From Oars to Outboard: A Guide to Motorizing Your Drift Boat

By: Shaun Cagley | March 6, 2025

For many drift boat owners, adding an outboard motor can enhance versatility, allowing for easier downstream navigation in windy conditions, pushing through that “froggy” flatwater or enabling efficient and effective lake fishing. Boulder Boat Works drift boats are renowned for their lightweight, durable construction, making them excellent for rivers and lakes. However, selecting and using an outboard motor requires careful consideration to maintain the boat’s performance, safety, and longevity. This guide explores the key factors and tradeoffs involved when equipping your drift boat with a motor, along with guidelines for installation and use.

Weight Considerations

Weight plays a crucial role in maintaining your drift boat’s balance and maneuverability. The recommended weight for a motor is under 60 pounds. Exceeding this limit can adversely affect the structure of your boat and how your boat sits in the water, potentially compromising its handling in currents or when rowing.

A lightweight motor reduces strain on your boat and simplifies mounting and removal, but finding the right balance between weight and power can be challenging. Opting for a motor in the 4 HP range usually ensures sufficient thrust without adding excessive weight preventing damage.

Thrust and Power Recommendations

Boulder Boat Works recommends motors with a maximum thrust of 6 HP, though a 4 HP motor is often ideal for balancing weight, thrust, and portability. While higher horsepower motors may provide more speed and power, they can be unnecessarily heavy for a drift boat and may lead to damage to the boat and handling difficulties on rivers with strong currents.

Electric trolling motors are another great option worth considering. While they lack the power of gas motors, they are quieter and environmentally friendly, making them ideal for most drift boat waters when a stealthy approach is required.

Shaft Length Requirements

The Extra Long Shaft (25”) design is a critical consideration for ensuring the motor’s propeller remains submerged. Drift boats tend to have a higher transom and sit higher in the water compared to other vessels, so a longer shaft is necessary to maintain efficient thrust and safety. An improper shaft length may result in poor performance, with the propeller either cavitating (spinning ineffectively near the surface) or failing to provide adequate propulsion.

All-in-One Motor Design

When selecting a motor, an all-in-one design with an integrated fuel tank or battery compartment simplifies setup and transport. This feature minimizes clutter on the boat and reduces the risk of spilling during use. It also contributes to ease of storage, especially when frequently transferring the motor between the boat and a vehicle or storage area.

Motor Mount Installation

A secure and properly installed motor mount is essential for safety and efficiency. Boulder Boat Works drift boats can be fitted with a custom motor mount designed specifically for our transoms or clamped directly to your boat’s transom (more common with trolling motors). Our stern platform also doubles as a perfect place to store your battery and/or gas tank.

You can view our How To Video on installing your motor mount on our YouTube channel.

Transportation and Storage

Motors should not be transported attached to the boat while trailering regardless of size and weight. The lighter weight the design of the motor, the easier it is when loading and unloading. It is best to transport the motor separately in the back of a truck/SUV and invest in a padded carry bag or dolly to prevent damage during transit is a great way to protect your equipment.

Tradeoffs and Challenges

While adding a motor increases versatility, there are tradeoffs:

Weight vs. Power: While higher horsepower provides more thrust, it adds unnecessary weight that may impede rowing.
Ease of Use vs. Cost: All-in-one designs and custom mounts often come at a premium, but they enhance convenience and longevity.
Environmental Considerations: Gas motors provide more power but can disrupt the natural environment. Electric motors are quieter but may require carrying additional batteries for longer trips

Final Thoughts

Adding an outboard motor to your Boulder Boat Works drift boat can transform your fishing experience, allowing you to cover more water with ease. However, careful consideration of weight, power, shaft length, and transportation is essential to ensure your motor enhances—not detracts from—your boat’s performance.

By balancing these factors and adhering to the recommended guidelines, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a lightweight, responsive drift boat with the added convenience of motorized propulsion for rivers and lakes alike.

For more details on motor compatibility and accessories, reach out to us…[email protected] or give us a ring at 303-678-0055. You can find our Motor Mount Guidelines & Disclaimers on our website.