Sea Eagle Fold Cat Elec. Or Gas Motor?

[lkniz]

Just bought a new fold cat 375. Saw some pictures on the Sea Eagle web site of an Oregon Kokanee angler in his boat on Lake Billy chinook and another picture of the boat on the Columbia. Looked like a 24 volt Trolling set up. Would like to discuss performance.
And anyone else with comparisons of electric vs gas for inflatable boat.
Wondering if gas enough power to run back upstream to put in spot after drifting the mid willamett for stealhead. If not, I will most likely just go electric.

 

[SuperD]

Wondering if gas enough power to run back upstream to put in spot after drifting the mid willamett for stealhead. If not, I will most likely just go electric.

Did you get those options backwards? If fishing / boating in current, my recommendation would be to go with gas. Electric is too susceptable to battery condition and output levels.

 

[lkniz]

No, I abbreviated my answer. What I ment was I will use mostly on lake fishing and I think electric trolling motor is fine. If gas not enough ( only recommends 3 HP gas ) to run against current,.Just skip gas and go electric. After researching more. I now think buy good trolling set up 55 or 70-75 lbs thrust trolling. Wait for a good buy on a used gas at 3 or 3.5 HP motor for streams.Thanks for responding. I know there is a least one fold cat owner on this board I was hoping to hear from him about 70/75 thrust vs 55 lbs. This boat is a very light ( 100lbs plus load total of up to 650. ) on a catamaran pontoon.

 

[SuperD]

I use a 45 lbs thrust transom mount on my 14' jon boat and get plenty of power out of it for lakes.

 

[Drifterdon]

I have a Foldcat 375 but I have only used it 2 times. I use a 49# thrust motor with it and have found that it is a bare minimum for any wind at all.
A small 3HP gas motor would be great with it.

 

[SilverBullets]

I"m with Drifterdon...get a small outboard. I use a 35lb thrust elec on a 9' inflatable pontoon and if any wind is involved the battery (Optima D34M) doesn't last long (about 4-5 hours.) Also, a small outboard will most likely weigh less than a battery (mine weighs 43.5 lbs.)
Check your state regulations. Here in Oregon I had to register and get numbers for the toon once I put a motor on it.

 

[lkniz]

bought a used gas 4 HP

Thanks for all the responses . Based on these , I bought a 4HP . Haven't had it out yet.