20 hp on a 12' aluminum boat

[wbeaton]

Re: 20 hp on a 12' aluminum boat

Do it and send up pictures, flying across the lake with a 20hp. I want to do the same thing! My 12' boat dosen't plane w/ 3 guys and my 9.8hp.

That's a different issue. Also 3 guys is probably over the weight limit for your boat.

Overweight + too much motor = trouble

You should put your 12' up for sale and get a 14' boat.

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: 20 hp on a 12' aluminum boat

I have a very old 12 foot aluminum MirroCraft -- probably a 1975 model or so. It has a taller transom than any other 12 footer I have had before and also has two re-enforcements on the transom. The decal says that it is rated for 20hp which was a surprise to me. So I put my battery as far forward as I could and strapped on my 18hp Evinrude. I had to wonder as I was flying low over the lake if I was breaking the speed limit! Brought tears to my eyes.

I am still a novice at boating, but it sure seemed like this boat was traveling too fast. Were they fast and loose with the hp ratings in the '70s?

 

[JB]

Re: 20 hp on a 12' aluminum boat

Some heavy duty hulls were rated higher, but just staying within the rating is no guarantee of safe operation.