Is a 40hp to small?

[Trickle56]

I'am looking at purchasing at 2008 1856 G3 Gator Tough boat with no motor. Trying to figure out what motor i can put on it and stay at bout 25 mph cruising with two men including my self. My buddy has a the same size boat in a Tracker Grizzly with a 40 4-stroke Merc and we can do the above no sweat. I have been told that the G3 are quite a bit heavier. Leaving me to wonder if a 40 will be enough. Appreciate any input.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Is a 40hp to small?

I'm just guessing but I'm thinking if it gets on plane(it should) you should have know problem going 25mph,not sure about cruising(70%throttle).
Whats the max hp on the boat?
I've read good things about those 4stroke 40hp mercs,alot of duckhunters use them on their boats.
Some say they can be modded up to 50/60 hp,the big foot.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Is a 40hp to small?

Based on 2011 specs a 1756 is 800lbs with an 1170 package weight.There are only 1860 listed in 011
Max hp is 70 they do offer a 40 so it must plane fairly easily if setup right and carefully loaded.
obviously won't carry alot of extra weight.If your 250 pounders you may want to comsider a 50.Still low but we were very pleased when we went up 10hp to a 50 on our 15ft runabout.
Typically it is suggested to run 2/3 to 3/4 the rated hp.

 

[Trickle56]

Re: Is a 40hp to small?

Brain fart its a 1860. The max on the plate is a 90HP. Be the fastest flat bottom I bet anybody would ever see. But wanna stay with the 40 some of the best duck holes around here a 40 is the biggest you can have. Thanks fellas.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Is a 40hp to small?

That's a lot of john boat. She's liable to be a dog with a 40, especially with a couple of guys and their gear. What about just using a 9.9 or something for the duck hole? Those can be had cheap if you're in the right neck of the woods.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Is a 40hp to small?

I run an 1870 Express MV with a 90HP Yamaha, really a bit more power than it needs, I think a 70HP would be good for what you're doing. Every now and then it's nice to have some extra power/speed, like trying to get back to ramp/shore running from a big thunderstorm! Good Luck!

 

[Trickle56]

Re: Is a 40hp to small?

Thanks for idea Incoop, reckon we're in the same woods just north of ya bout 25 miles in Vilonia. In an ideal world I would like to put a 50 to 75 on her. If I could find one that wouldn't break the ole pocket book. Appreciate it guys.