DaveAronow

I build small canoes, kayaks, etc as a hobby, and am about to build a very small version of a runabout, maybe 12 to 13 feet mostly for use in Floridas' rivers. I want to use a jet motor for many reasons including power to weight ratio and minimizing any parts under the boat that could get snagged on all the detritus found in our rivers as well as minimizing any potential harm to our river critters.
ANY comments suggestions, anything would be welcome as I have built many small wooden craft, but never any with any type of mechanical power whatsoever.

So most of my questions would be advice on the motor part, not so much the boat.

Lot of questions:

what type of engine to use

Where best to mount it

Where to find inexpensive motors possibly used in good shape ready to go

Just a bunch of general questions.

Thanks everyone.

Looking forward to the responses.

Ernest T

I'd say 4 stroke engines will be too heavy and large for your application, so that will limit you to a 2 or 3 cylinder 2 stroke.

Your best bet would be to buy a used 2 stroke ski. If you try to piece everything together, you will end up spending more than you pay for a small motorized boat. With a complete ski you will have all the parts you need (engine, electronics, pump, display, etc.). There are many Yamaha 2 strokes that might work.

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2008 Yamaha FX HO Cruiser
2010 Hurricane Sundeck 2100