5 horse on 16 foot John boat

[backwater]

I have an 7.5 Johnson I'd let go for $400 pm me if your interested.

[SoDakboy]

Any underpowered boat is asking for trouble on the sound or a big lake. An under powered SMALL BOAT is like trying to fulfill a death wish when the weather unexpectedly changes and you were an hour away from the launch when the water was smooth now you are two hours away and saying your prayers. In my opinion power your boat no less then half the rated hp based on the plate attached to it and get your boaters card.

I would have to agree with Jerry, I was stuck in my buddy's boat on American Lake (which is medium sized) when the wind picked up and the motor died (it sucked trying to flag someone down and get a tow back). I have a 12 foot inflatable zodiac with a 9.9, with me in it it's fine but I can definitely feel the difference when I put my buddy and his kid in there (another 225 lbs-ish). And that boat's rated for a 25 hp and it's only 200 lbs dry weight. If I take it on the salt this spring and summer I want to know how the water looks, what the weathers doing, and be able to get in and get off in a jiffy if I have to.

I can understand money being an issue, but I would go for at the very least a 9.9 and would probably prefer a 15 or 25. I have the boaters card even though I don't have too, it's easy, it's good for a lifetime, its cheaper for boat insurance, and it's not another hurdle when you decide to upgrade to a bigger boat.

[Bodofish]

I wouldn't be too concerned about using a zodiac almost anywhere. I used a 13' Zody with a Evenrude 35 for fishing and camping all over the San Juan's. Never had a thought about any danger. The key is enough power to get from point A to point B. Yes my boys came along too, we always had a great time! Rain gear and PFD's, good to go!