too much boat?

bls1984 · Aug 28, 2010

recently put a down payment on a new ultracraft 166c, with the package it comes with a 40 hp honda 4 stroke. the boat i rated for up to 75 hp, the dealership said i would be happy with this boat and motor but i heard mixed things from others saying i would have trouble getting it to plane and it would be a dog. others say it will be fine. i set a price for myself and this is the most boat i could get for the money so i wouldnt upgrade the motor i would have to downgrade the boat. any input? or similar boats ? the boat is 720 lbs dry, 16' 6" long and 81" beam thank you

DonHof · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

I have a 30 merc. on a 14.75 lund and could have used a bigger motor.
It comes up on plane but you have to watch weight distribution.
Would have like a least a 40 on it.

RobbyA · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

Go read this review. This is really close to your motor/ boat set up and will tell you what you need to know.

http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?ID=1193

bls1984 · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

everything i read on tests tells me the boat should top out around 28 mph, i dont know about the getting it on plane though, this is my first boat and last for a while just want to make sure im getting what i want.

RobbyA · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

It looks like a 50hp Honda cost around 500.00 more. Is there any way you could fork over the extra 500.?
The 50hp is 2 lbs heavier, plus you get ten more hp out of it.

bls1984 · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

the dealership had told me that the bf40 and the bf 50, had the same cc, and the only difference is that i might get 3 mph top end, 0-20 would be the exact same. im not an expert im just trying to read between the lines with everyone trying to sell me something

bls1984 · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

it is an 08 boat and an 08 motor they had left over in their showroom so they knocked about a grand off of each just for being older

RobbyA · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

Well looking online at all the ultracraft 166c's, the smallest motor I could find on a used one was a 50hp.

A quick trip to HondaMarine.com confirms the salesman is correct. It seems the 50hp gathers its hp at a higher rpm. There is also a performance test on a similar boat on the 50hp.

bls1984 · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

in your opinion do you think i would have any issues? im new to this. i found a test with a 50hp on a alumacraft classic 165cs, similar boat just about 180 lbs heavier. topped out at 29.5 and time to plane was 3.9 sec. so would that be similar to the 40hp on the trophy?

JB · Aug 28, 2010

Re: too much boat?

Ordinarily I think that 70% of rated max HP is needed to get satisfactory performance. That says you would need a 50.

I haven't tested my rule of thumb with 4 strokes that are detuned versions of 25% more powerful engines, like the BF40 is a detuned BF50.

Given that you don't have the choice to upgrade to a BF50 without changing the whole deal I think I would trust the BF40 to perform very close to the BF50.

Good luck, fair winds and following seas.

bls1984 · Aug 29, 2010

need help before i make a mistake

need help before i make a mistake

the best package deal i could find right at the max of the price range i set for myself is a ultracraft trophy 166c with a honda bf 40 hp 4 stroke, the boat is rated for a 75. will i have any problems with the motor or plaining? whatever i get im stuck with. would not be able to upgrade the motor i would have to downgrade the boat. any input?

bls1984 · Aug 29, 2010

Re: need help before i make a mistake

Re: need help before i make a mistake

its 16'6" long 81'' beam 720 lbs. everytime i talk to a dealer they try to sell me something

Bob's Garage · Aug 29, 2010

Re: need help before i make a mistake

Re: need help before i make a mistake

I can't speak for the boat, only the situation. If you are going to purchase a boat, either packaged or after market, it is my considered opinion, after making my own mistakes, you should buy the maximum horsepower that the boat will carry.

It is false economy to purchase a smaller engine as it will have to work harder to push the boat in any given situation, using more fuel. It will also not have the additional power to make those occasional "quick getaways" when the weather turns fowl.

If that means settling for a smaller boat, or fewer add-ons then that is my advise for you to do. You can always install add-ons later, and you will never be happy with a boat that under performs because the power is barely adequate to get out of it's own way.

I don't know your budget, but perhaps you could find a young used boat with the desired "package". There are good buys out there, but you have to be patient and look. Don't rush in, it will be a mistake that will haunt you for a long time.

Good luck and have fun looking.

blifsey · Aug 29, 2010

Re: need help before i make a mistake

Re: need help before i make a mistake

Have always heard 2/3 max HP as a rule of thumb for minimum motor. Also, consider how you will be using it - number of people/gear on board, running long distance at high speed or putt-putting around a small lake, etc.

bls1984 · Aug 29, 2010

Re: need help before i make a mistake

Re: need help before i make a mistake

just for the family and for fishing really, just dont know anyone with anything similar to see. from everything i read it will top out at about 28, dont know how to tell about getting to plane out. i hear mixed things. really like the boat and the 20 year warranty 5 on the motor. anybody have anything similar or input?

bls1984 · Aug 29, 2010

Re: too much boat?

thanks alot. im just worried about not being happy after spending all that money

funk6294 · Aug 29, 2010

Re: too much boat?

Explain your concerns and see if they will let you test drive it...

roncoop75 · Aug 29, 2010

Re: too much boat?

If you're worried about getting up on plane you could always add some smart tabs later on, if you do indeed have a problem.

Challenger84 · Aug 30, 2010

Re: too much boat?

roncoop75 said:
If you're worried about getting up on plane you could always add some smart tabs later on, if you do indeed have a problem.

Well if he would need to add a couple hundred for the smart tabs then I would suggest upgrading the motor now then trying to enhance a weaker motor.

I dont have the same boat but my boat specs are close to the one your looking at.
I have a 16' bow rider with a dry weight of 700lbs with a 70 hp Johnson on it and I would still like more power. But mine is a 2 stroke and an older model where they measured HP at the crank and not the prop.
Hope that helps.
Good luck with your first boat!

smokeonthewater · Aug 30, 2010

Re: too much boat?

it'll be fine as long as you aren't looking for high top speed..... I just put a mercruiser 165 in my 5500+ lb 26' cruiser.... it came stock with a 260... it topped out at 40 mph.... This old (1976) 165 jumps the boat onto plane in just a couple seconds and pushes her along at 29 mph light and 25 with 100 gallons of gas, 60 gal of water and 4 people on board.... It's all in the prop.... If you REALLY want a faster boat then walk away and buy a 2 year old boat with double the motor for less money... If you aren't in a hurry then put a lower pitched 4 blade prop on it and I suspect you will be able to plane at 1/2 throttle or less under most conditions

BTW dealer says you will be happy...... sounds like a verbal contract.... a guarantee..... Tell him you want that turned into numbers and put in writing.... ie "boat will go at least xx mph with xxx lbs on board or sale is null and void."

too much boat?

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