1970's 18 foot SS.

[kbh121956]

Will a 75 HP power this 18' aluminum? I'm new to the StarCraft boats.

 

[jbcurt00]

Power? Yes

Ideal HP for an 18ftr? Probabiy not.... esp if its an 18ft Chief or Islander w added cabin weight.

Most likely rated for a 125+hp....

 

[Watermann]

Which Starcraft? Giving us the year, model and any add on's would help answer your question. Normally a 90 prop rated motor is as low as I would go on an 18' anything. Most are rated at 140 max HP.

 

[Watermann]

Guess I should read the title, 1970's 18 foot SS :lol:

 

[kbh121956]

Thanks for the replies. It is rated 140hp tops. The outboard that is on it has sat for 11 years plus. unknown condition other then the wiring harness and control are bad, and water in the lower gear case. Its a open bow, Two people and a dog would be onboard. I have a sweet running 75hp, it would be used on local lakes only. The outboard looks to be a 1972 model so I would assume that the boat is also a 1972. Another site, I was told that a 50 would plane it! That's hard to believe.

 

[Watermann]

If you have a 75 then by all means slap it on there. You can always look for another motor if you're not happy. Most guys are adding weight to their boats and really need the 100+ HP.

 

[kbh121956]

Thanks again Watermann for your reply. I will look for a larger outboard but in the meantime, I'll be fishing!

 

[mattsteg]

Which Starcraft? Giving us the year, model and any add on's would help answer your question. Normally a 90 prop rated motor is as low as I would go on an 18' anything. Most are rated at 140 max HP.

To nitpick, my dad runs a 19 ft 50s crestliner rated for I think 70hp. Get into the light stuff with little or no floor, and you can get by with less power.

But back on topic - run what you have, upgrade if it doesn't do the job.

 

[discochris]

When I first bought mine, it had a 70 on it, It moved the boat okay, but the motor was in terrible shape, so I had a 115 rebuilt for it. Some will say the 115 is too small, but it will push my boat at around 40mph, which is plenty for the size of the lakes we are on. So yes, a 75 will be fine if you're not on really big water, or towing skiers.

 

[kbh121956]

Discochris, thank you for your reply and love your boat.