4o hp Merc

[vedder2203]

Was curious if anyone can tell what they think is the lowest hp prop they would
or you think you could power an 17' alum sled with. Got the chance to pic up a
mid 80"s 40 hp Merc for fairly cheap and not sure on pulling the trigger.. thanx

 

[boobie]

Re: 4o hp Merc

All you can do is get a tach for it and experiment with props.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 4o hp Merc

Was curious if anyone can tell what they think is the lowest hp prop they would
or you think you could power an 17' alum sled with. Got the chance to pic up a
mid 80"s 40 hp Merc for fairly cheap and not sure on pulling the trigger.. thanx

"alum sled" could mean a lot of things to a lot of people.
What kind of boat are we talking about?

Are you asking about 40 hp vs a larger motor?
Or are you asking about what pitch prop for a 40 hp motor?


Weight?

make and model?

 

[vedder2203]

Re: 4o hp Merc

So its a 17 ' north river open .. rated 115 max remote / 80 manual..
its Scout model and weight 800?. it is
rated 4 person , motor 1070lbs , i believe.. sorry so vague on original..
just wondered if i could get up on plane withe the 40.. probably not ...?

 

[steelespike]

Re: 4o hp Merc

Rated for 115. It is usually recommended to have 2/3 to 3/4 of the rated hp.About 75 to 85 hp.
I figure your at about 1700 lbs total weight with 4 adults. You might get it to plane but nothing to spare.
I used to plane a 18 ft bare utility with a total weight around 1200-1400 lbs with a 25 hp.
But I was starting with a boat that only weighed about 375 dry.
It planed easily but the max speed was about 18 to 20 mph with no power to spare.

 

[vedder2203]

Re: 4o hp Merc

Thank you for the reply , I was thinking the same on the 75 to 85 hp range..
I'm thinking Yamaha, but looking at all other candidates...

 

[roscoe]

Re: 4o hp Merc

A 40 will work, if propped right, and load kept to a minimum.

I see several 17' North River boats for sale, with 60 and 70 hp.

70 would be the minimum for me, because I travel heavy.