I have wanted a boat to use a Lee's Ferry for a while. A long while. In fact, I hiked 50 miles through Paria Canyon with scouts in 1982 or so, and we came out at Lee's ferry. I remember seeing fishermen pulling trout out that were bigger than I had ever seen-- by a factor of 2 or 3. I have wanted to fish there ever since.
So 40+ years later I finally bought the shell of a boat that I think might work. It is a 90's Alumacraft. 16 feet long. But no motor. See picture below.
The boat has a rated capacity of 5 people and 1240 lbs. And the recommended horsepower range is between 15-45HP.
I would like to be able to take me and a couple of my friends or adult kids all the way up river, and maybe even take a little camping gear if possible. I would also to be able to use it on the mountain lakes when I get the time--- those that are restricted to electric or 9.9 hp motors.
And I would like to keep the boat as light as possible-- since I don't have a lot of horsepower in my tow vehicle.
My first idea was to just buy a 9.9 HP motor that I can also use on mountain lakes and go for it. However, I am a little worried that 9.9 won't be enough to get me and my friends upriver.
My second idea is to get an older 2 stroke motor in the 15-25 HP range. One that might even be light enough to easily remove or swap out for 9.9 or smaller when I want to. But even then I am little worried. I see that NPS requires 25HP or more when the water flow is high.
In either case I would probably convert the boat to tiller steer, just because it is simpler and easier.
So does anyone have any thoughts and recommendations for this?
Thanks
Jared