New power for the Skiff

[Converted]

The 15HP Johnson kept giving me trouble so I repowered the skiff. I went with the scavenger 13HP Tecumseh. At $1500.00 delivered it's the best price around. I've got to do some tweaking to get the cavitation plate at the right angle for my boat and I think I'll need a tach to set the throttle stop. I'll keep everyone posted.

http://www.refugepics.com/members/Converted/1st%20run-4.jpg

http://www.refugepics.com/members/Converted/1st%20run-3.jpg

http://www.refugepics.com/members/Converted/1st%20run-2.jpg

http://www.refugepics.com/members/Converted/1st%20run-1.jpg

[Phil T]

Great looking rig! I'm suprised we haven't run into each other, I can see my tire tracks in some of those shots. You should have the run of the marsh with your set-up.

[Hit-n-Miss]

Thats an odd handle configuration, how does it work? Is it comfortable to operate? Is it much lighter than a godevil? Will it smoke that belt when you bog it down? Just curious, I have never seen one.:D :D

[whistlingwings]

The belt is of the same type as an automotive timing belt.

Slipping will not be an issue untill the belt shows signs of wear. Then it will probably just break rather than slip

[Converted]

After several adjustments I'm up to 11.6mph on the GPS. I'm shooting for 15mph. They're going to send me a different prop to try out. This boat sits much lower in the water than a jon and the angle of the boom is not 100% right. I've adjusted the cavitation plate all the way, I might need them to make a custom one with more angle.

I really like the handle. You can turn very sharp (at low rpm) and not be leaning out of the boat. When running straight I just lean back against the handle, no need for the removable leaning post I made. A go-devil will not work on my boat because of the covered rear deck. The go-devil handle is attached to the bottom of the motor and will not let me get the prop out of the water.

The weight for the 13HP is 114lbs.

Actually the belts are not like a timing belt. I think that a timing belt might not be a bad improvement. I don't think mine is slipping but it is hard to tell. Mine has two 5/8" wide heavy duty fan belts. That arrangement is good up to 20HP. You shim the motor up to tighten the belts.

I still need to order a tach. There may be more RPM to be had but I don't want to adjust the governor without a tach. I also need to order the electric start. I've got it starting on the first or second pull but pushing a button would be a real improvement.

[whistlingwings]

Maybe they use the timing belt type on the larger engines, IDK.

Seem to remember the Gator Back brand mentioned on their website though.

[duckmanJR]

Who is the dealer??

[stone dead]

Does the prop look like a piece of a grain auger?

[Converted]

On the larger Scavenger motors (over 20HP) they go to three belts. These belts are the type you would find on machinery or large commercial fans. They are under $10.00 each.

The owner in Iowa has asked me to become the dealer for this area. I'm thinking it over. I don't want to open a business with alot of inventory but if I can help out with orders and options I'd be happy to do that. I did ask David Wells if I could offer a discount to UWF members and we agreed that any UWF member that orders a motor this duck season can take $50.00 off the avertised price. If anyone is interested just drop me a line and I will fill you in.

The prop does look similar to a grain auger. I can't tell you how it runs in mud but it does great in the weeds. There is a more weedless model than mine but you loose some top end. I may switch to a larger super weedless and see how that works.

I need to get that tach ordered to really tweak it properly.

[Quackers]

Would like to see a price list.

Have you been in any rough water with your boat? Just curious how it would handle it. Looks a little low. That's not a knock, I know that is desirable. I have an open run to get where I need to be. I've gone down once. I don't intend on it happening again.:D

[Converted]

Here's a link to Scavenger Backwater Motors (http://www.scavengerbackwater.com/)

Pricing info and many pics are at that site.

I haven't been in rough water yet. Most of the time has been in the marsh which is what the boat was built for. I did cross some open water the other day. There were 1 to 2 foot rollers with about 5 to 6 feet between them. That's not rough water but the boat handled them with ease. I was by myself. The bow plows more with a guy in the front seat. That could make it kinda tricky
;)

I built in full floatation just in case.

[Quackers]

I viewed some of the film clips. The guy was facing backwards the whole time. Is that how you drive this rig?

[Converted]

I stand facing forward and lean back against the handle bar. When cruising no hands are really needed (except for the emergency shutdown teather) It's really pretty easy to drive. Some times I'll sit and rest my left arm on the handle bar, that's comfortable too but you can see alot more standing.

I made a leaning post for this boat but I haven't used it since the first time out. With this handle setup it's just not needed.

The handle bar makes for more stuff to blind up but I like the control it gives you. I put my outboard motor camo cover over the motor then throw an Avery fast grass mat over the whole thing.

edit:

By the way, I was in some larger waves this morning with my son along. The boat plows along good and the ride was pretty dry. I may try the crossing from Harney Pond to the marsh in the morning.:rolleyes:

[Converted]

Here's a pic from my layout position looking back at the motor.
http://www.refugepics.com/members/Converted/Motor%20blind.jpg

[Quackers]

Good camo job. If you say you're in there, I believe you.:cool: