FL14 Motor

[anonymous]

I am new to boatbuilding so I am going to start with the FL14. What do I need to look for in an outboard motor. I keep seeing terms like "short shaft", "long shaft", "transom length". Can someone give me an answer as to what I need for the FL14?

Thanks,

PS - I am doing this to prove all of my buddies wrong. They are all betting it will sink on me.

[tech_support]

FL14 is not a planing hull, so more engine will not make it go faster. I would say around 3-5 hp should be more than enough. short shaft

[chrisobee]

PS - I am doing this to prove all of my buddies wrong. They are all betting it will sink on me.

All buddies are alike. Be sure to sneer at them when you launch.

[anonymous]

The FL 14 calls for a short shaft. That would be ideally 15 inches.

You should name your FL 14 "PERSONAL" floatation device"

Then just smile back at them on shore when your on the water and call it a MILLER MOMENT

[Rick]

Any gasoline-powered short-shaft outboard motor will push the FL14 to hull speed in any water you should be out in with that boat. Anything over 2-3hp won't make it go any faster, and will just weigh more and use more gas.

The new water-cooled 2HP Tohatsu 4-stroke sure looks like a sweetheart choice for this kind of boat: http://www.tohatsu.com/outboards/2_4st.html.

[dewers]

would this be true of the FL12 as well?

[anonymous]

I have seen some pics of the FL14 being powered by Trolling motors. Anyone tried this? If so, what results did you have?

[rjezuit]

I have a 30# thrust trolling motor that moves my FL14 along just fine in calm water with 4 people aboard. As long as you are not expecting to get anywhere fast, or fight a current it's a good way to go. Rick

[Kent]

I too have a 30# electric motor. I have been in a pretty good head wind and it holds it's own. It's not fast but it gets me where I want to go.

I also cut my transom down just a bit for the motor. It worked out well.

See my gallary at

http://gallery.bateau2.comindex.php?cat=10098

You'll love the FL14. My family had doubts when I built it but now I can't go out without them.

Good Luck!
Kent

[CET]

Any gasoline-powered short-shaft outboard motor will push the FL14 to hull speed in any water you should be out in with that boat. Anything over 2-3hp won't make it go any faster, and will just weigh more and use more gas.

What is the hull speed for the FL14? Thanks.