40 hp to small?

dmurray

Seaman
Joined
Mar 13, 2004
Messages
51
I have a 1000lb bass boat (fiberglass 1989 Winner)and the 110 hp is no longer worth rebuilding. I have another boat that has a 40hp Honda 4 stroke. Would the Honda push the boat? I am not worried about speed, my concern is the motor, can it handle the load?
 

gewf631

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 4, 2003
Messages
489
Re: 40 hp to small?

I am not worried about speed,
Oars will push the boat!<br /><br />Seriously, if it's not too loaded, that should be enough to get her up on plane. A set of SmartTabs might also help.<br /><br />I'd think it's a long term decision:<br />- hassle (expense) of moving the motor<br />- hassle (expense) of moving the controls<br />- how long are you going to keep the bass boat<br />- what's wrong with re-configuring the other boat
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: 40 hp to small?

Most people will tell you that it is too small, I do not believe that. We sell to many customers in Europe that use smaller motors, as the gas prices are very high ($4.00 to $5.00 per gallon).<br /><br />Obviously top speed will be an issue, and getting on plane will be more difficult. This is where we sell Smart Tabs and eliminate the planing problem.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 40 hp to small?

Careful weight distribution and careful prop selection will get you by.Before getting too excited be sure shaft length is the same.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 40 hp to small?

It will probably work....IF. You invest in the right propeller so as not to be lugging the engine. You will probably be in the pontoon prop area.
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: 40 hp to small?

Get another and pair them up. Never seen a bass boat with twins before. ;)
 

Frankhanhart

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 30, 2004
Messages
326
Re: 40 hp to small?

have a 1200 lbs 17' boat with 40 hp and it planes nicely with 3 people. As mentioned somewhere before....easy on the gas to here in Holland :rolleyes:
 

dmurray

Seaman
Joined
Mar 13, 2004
Messages
51
Re: 40 hp to small?

thanks for the posts. If I try it, I will post back to see how it works. However, I am curious about the prop size, is there a reccomended size for the weight/size of motor?
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: 40 hp to small?

The key to the prop is that at Wide Open Throttle your engine RPMs are within the manufacturers (motor) specifications. If the RPMs are lower you can reduce the pitch, if they are higher you can increase the pitch. <br /><br />Keep this in mind, if you depend on the prop to cure all of the performance problems (getting on plane easier) then you will likely run the engine faster for every MPH, and increase fuel consumption. Boat balance is as important or even more important than HP.
 
Top