How a Motor is on a Drift Boat

This video is about my review on how a drift boat such as a Clackacraft, respond to a small motor. When i was looking in to one of these there was not too much info on what to expect so i thought i would put one together myself.

[@blaxploitation]

super helpful, was looking to put a motor on my headhunter 2 and this is super awesome. Thanks.

[@bryanostlund6902]

I run a Honda 9.9 hp on my aluminum drift boat here in Oregon. No speed record set with it, but it works great. 2.5 gal tank last forever. You hit all the high points in this video, well done.

[@mdk3637]

Had a 6 on Clack reg. Now a 3 1/2 merc on eddy. Tohatsu makes all 40hp down. Use 2 fuel bottles in a neoprene wine sleeve for backup.

[@mikekuczynski1552]

I have a Clakacraft Eddie standard and have had some bad experiences on some bigger western rivers 20+mph wind straight on the bow rowing , it sucked . Bought a Honda 5hp with basically the same results you got . Depending on loading and CG the boat performs differently . It’s usually me and my wife and I take the rear lean bar out because it’s easier. So now I plan some of my trips to use the same ramp I put in on to take out , no shuttle needed. Putting the motor on really expands the boat’s capabilities. And it is weird that there is not really much difference between full throttle and half as far as performance. Thanks for sharing

[@MidwestFrontier]

It amazed me that the motor only got louder and never really faster

[@mikekuczynski1552]

@@MidwestFrontier must have something to do with the hull shape, but yeah it is weird. I float the Madison river quite a bit and one of the sections dumps you into Ennis lake and it’s probably a mile to row to the closest takeout . And if ( pretty much always) the winds blowing it can be a real challenge. Whenever I run this float I put the motor on , often when I do this section I’m the only one because nobody wants to row to the ramp in 20mph wind .

[@pwd43]

I use a 3.5 hp on my 16' Hyde to troll small lakes in Wyoming. It will get you around better than rowing especially when the wind comes up.

[@garrettgadget]

Hey Guys - I’ve got a Clacka (2003, WF 16) that I have customized with 6HP four-stroke, front/rear anchor systems, and other accessories. The 6 hp was the best balance between hp & weight - my WF model is rated for 9 hp, but those are heavy & pricey! Nowadays, I’m looking into an electric outboard when they improve them a bit more. I’m also in the Midwest, and have the same approach - it’s cool to see you out there (and to get compliments on/off the water)! Were you on the DuPage or Fox R. in this video (good smallies & pike in those)? I run mine everywhere from the Lake Michigan surf, to the Fox Chain, to Wisconsin & Michigan rivers. You’re right on about the speed and performance (these boats definitely don’t get on plane, and 6 mph is about it - although they do run shallow when loaded properly). We’ll know when we cross paths… 😉👍

[@MidwestFrontier]

Actually this was the Des Plaines and I almost got the weight forward but they talked me into the eddy. I'm also very interested in the electric motors but I haven't really heard about a long shaft model yet. If you see me around come say hi and I'll see you out there!!

[@dbriggs1689]

Great information

[@NatalieHudspeth-Storey]

Drift mostly Midwest tailwaters up to 2000 CFS or minimum flow rivers with Clacka 16 LP. No motor needed and prefer the quieter experience.

[@chrismezera5590]

Midwest Frontier videos!!! Are you guys going to start doing a video build series on Pat's boat?

[@MidwestFrontier]

He says he wants to do something on his boat now

[@mikebullis4987]

What size shaft do you run? A 20" or 25"?

[@MidwestFrontier]

I just saw this now but it's a 20 inch