i have settled on getting a 23 copperhead, originally it was 'just' an 18 but the weight difference is like 5lbs only. Figured the 23 is good for when I upgrade the boat later.

the 14hp copperhead is not that much lighter, anyone actually seen in person a gheenoe running an engine that weight, 130lbs. I already reinforced my transom and gator-hided the bottom.

why a gheenoe 13', cus thats what I have right now and will have for the next year. Im getting like 21mph now with a high reving briggs animal sd around 10hp. I want some serious torque though.

Be prepared to hold on.

Your gonna rip the transom out.

the 18 will be more than enough, ive got a buddy thats got a 1446 fiberglass skiff that weighs 180 lbs with an 18 copperhead and hes bumping 28 with just him in the boat.. that transom isnt gonna last from the beating its gonna take.

Does anyone have any knowledge of the copperhead 14HP Kohler? I wish they copperhead made a 14/16 twin. I feel like I'm right in the gap between the singles and twins. My main concern is riding low in the rear and the wash over when cutting the throttle with the 18. Clearly 23 is too much to be safe

Whats up with the animal? Did u sell it?

the animal, I just mounted and ran the motor this weekend with new HTD belts and pulleys, its like night and day compared to the 'H' type belt system that was on it before, seems bulletproof. Currently having a chromoly driveshaft made and once I get that put it it should be ready to sell, a cold-rolled steel shaft has no place on a 6k rpm engine.

I was getting 21mph with it on my gheenoe, so Im just looking for a motor that can match that when fully loaded with 2 people, thats why I was looking at the 18. The Gheenoe I have is supposed to be 130lbs, but at this point Im sure its closer to 200 mabe because it was made at the subcontractor facility in Arkansas.

Got a reply from copperhead:

"Anthony,
I would never recommend putting the 18 on a 13' Gheenoe!!"

that answers my question well enough. double exclamation point makes it pretty clear the 18 would be foolish.