CD22' 90hp or 2 40hp motors for fuel efficiency?

nesibus":1fo50za1 said:
Sounds like my best bet would be just getting a kicker motor...

Whats the smallest recommended for the 22'?
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This really depends on where you are. I use a 4 hp (just as a get in motor) off the flats. Even a trolling motor with a generator or 1 hp will push it, doesn't take much. That would be fine on a lake (or oarlocks -- I've paddled the thing for short distance). On a river, not appropriate, you'd need an engine that will push the current speed plus a few mph. Some of the western rivers I've been to: 9-15 is appropriate. For many of the slower eastern rivers, 4 & up is probably adequate. High wind conditions, the mini-motors will only serve to hold the boat in place (while you anchor and wait for better conditions).
 
I would think an electric trolling motor similiar to the ones mounted on the lower unit might be a neat alternative. Perhaps mounted on the transom on a hinged or sliding bracket so it could be raised out of the water when not in use. For me the kicker option would add weight plus unless you used it on a regular basis you would deal with the carb problems with a motor that isn't used regularly. Of course this wouldn't have adequate power to combat heavy currents but for somewhat protected waters it should be fine and user friendly.
 
Westward, that is probably the best comparison of twins to main and kicker I have ever read. You made many good points. When I was trying to decide between twins or main w/kicker I figured that with either set up a fuel problem would make me dead in the water. But if I hit something in the water (container, log, sun fish, etc.) I could potentially lose both props on the twins. With a main and kicker setup you still have a kicker (with good prop) to get you home. That made the decision for me.

bill
 
I would recommend the Honda 8 hp classic model. THere's no fancy frills but they are reliable, easy to start and don't weigh as much as the ones with power lift ect.
 
I agree with Best Day, that was a great explanation Westward. For our use, I'm glad we got the Main + kicker combination. But I can also see how the twins would work out great to. As they, it all depends on how you wanna use the boat and personal preference.

Peter
 
Most of the content of my explaination I learned from Les Lampman, of EQ harbor service, the revered W. Washington C-Dory dealer. This is the level of detail and attention Les gives all of his customers on every aspect of their boat, as long as they have the time to listen and absorb. Needless to say, this keeps EQ in the small, low-volume realm, which frustrates the factory's "move more units" mentality. Regarding twins vs. single/kicker: my wife claims I got the twins because because I liked the way they looked and I'm like a kid with a new bike. What does she know... Mike.
 
I fish for salmon and steelhead solo often and usually my boat (not yet a CD) is anchored and back-bouncing a weighted dropper line (about 3-5 ft. long, depending on 11 -- 60 ft. of water) rigged to a 3 way swivel or slider, with the spoon, brined herring, spinner or Kwikfish (+sardine wrap) trailing on a 3-6 ft. leader behind that in the Columbia river. It is very easy once set up, lazy man's fishin'.... But when we troll here on the lower Columbia, it is with the same gear. This allows us to follow the contours of the river bottom, keeping lures/baits right in the fish zone, a few ft. within the varying bottom. This requires constant mending of line. You let out until you feel it hit sand, then reel up a skosh, and you're there. I could not do this from the helm inside a cabin. This is very different from fishing the salt water at a fixed depth with divers or downriggers where snagging the bottom is not very likely and you just putt along. Trolling as I do requires the fisher to hold the rod and constantly adjust the reel. You have to be in the cockpit in the stern, or you're not really fishing. THEREFORE: It seems I'm best off looking for my new C Dory equipped with a main engine and a high thrust kicker with a tiller. On the other hand, fishing the Pacific, and if main motor fails, a kicker will steer the boat but not likely have enough umph to bring the boat home across the Columbia River bar (treacherous currents). Here is where a 40 or 50 horse backup/twin would prevail and get me home..... hmmmm what to do? I lean towards the first option.

C.W.
 
Don is remembering correctly. We got exactly the same mileage on our twin 40's (the burn includes both engines) as Chris got on his single 75. We would check every time we fueled up. On almost 24,000 miles on our twins, we have averaged 4.01 Nautical Miles per gallon -- and that's over all conditions from idle, to pushing a heavy tidal (or river) flow, or drifting down a river. Of course, we get better mileage at slow speeds and less just short of a plane. The extra expense with twins is maintaining two engines instead of one, although that $800 bill is sure more than we've ever spent.
 
Still 2 questions: mileage at 5 mph (trolling) and how much less do twins go into splash well compared to a single?? Enough difference to make a deeper table, cooler holder, fish box, etc??
 
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