im looking at a new 16 foot john boat with a 40 horspower 30 hp output, yamaha 4 cylinder engine for fishing and hunting the missouri river and maybe a steelhead trip to idaho, and british columbia salmon fishing... i dont want to be underpowered, but also dont want more boat than i can handle as i am older.. i need just enough for three people and day gear for fishing or duck hunting and fuel. im worried about overworking this engine or looseing fuel economy by using only the higher rpms? i wont be running it all day or even that much as i will be hunting on an island or drift fishing.. . thanks for any input.. dave (more info :im looking at buying this new boat,, a jet, and 30 is on the engine cover.. i should add that im at about 4000 ft elevation which will also reduce power... the boat is 16 foot crestliner john boat, aluminum, 270 pounds, center console , flatboat with flat bottom, and modified v in the front.. there is no chanel,it is ribbed on the bottom by forming about 1 1/4 inch square ribs going the length of the boat.. the back bottom is square.. it will haul with one to three people, not much gear for bird hunting and flyfishing... any help so i dont make a 6 year mistake on payments would be appreciated..dave
