Evinrude 70hp 4-stroke Enough Motor?

[bob30p]

I'm looking at a 20' Lund Alaskan with a model year 2000 Evinrude 70hp 4-stroke. It seems underpowered considering it's rated for 125hp (I assume that is a 2-stroke capacity). Of course the owner claims it's all I'll ever need, and I guess it could be. The boat itself only weighs about 1200lbs dry and at the very most I might one day want four fisherman and gear in the boat, maybee 800 more lbs? Is anyone running a similar setup? Can anyone comment on the motor itself? My last Lund, a 16' Rebel was underpowered and I don't want to do that again. Thanks

[Silvertip]

Any boat, for reasonable performance should be powered by an engine that is rated no less than 70 - 75% of its maximum rated HP. Since this boat is rated for a 125, a 70 is 56% of the maximum. I suspect this boat is a pig and adding another 800 pounds would make it even more of a pig. 75% of 125 is 93 so that boat should have at least a 90 on it. Capacity does not differentiate between two and four stroke.

[bob30p]

I brought up the 2-stroke capacity because I figured a 70hp 4-stroke probably weighs as much as a 125hp 2-stroke. Does the max rating have anything to do with the weight of the motor or is it strictly horsepower? In my case, would it make any difference if the motor hanging off the back was a 125hp 2-stroke or a 125hp 4-stroke, even thought the four weighs a lot more?

[JB]

I agree with Silvertip. I think you need at least 100HP for satisfactory performance from the big Lund.

Several companies offer 115HP 4 strokes that weigh slightly over 400#, about 100# more than a typical 90 or 115 2 stroke. On that boat and "extra" 100# on the transom isn't going to be a problem.

Before you get too stuck on a 4 stroke 115, take a look at the ETEC.

Your EvinZuki DF70 is a very popular engine for lighter, smaller boats.

[tmfd]

I'm pretty sure I looked at that boat. (motor is painted same color as boat) And ended up buying a different one from the same dealer. I too wondered about the size of the engine. Just out of curiosity, what does the dealer say about the size and how it will push the boat.

[Silvertip]

CAUTION: The dealer will tell you anything you want to hear. Do your research and do it well. You only get one chance at this. Look at test reports. Every engine manufacturer has these on-line these days. If you can't find the exact boat, pick one that is similiar in size and weight. If you find the boat but not the engine, go to another engine manufacturers site, and pick the desired HP. The information is available. Use it.

[26aftcab454]

I have a 1957 aluminum 18ft LoneStar El Dorado that weighs 780lbs. dry . I have a 1994 Evinrude 115hp (the old school 90 degree block) mounted on a factory 20 inch long transom bracket . The boat has a incredible hole shot and tops out 41MPH WOT. The hull was not designed for that much power in 1957 and I usually don't run over 4,000RPM. it runs about 33MPH there and rides swell.

If I was looking to purchase a new simular rig I would go 115HP Evinrude E-tec. I hope you find the right rig-good luck.
just my $0.02
Joe

[bob30p]

tmfd,

Yep, that is the boat. Engine cover painted to match. Out of curiosity, when did you look at the boat? What did you think? How much was he asking then? Of course the guy I talked to claimed it was plenty of motor, and like I said, I won't be hauling supplies in the Alaskan wilderness, just 3-4 fisherman at the most. Ideally, I'd like to take it for a ride with at least three guys in it. Do you know if that is an option at this place since you've been there? I haven't actually been there yet. Still trying to figure out if it is worth the drive. Thanks

[tmfd]

Sorry I didnt get back with you, I've been up north for 10 days, and sort of forgot about my post. As I said, I did buy my current boat from that dealer. He seemed about like the average dealer, tells you just what you want to hear. But he did replace the one thing I found out wrong, interior side panel was damaged and I removed it and brought it back to him. He cut me out a new one without any holes in it, as I wanted to drill new ones. I'm very happy with the boat so far, but that I consider good luck. I do think he will let you take it out on Gun lake if you want to.
I was very pleased with the performance of my 16ft aluminum hull with just the 60hp, didnt think it would be as good as it turned out to be. See my post here