Smallest outboard on 18' Cuddy?

['82Glastron]

I need to find an outboard to replace the 125hp force on my 18' Bayliner Capri Cuddy. I want to know what the smallest outboard is that will plane the boat. I am not looking for a lot of speed I just want to cruise around. Wondering if 60-80 will do the job.

 

[64osby]

For best results you should look at a replacement motor that has at least 75% the maximum HP rating for your boat.

A 60 to 80 would struggle to get the boat on plane and maintain it IMO.

 

['82Glastron]

I believe these boats came with a 85 from the factory. Im just trying to see what I could get away with to save some gas.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you want fuel economy in a boat, get a boat with oars or a sail. too small of a motor will actually use more fuel than a larger motor, as you will have the throttle at WOT all the time to get the boat out of the hole.

 

[garbageguy]

Unless you plan to keep the boat forever, you may want to consider resale. An underpowered boat will probably limit its market, and selling price.

 

[Frank Acampora]

I had a nice closed bow Renken 18 footer. It was powered with a Chrysler140 when I bought it. later I put on a Force 125 and it performed well. Just for a hoot I also powered it with a Chrysler 75. It planed well and topped out at about 25 MPH but I was not satisfied and went back to the 125.

Since you have a cuddy which is usually a bit heavier than a closed bow, I would not go as low as a 60. 70-75 would be the smallest I would mount on it..

 

[tomhath]

Just because you have a motor that can push the boat at 40 MPH doesn't mean you need to go that fast. Cruise around in the mid-teens and your fuel economy will be about the same with a bigger motor throttled down or a smaller motor running wider open. Energy is energy.

 

[fishin98]

Until recently I owned a 2000 Bayliner Capri Cuddy 1802 with a 2000 Merc 90hp 3cyl 2 str. It would perform well, get great fuel mileage and run rings around a 125 Force/Chrysler boat anchor. Look around for one....don't waste your time or money on another Force....Just my 2cts

 

[boobie]

What's the Hp rating of the boat ?.