What's the minimum HP I should get for my aluminum boat?

We recommend at least 25HP for a 14ft boat and 40HP for a 16ft boat. Underpowering leads to frustration in wind and when the boat is fully loaded. Check your capacity plate for maximum HP.

Is a tiller or remote better for fishing?

Tiller gives direct control and keeps the transom clear for fishing. Remote is better for larger boats, rough water, and if you prefer fishing from the bow. Personal preference matters most.

What shaft length do I need?

Most aluminum fishing boats use 20" (short shaft) or 25" (long shaft). Measure from the top of the transom to the waterline, then add 15-16" for the proper shaft length.

Is a tiller or remote better for fishing an aluminum boat?

For most serious anglers on aluminum fishing boats, tiller is better, specifically the Mercury Advanced Tiller system giving you throttle, shift, and trim control at your fingertips. Tiller keeps you connected to the boat and lets you make instant micro-adjustments. Available on Mercury FourStroke models from 2.5HP through 115HP. Remote (console) steering is better for family boats, mixed-use hulls, or 18-20ft boats with center-console setups. Solo walleye anglers almost universally prefer tiller.

Should I get Command Thrust on my Mercury outboard?

If you fish anywhere with shallow water, weeds, or soft bottom, yes. The Command Thrust larger gearcase runs shallower than standard lower units, provides more thrust at trolling speeds, and handles prop fouling in weeds better. On Ontario lakes with weedy bays, which describes most lakes around Rice Lake and the Kawarthas. Command Thrust is the practical choice even at a modest price premium. Available on Mercury motors from 9.9HP (the ProKicker) through 115HP. The main exception is deep clear lakes where you never fish in the weeds.

What shaft length do I need for an aluminum fishing boat?

Most aluminum fishing boats with a standard transom use a 20-inch (long) shaft outboard. Taller transoms or boats with a jack plate may require a 25-inch (XL) shaft. To determine the right length: measure from the bottom of the transom mounting bracket to the waterline. If that distance is 15-20 inches, use a 20-inch shaft; if 20-25 inches, use a 25-inch shaft. Getting shaft length wrong causes ventilation (prop breaking the surface) or excess drag. When in doubt, have a dealer measure the boat.

How much does it cost to power an aluminum fishing boat in Ontario in 2026?

For a 14-16ft boat, a Mercury 40HP FourStroke is approximately $8,000-$10,000 CAD retail. A Mercury 60HP Command Thrust FourStroke runs approximately $12,000-$14,000. A Mercury 75HP FourStroke is roughly $14,000-$16,000. A Mercury 115HP FourStroke for an 18-20ft boat is typically $18,000-$21,000. These are approximate 2026 Canadian retail figures. Build a real quote at mercuryrepower.ca/quote/motor-selection to see current pricing.

Is EFI worth it over a carbureted motor on an aluminum fishing boat?

For any new motor purchase in 2026, EFI is the standard. Mercury no longer offers carbureted motors in their current lineup. EFI brings instant cold starts, consistent fuel delivery across the RPM range, better fuel economy, and far fewer maintenance issues. If comparing a new EFI to an older carbureted motor you already own, the EFI's reliability and lower maintenance costs typically justify the upgrade within a few seasons, especially for anglers running motors in the cold shoulder seasons.

What should I expect when replacing an older two-stroke with a Mercury FourStroke?

Switching from an older two-stroke to a current Mercury FourStroke EFI is immediately noticeable: the FourStroke runs significantly quieter at trolling speeds, starts instantly without priming, and uses 30-40% less fuel. It runs cleaner with no oil injection to worry about. One adjustment: modern FourStrokes are heavier than comparable two-strokes, which can affect how the boat trims and planes. Proper prop selection after installation, which Harris Boat Works handles as part of any motor sale or repower, corrects this quickly.

What's the best Mercury outboard for a Lund 1675 in Ontario?

The Mercury 75HP EFI FourStroke is the most popular and well-matched motor for a Lund 1675 in Ontario. It gives the 16ft deep-V more than enough power to plane quickly, handle 2-3 anglers with gear, and run open water confidently. For primarily calm inland lake fishing, the Mercury 60HP Command Thrust is a strong alternative, slightly less top-end but better for shallow bays and weed fishing. The 90HP is worth considering for heavy loads or lots of open water running, but is often more than needed for typical use.

Best Mercury Outboard for Aluminum Fishing Boats (2026 Guide)

Last reviewed: 2026-05-07 --- > Quick answer: For most aluminum fishing boats in the 14 - 18 ft range, a Mercury 40 - 115 HP FourStroke is the sweet spot. Match the hull's capacity plate, pick tiller or remote based on your layout, and seriously consider a 9.9 ProKicker if...

Mercury Platinum Dealer·Family-owned since 1947·Mercury dealer since 1965·Gores Landing, ON·Quote builder available

Last reviewed: 2026-05-07

Quick answer: For most aluminum fishing boats in the 14–18 ft range, a Mercury 40–115 HP FourStroke is the sweet spot. Match the hull's capacity plate, pick tiller or remote based on your layout, and seriously consider a 9.9 ProKicker if you fish for walleye. Real installed pricing at mercuryrepower.ca.

Hull material decision

Aluminum or fiberglass? Same question, two right answers.

Both materials make great boats, but they reward different priorities. Here's the framework we use with HBW customers.

Aluminum

You fish, run shallow water, hit logs or rocks occasionally
You trailer regularly and want a lighter rig
You launch at unimproved ramps where dragging happens
You want lower maintenance and won't repaint or gel-coat-fix
Repair-ability matters to you (welding > fiberglass work)

Lighter, more forgiving, easier to fix. Modern welded aluminum (Lund, Princecraft, Legend Tin) is the right hull for 80% of Rice Lake fishing customers. 16-18 ft aluminum with 60-90 HP Mercury, $25K-$45K.

Fiberglass

You want a quieter, smoother ride on bigger water
Cosmetics, gel coat depth, and resale curb appeal matter
You're 18-22+ ft for runabout, bowrider, or wakeboard use
You can absorb higher maintenance (gel coat, blisters, hull cleaning)
You'll keep the boat 8+ years and value the smoother trip

Heavier, more comfortable in chop, prettier. Right answer for runabouts, ski boats, and bigger fiberglass cruisers. 19-23 ft fiberglass with 200+ HP Mercury, $55K-$110K.

When in doubt:Most Kawartha and Rice Lake customers buy aluminum because the trip to the boat is short, the boats hit stuff, and the resale market loves them. Fiberglass is a lifestyle pick on bigger water. Both are right; the wrong one is whatever doesn't match how you actually boat.

How we think about aluminum fishing boats

We rig aluminum fishing boats every season at HBW. On Rice Lake and across the Kawarthas, they're the workhorse of cottage fishing, lightweight, easy to trailer, manageable to maintain.

The mistakes we see are consistent: underbuying on HP, skipping the kicker, running the wrong prop, or skipping Command Thrust on heavier hulls. Fix any one of those and the boat performs noticeably better than before.

Here's how to think through each decision.

What changes the right motor for your aluminum fishing boat

Hull length and weight. A 14-foot tin boat needs less HP than a 19-foot console. Aluminum hulls are lighter than equivalent fiberglass, so HP requirements trend lower than the same-length fiberglass alternative.

Tiller or remote control. Tiller boats under 20 HP are drop-in installs, no rigging required. Console boats need remote-control motors with cables, controls, and prop. Different cost structure entirely.

How many people and how much gear. Solo angler trolling at 3 mph has completely different HP needs than a family of three who want to run between spots.

Where you fish. Protected bays on smaller Kawartha lakes vs. open Rice Lake in the afternoon vs. Lake Ontario. Bigger, windier water changes the practical HP minimum.

Whether you have a kicker. A 9.9 ProKicker on a fishing boat is the standard for trolling speed control. Without one, you're either sacrificing main-motor performance or sacrificing trolling control. You can't optimize both with one motor.

Best Mercury by boat size

12–14 ft tin boat (solo or two-person, sheltered water)

Best fit: 9.9 to 15 HP tiller. The Mercury 9.9 MH, 15 MH, or 15 EH (electric start) are all drop-in, no-rigging purchases. For pure solo fishing on small lakes, a 9.9 MH is plenty. Step up to 15 if you have a heavier hull or want a bit more cruise speed.

14–16 ft tiller or console aluminum

Best fit: 25 to 60 HP. Tiller versions for boats without consoles; remote versions for console boats. The 60 HP FourStroke is the sweet spot for 16-foot aluminum consoles, enough power for two anglers and gear, planes reliably with three people, and fuel efficient. Installed pricing for this class: build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca.

16–18 ft console aluminum (the most common Kawartha repower)

Best fit: 90 to 115 HP FourStroke. The Mercury 90 EXLPT and 115 EXLPT FourStroke are the most common motors we install on aluminum console boats. This is the sweet spot for most Ontario fishing boats in this size class.

For tournament-style fishing or bigger open water, step up to 115 Pro XS. The Pro XS earns the premium if you actually run it hard. For typical recreational fishing, FourStroke is the better value.

18–20 ft aluminum with deep-V hull

Best fit: 115 to 150 HP. Larger aluminum fishing boats with deep-V hulls need real HP to plane reliably with a full load. The 115 Pro XS or 150 FourStroke/Pro XS land here.

The kicker question

For serious fishing on Rice Lake or the Kawarthas, a kicker motor isn't optional, it's the standard fishing setup. The reasons:

Trolling speed control. A main motor at idle is almost always too fast for walleye trolling at 1–2 mph. The 9.9 ProKicker idles down to true trolling speed.

You can build a live CAD quote for your repower online at Mercury Repower Centre.

Backup propulsion. A failed main motor on the water is a tow back to the dock. A kicker gets you home.

Fuel economy at slow speeds. A 90 HP main motor at 1.5 mph wastes fuel. A 9.9 at the same speed sips it.

Stealth. Quieter in shallow water.

The Mercury 9.9 ProKicker is the standard, long shaft, high-thrust gearcase, purpose-built for fishing applications. We rig kickers as part of most fishing boat repower projects.

The customers who skip the kicker to save money almost always wish they hadn't. The customers who buy a kicker rarely regret it.

Common mistakes on aluminum fishing boat repowers

Ready to find your motor?

Build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca, real pricing in CAD on the full configuration: main motor, kicker, rigging, prop, and install. Or call us at 905-342-2153. We rig fishing boats every week and can match a motor to your specific hull.

What we see at HBW

The sweet spot for aluminum fishing boats 14-17 feet is the Mercury 25-60 HP FourStroke. Lightweight tinny + small Mercury is the most common rig in our service bay. The 60 EFI Command Thrust is our top recommendation for 17-footers carrying 3-4 people and gear.

Anything over 75 HP on a sub-17-foot aluminum hull usually exceeds the boat's max HP plate. Always check the capacity plate before quoting the repower -- the most common rejection at the shop is "owner wants a 90 on a hull rated for 60."

FAQ

What's the best Mercury for a 16-foot aluminum fishing boat? For two or three people, a 60 to 90 HP FourStroke is the typical sweet spot. The 60 EFI handles solo and two-person fishing well. The 90 EXLPT FourStroke gives you headroom for a full family with gear. Both are popular Kawartha repower choices.

What's the best Mercury for a 14-foot aluminum tiller boat? A 15 to 25 HP tiller motor. Mercury 15 MH, 15 EH (electric start), or 25 EFI. All are drop-in tiller installs with no rigging. Choose based on whether you want manual or electric start and how heavily loaded your boat typically is.

Should I get FourStroke or Pro XS for fishing? For tournament fishing or anyone who wants the fastest acceleration to beat wind to a spot, Pro XS earns its price. For recreational fishing, trolling, drifting, working structure, FourStroke at the same HP is the better value.

Do I need a kicker motor for fishing? For serious fishing on Rice Lake or Kawartha lakes, yes, it's the standard setup. The 9.9 ProKicker gives you trolling speed control, backup propulsion, fuel-efficient slow-speed running, and stealth in shallow water.

What HP for a 19-foot aluminum console fishing boat? For typical recreational use, 90 to 115 HP FourStroke. For bigger-water use or tournament-level performance, 115 to 150 Pro XS. Pair with a 9.9 ProKicker for trolling.

Should I get Command Thrust on a fishing boat? On heavier deep-V aluminum hulls 18 feet and up, Command Thrust gives meaningful hole-shot and load-carrying improvement. On lighter standard-V hulls under 18 feet, the standard gearcase is fine. We assess this per boat.

Can I use a kicker as my main motor? On small aluminum boats (12–14 ft), yes, a 9.9 or 15 HP can be the only motor. On 16 ft and bigger, you need a proper main motor; the kicker is the auxiliary.

Ready to price it out? Build a live CAD quote for your repower online at the Mercury Repower Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum HP I should get for my aluminum boat?: We recommend at least 25HP for a 14ft boat and 40HP for a 16ft boat. Underpowering leads to frustration in wind and when the boat is fully loaded. Check your capacity plate for maximum HP.
Is a tiller or remote better for fishing?: Tiller gives direct control and keeps the transom clear for fishing. Remote is better for larger boats, rough water, and if you prefer fishing from the bow. Personal preference matters most.
Should I get Command Thrust?: If you fish shallow waters or frequently beach your boat, yes. Command Thrust's larger gearcase provides better thrust and runs shallower than standard lower units.
What shaft length do I need?: Most aluminum fishing boats use 20" (short shaft) or 25" (long shaft). Measure from the top of the transom to the waterline, then add 15-16" for the proper shaft length.
Is a tiller or remote better for fishing an aluminum boat?: For most serious anglers on aluminum fishing boats, tiller is better, specifically the Mercury Advanced Tiller system giving you throttle, shift, and trim control at your fingertips. Tiller keeps you connected to the boat and lets you make instant micro-adjustments. Available on Mercury FourStroke models from 2.5HP through 115HP. Remote (console) steering is better for family boats, mixed-use hulls, or 18-20ft boats with center-console setups. Solo walleye anglers almost universally prefer tiller.
Should I get Command Thrust on my Mercury outboard?: If you fish anywhere with shallow water, weeds, or soft bottom, yes. The Command Thrust larger gearcase runs shallower than standard lower units, provides more thrust at trolling speeds, and handles prop fouling in weeds better. On Ontario lakes with weedy bays, which describes most lakes around Rice Lake and the Kawarthas. Command Thrust is the practical choice even at a modest price premium. Available on Mercury motors from 9.9HP (the ProKicker) through 115HP. The main exception is deep clear lakes where you never fish in the weeds.
What shaft length do I need for an aluminum fishing boat?: Most aluminum fishing boats with a standard transom use a 20-inch (long) shaft outboard. Taller transoms or boats with a jack plate may require a 25-inch (XL) shaft. To determine the right length: measure from the bottom of the transom mounting bracket to the waterline. If that distance is 15-20 inches, use a 20-inch shaft; if 20-25 inches, use a 25-inch shaft. Getting shaft length wrong causes ventilation (prop breaking the surface) or excess drag. When in doubt, have a dealer measure the boat.
How much does it cost to power an aluminum fishing boat in Ontario in 2026?: For a 14-16ft boat, a Mercury 40HP FourStroke is approximately $8,000-$10,000 CAD retail. A Mercury 60HP Command Thrust FourStroke runs approximately $12,000-$14,000. A Mercury 75HP FourStroke is roughly $14,000-$16,000. A Mercury 115HP FourStroke for an 18-20ft boat is typically $18,000-$21,000. These are approximate 2026 Canadian retail figures. Build a real quote at mercuryrepower.ca/quote/motor-selection to see current pricing.
Is EFI worth it over a carbureted motor on an aluminum fishing boat?: For any new motor purchase in 2026, EFI is the standard. Mercury no longer offers carbureted motors in their current lineup. EFI brings instant cold starts, consistent fuel delivery across the RPM range, better fuel economy, and far fewer maintenance issues. If comparing a new EFI to an older carbureted motor you already own, the EFI's reliability and lower maintenance costs typically justify the upgrade within a few seasons, especially for anglers running motors in the cold shoulder seasons.
What should I expect when replacing an older two-stroke with a Mercury FourStroke?: Switching from an older two-stroke to a current Mercury FourStroke EFI is immediately noticeable: the FourStroke runs significantly quieter at trolling speeds, starts instantly without priming, and uses 30-40% less fuel. It runs cleaner with no oil injection to worry about. One adjustment: modern FourStrokes are heavier than comparable two-strokes, which can affect how the boat trims and planes. Proper prop selection after installation, which Harris Boat Works handles as part of any motor sale or repower, corrects this quickly.
What's the best Mercury outboard for a Lund 1675 in Ontario?: The Mercury 75HP EFI FourStroke is the most popular and well-matched motor for a Lund 1675 in Ontario. It gives the 16ft deep-V more than enough power to plane quickly, handle 2-3 anglers with gear, and run open water confidently. For primarily calm inland lake fishing, the Mercury 60HP Command Thrust is a strong alternative, slightly less top-end but better for shallow bays and weed fishing. The 90HP is worth considering for heavy loads or lots of open water running, but is often more than needed for typical use.

Harris Boat Works · 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON · (905) 342-2153

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