Well gang, I finally decided to go “whole hog” – I’m buying a new 2016 Lund Rebel 1600 from my local dealer. He gave me a great price and threw in a bunch of extras. The boat has a 40 HP Merc 4 stroke, and everything I need. I finally decided to put the money into a new one because I’m 70 and want to concentrate on fishing instead of worrying about what might go wrong on an older used boat. Thanks to everyone for helping to answer my questions. I’ll post a picture when I take delivery in a few days:)

Don, I wasn’t thinking of hanging two motors on this sized boat, but was just trying to determine if a 9.9 4-stroke Merc Kicker would be effective (by itself) on a boat this size. I think the consensus is that a 9.9HP is too small for this boat.

Ron, I’ve been all over Craigslist, but I’m trying to stay away from older boats because I’ve read too many horror stories about inability to find spare parts for older motors, rotten plywood, soaked/mildewed buoyancy foam, etc:). I tend to agree with your preference for the tiller vs console, but my sweetie loves the console, so its a trade-off:)

I really want to thank everyone for their input. Being new to the game, I have many concerns because I know I don’t know enough about these boats and motors. Just little things like storage costs, the proper sized motor, how to keep batteries charged when I will have to store the boat off my property, etc etc:) But having folks like you who are willing to contribute makes all the difference.

Most of my fishing will be for bass and walleye – so the right sized front end trolling motor (enough to control the boat in shallow water during windy conditions) and the right sized outboard/prop (enough to get on plane, while good for deep water trolling) is what I am hoping for.

I’m located in Kettering Ohio and willing to travel, so if any of you know where I can find a used 16′ Lund with a console, let me know. The local dealer wants $15,000 for a 2016 Rebel 1600 with nothing on it except a 40HP Merc 4 stroke.