The way canoeing should be. For old people.

[@MikeSmyth-mi6sj]

We have a similar set up,18 ft Macsport with a 5 HP 4 stroke Merc, and external tank, wonderful setup!! We made 4 separate trips this year, which added up to 800Km total. I would never have thought of putting a motor on a canoe, but having done it now it will be hard to go back. The addition of a small hydrofoil has bumped up my top end to 21 KPH fully loaded.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

I am like you. I would miss the motor on the back. I am on trips by myself. I can't put in and just go one way. I have to always go back to the start. I have a big fishing boat. But this is my favorite craft on the water. Lots of people have never seen a motor on a canoe. I have had a motor on this for over 50 years. So it isn't new to me. Thanks for the comment.

[@brucehohenstein]

Nice video! The title caught my attention. Your video is nicely engaging and entertaining. I am looking forward to acquiring a Grumman flat stern sport canoe this fall…

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

@@brucehohenstein thank you so much!

[@sel7245]

Thanks for sharing. What is your fuel consumption per hour at full and half trottle ? (no heavy wind and only you in the boat).

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

It's hard to say. A gallon of gas will last almost 2 days. I say about a quart in 3 hours. But I don't run it wide open for very long. I like to explore.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

I have an external 3 gallon tank. But hardly ever use it. I carry a gallon can. And it lasts 2 maybe 3 days.

[@MikeSmyth-mi6sj]

We get 8 litres per 100 km fully loaded and full throttle, it's better than my car!

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

@@MikeSmyth-mi6sj I know what you mean. Very cheap entertainment.

[@benlafayette5760]

I can’t wait to get out with mine next season. Got a 17ft old town and a Merc 4.5 horse

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

That is so great! I have 4 watercrafts. But I enjoy this setup the best. Thanks for your comments.

[@elstevobevo]

Would you be willing to do a video review of your Mercury/boat setup? I recently got a similar old boat, but I’m looking for a good engine. Thanks for posting.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

I don't know what you mean about a video review. But if you have any questions, we can do comments on FB. Or, if you read my comments with other people. That may help answer questions.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

As for the motor issue. I love my Mercury 5hp. I had a 2hp Johnson (1977). Bought it new. It worked very well also. I bought the 5hp, 2 years ago. I love the 4 stroke engine.

[@reddog4515]

I have a four stroke mercury 5hp great little motor ideal for larger canoes I use mine on Tinny, an inflatable and a 3.4 metre inflatable Nifty Boat. Has enough power light on fuel. Has internal fuel tank and connections for an external tank ( I use both depending on what I am doing) Also here in Australia if it is under 6hp no need to register or boat licience

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

@@reddog4515 What is the speed you can get the inflatable up to? The canoe can get 12.5MPH. I was thinking about maybe getting a 12' Jon boat. Then put the 5 on it. (as if I need another water craft. I alredy have 4. I big choice of the days start, is deciding which one to take out that day.

[@reddog4515]

@@Ralphcanoeingadventures The inflatable is an Aqua Marine 3.3m catamaran weight 33k, motor 26k, fuel is around 10k and me around 90k. Speed I estimate once on the plain is around 20 to 25kph however once on the plain you can back the power off and maintain the plain at around just of half of the throttle. With tinny (jonboat equivalent) It takes more power to get up on the plain but with only one person in it the speed is around 20kph. Sorry it's all metric no longer remember miles, gallons etc!!!!! My daughter was going to do a semester at a US university but she struck two snags Imperial measurements and the great breaker of all time your drinking age is 21 years old!!!

[@robertlee6949]

Just getting to this stage...can't decide if I want to use my regular canoe with a mount or go for the square back type...

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

I have both. If you are using an electric motor on it. A double point is fine. But if you are planning on a gas motor with any weight, you will want a square stern. My motor weights about 45 pounds. I would not want that hanging off the side of a canoe.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

I also want to add. If you decide on a square stern there are things you should know. The back of the canoe will cause drag as you paddle. We took the square stern up to the Boundary Water. We didn't use a motor. Because you can't. But paddleing the canoe was a chore. A double ended canoe goes better through the water. But if you have a motor on the back....WHO CARES!!!. So you have to decide what you want to do with it. If you want to paddle it. It will be harder. But if you want to use a motor. It works great! I use mine both ways. You have to decide for yourself. Good luck and let me know what you come up with.

[@mattwaters6987]

Luv my 15'6" canoe with sidemounted 2.3hp Honda outboard. Its air cooled too. 🛶😊

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

@mattwaters6987 I use to have a 2hp Johnson on mine. Water cooled. No transmission. I bought it new in 1977. I really like it. But wanted a 4 stroke.

[@mattwaters6987]

@Ralphcanoeingadventures awesome. My Honda is a 2018 4 stroke. 👍😊

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

@@mattwaters6987 do you have a ut channel? I would like to see it on the water.

[@SteveWejuli]

Thanks for posting this. It’s doable yeah 🤗

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

That setup is a lot of fun!

[@timhudson1846]

Im building a Gilpatrick freighter canoe. A tohatsu 6hp tiller motor is perfect for it.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

@@timhudson1846 I think those freighter canoes are soooo cool. I would love to have one of those. I built a woodstrip canoe. I have a couple of videos featuring it.

[@timhudson1846]

@Ralphcanoeingadventures p.s. it's also a Gil Gilpatrick Grand Laker Freighter canoe. Got the plans outta his book.

[@timhudson1846]

​@Ralphcanoeingadventures send me the videos please

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

This sounds better with headphones on.

[@JohnSmith-gm3qm]

Send it!!!!!!!!

[@CampfireKodiak]

You don't look old to me just tired of paddling.

[@Ralphcanoeingadventures]

Thank you! I just came back from filming more stock videos. I am pooped. I need to get the kayak out. But its hard for me to get in and out of it. I have a closed kayak. I wish I had a open one. Take care. Have fun.