1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

[Starcraftobsession]

Ok Tinners!! I am rebuilding my 65 StarCraft and got to thinking about a motor. I have done lots of research (even here) and all I can find is the max. which is 120. This boat is for fishing and I want something smaller for a motor so I can troll down with it a little better. Cant afford a 4 stroke so does anyone have an idea of what I can put on this boat for a 2 stroke motor? I was thinking 75 Hp would be ok but I don't want to under power the boat either. Boat is aluminum fyi. Thanks!!

 

[bob johnson]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

Ok Tinners!! I am rebuilding my 65 StarCraft and got to thinking about a motor. I have done lots of research (even here) and all I can find is the max. which is 120. This boat is for fishing and I want something smaller for a motor so I can troll down with it a little better. Cant afford a 4 stroke so does anyone have an idea of what I can put on this boat for a 2 stroke motor? I was thinking 75 Hp would be ok but I don't want to under power the boat either. Boat is aluminum fyi. Thanks!!

we have to know the load the boat will normally see 2 adults...4 adults..50 quarts cooler of ice and drinks? what else will you carry

I bet if you didnt have to 30 mph you could even run a 50 hp
bob

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

According to the 70% rule the minimum you need for decent performance would be an 84 hp since I am unaware of any manufacturers that make an 84 hp engine I would probably go with an 85hp why not put a kicker on it for trolling?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

Yep ^^^ of course there's also the 'having the power when you need it' argument, not just for what you do & go, but to avoid what other's are or aren't doing too.........

 

[ctswf]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

i have a 1982 70hp evinrude on my 18' tin. A few people here have that setup. I max out at 32 mph, I'm very happy with it. Ive loaded 4 adults, coolers, ice, beer.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

A 3 cylinder 60-75 should get the job done.

 

[laurentide]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

i have a 1982 70hp evinrude on my 18' tin. A few people here have that setup. I max out at 32 mph, I'm very happy with it. Ive loaded 4 adults, coolers, ice, beer.

A 3 cylinder 60-75 should get the job done.

x3. I have an 18' with an '82 70hp. On glass calm days I hit 33mph on GPS at 5400 rpm. Great on gas and plenty fast (for me at least). I usually run in the low 20s at 4000 rpm to save gas, and it's on plane at 18mph. I like this setup plenty.

EDIT: I don't pull skiers or tubes, just fishing/getting to anchor spots, but it sounds like you're just fishing too.

 

[Gibbles]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

I had the plan to run a 3cyl 65hp on my chief... then lady luck in the form of a Canadian paid me a visit...

I don't think you will hate it, just get the right prop setup and it should be fine.

 

[barato2]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

Beware Canadians bearing gifts of dorm fridges....

 

[Gibbles]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

lol ^

If you give them our V5's they leave in peace.

 

[airshot]

Re: 1965 Starcraft Holiday 18ft. MINUMUM Horsepower rating!!

Neighbor has an 18' with a 50 hp Merc 2 stroke. He can get about 24 mph with 3 adults and fishing gear. Adequate but not thrilling.
Only problem I see is he runs it wide open most of the time to get across the lake, as others have suggested I think a 3 cyl 70 hp would be ideal.