I want to get a motor for my 17' x 54" drift boat to do some trolling in the Cow. I was wondering if any of you have or know of someone who has done some research or has personal testemony on this topic. Any help will be appreciated. thanks

I'd buy a 8hp 4-stroke yamaha long shaft.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

P.S. If your gonna go with electric then I'd go with a 74lb thrust minkota.

They make a little blue pill for that....no more mechanical devices necessary.

You'd probley get the four hours out of both the blue pill and the batteries.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

i have a six horse 2 stroke on my 16 ft hyde and have been happy with it but remeber your still not going any where in a hurry.

I would go with whatever the folks @ Willie recommend. Remember that may be different than the Coast Gaurd rating posted on the boat. Good Luck!

6 or 8 horse longshaft 2 stoke. Ive used both on my boat, the 8 wasnt any better then the 6, you can only go so fast.

IMHO the BEST motor for trolling is a Mercury ML8 2 stroke. Its as quiet as most 4 strokes and 1/2 again as light. And with the shifter in the twist handle its the best for one handed operation.