows water because I plan to do a bit of running to fishing sites (at least 20 mph would be nice - am I dreaming?). I don't want to shed the SC console for a tiller package because I don't have a good back, so pull starting and hand raising the motor is something I want to limit. For that matter, the AWL is only 23 lbs lighter. However, the Merc 20 is both available and keeps me under my weight limit (the 20 is about 40lbs lighter than the 25).
I know that what I want is a paradox (i.e., a light but heavy boat #-o ), but your insights would really help. If it helps, Tracker sells the boat in a base package with a 15hp, but that would seem insanely under-powered.
thanks again for any insights you might have.
Mike