Livingston LV10 7'

[awheeler]

Had a question about the 7' Livingston boat i just bought. I am wanting to put a trolling motor on it so I don't have to paddle "the beast" across the lakes. I was wondering if anyone had expierence with trolling motors for these styles of dingy boats. Would it make more sense to put a 9HP motor on her or a 55lb thrust trolling motor instead. I'm clearly not going for speed but more for convenience of not having to paddle. Any input is appreciated.

[Amx]

people put electric motors on them all the time, no problem.

[G-Man]

I'm not sure that boat is rated for a 9HP motor. The 9' boats are rated for 8HP max. A small gas engine in the 4 to 5hp range should push it just fine and at that size they have the built in gas tanks so there no tank/battery taking up room in your boat. That being said, an electric motor will allow you to fish in lakes that restrict the use of internal combustion engines and they are less likely to spook fish. One might look at getting both and simply fit what you need depending on where you are fishing for the day.

[The Quadfather]

I'm not sure that boat is rated for a 9HP motor. The 9' boats are rated for 8HP max. A small gas engine in the 4 to 5hp range should push it just fine and at that size they have the built in gas tanks so there no tank/battery taking up room in your boat. That being said, an electric motor will allow you to fish in lakes that restrict the use of internal combustion engines and they are less likely to spook fish. One might look at getting both and simply fit what you need depending on where you are fishing for the day.

Two thumbs up on what G-man said..
A boat that size is not going to lend itself as well to most of the lakes that allow gas motors, (WA> Samammish, etc.)
But that doesn't matter at all.. ALL THE OTHER non gas motor lakes, you have the advantage of being able to access, or even carry your boat from the parking lot. You can hit some incredible urban lakes for LMB, that SO many people won't access either do to being stuck on limited bank access, or stuck on gas restrictions.
I say get a MInn Kota and don't look back!

[awheeler]

I was looking at the Minn Kota, but this is my first boat so im new to all of this. I appreciate all of the input yall

[KIDKOKANEE]

Ive had a few Livingstons in fact selling my 10ft now you say yours is a LV 10 you might want to look into that Ive had an 7.5 considered an 8' etc if you dont have the sticker you can probably look it up the weight n capacity of boat etc I had a 30 thrust and mine id just find shorter shaft if yours is a 7 ft. There is a soreson dealer in White center same kinda boat only diffferent manufactures from Washington locally made (PS he not fond of livingston but he is helpful example keel stripes etc look under LIVINGSTON and notice they are now made by CAT co. good luck with that they are heavy to carry and dont loose your drain plugs can get replacements thru manufacturer but takes awhile safe boating!!