Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

jack bowman · #1 March 6th, 2004, 06:03 PM

I dropped my 15.5 ft Tracker alum boat at the dealer's today to install a new 40 hp Honda

For not much more $ I can get a 50 hp. I will use the boat for fishing and cruising -normally 1-2 people but sometimes 3.

Any advice about the additional horses (boat max rated for 50hp)

wayne h · #2 March 6th, 2004, 07:16 PM

i dont belive in maxing out a boats hp rating i think a 40hp will do very nice for you might even be a little scary haha. i say save you extra $$ and spend it on goodies. i have a 12 foot aluminum thats rated for a 15 but its fast enough with a 30 year old 9.5 on it

Forktail · #3 March 6th, 2004, 07:37 PM

It really comes down to whether or not you want to spend a few extra bucks. The 40 will do fine, the 50 a little faster. Both the Honda 40 and 50 are basically the same engien, on the same block.

Fishing and cruising....I'd go for the 40 HP and save a few bucks. If speed is an issue go with the 50.

steelespike · #4 March 7th, 2004, 02:30 AM

As Ive heard many times here, you dont here anyone say "I wish I had less hp".We ran a 40 on a 15 runabout for years and years.It was ok but

when you started to load it up it pooped out.

What a difference it was when we went to the 50.

And better mpg than the 40 when driven at part throttle.

cobra 3.0 · #5 March 7th, 2004, 02:50 AM

Go with the 50! "Not much more" now, will be worth more later on... should you wish to one day sell it. As mentionned earlier, I've never heard someone say that they had too much horsepower!

Navigator · #6 March 9th, 2004, 12:47 PM

Beats workin,

If you can anny up for the 50, do it. I have the 40 and wish I would have gotten the 50. Fuel economy is basically the same unless you continually run at WOT.

Extremely nice engine. Silky smooth. You'll be happy either way

Nav

crazy charlie · #7 March 9th, 2004, 01:03 PM

Go for the 50 !!!!!! you can hang on to it if you ever go with a bigger boat.I have never heard someone say "my boat is too fast" Charlie

DJ · #8 March 9th, 2004, 01:04 PM

I completely agree with this statement being never heard: "gee, I wish I had less horsepower".

Since the 40 and 50 are of nearly identical weight, I would go with the 50. The resale value will be higher also.

LubeDude · #9 March 9th, 2004, 01:42 PM

More is better! Being basically the same weight, you will someday be glad you had the extra HP. Even if it is when you sell it! Just because you have it doesnt mean you have to use it. And I do beeleive in maxing out the HP on a boat!

jack bowman · #10 March 9th, 2004, 03:59 PM

Thanks guys

Good advice. I decided to go with the 50. The mechanic doing the work agreed.

Turns out the boat is max rated for 60hp. Seems high for a 15.5 ft but go figure

LubeDude · #11 March 9th, 2004, 06:45 PM

You will never be sorry you did!

DJ · #12 March 10th, 2004, 05:11 AM

beats workin,

Excellent. You are right where I would want to be. You are maximizing your power without going up a step in weight.

Let us know how she goes.

Jdeagro · #13 March 10th, 2004, 06:10 AM

Navigator;

If you want it to run up with the 50 and better, try Smart Tabs. Do a search on this site. Cost about $150.00 or less.

Navigator · #14 March 10th, 2004, 12:02 PM

nautiJohn,

Smart tabs aren't really an option since I'm running a 40 horse Tiller on a Crestliner Aluminum Modified V welded John boat.

It might look kind of funny

Nice thought though.

Thanks,

Nav

Jdeagro · #15 March 11th, 2004, 05:59 AM

Nav;

Just curious, why can't you install trim tabs on this boat. They do not need electricity, and we have done many tiller motor boats.

John