70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

[ctswf]

Hi there,
I want to upgrade to a new (used) hull and need some guidance. Here is what I have been running for a few years now

BOAT: 1972? Winner Marauder 16' fiberglass hull
MOTOR: 1982 70hp Evinrude outboard model: e70elcnb
PROP: 13-1/4 x 17
Top speed: 30 mph
Estimated boat weight: 850lbs ?

I want to get a bigger hull, am I right to assume that if I go with an aluminum hull, I can go a little larger because they are generally lighter than fiberglass?

I have been searching craigslist for 18' aluminum boats (Starcraft mostly..I don't know many others). In general, should performance be similar using my same 70hp?

Is something like this just way out of the question for a 70hp? This person had a 90hp on it
1985 Sea nymph 19' aluminum boat
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/boa/3190334989.html

thanks
I really appreciate any guidance on my search.

Heres a pic of my current beast

 

[cr2k]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

I would think if you went Al. You could go up a few feet and not loose too much.

 

[ctswf]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

What about weight? Lets say the 19' boat is 300lbs heavier than the 16' could this be compared to bringing one extra fat guy on my 16'er ? Or are there other variables.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

You could do an 18' Starcraft, won't be a speed demon out of the hole, but mine was rated for 140, but came with a 65. They ran it that way for 35 years before I bought it and put a newer engine on it.


You might be struggling a little with the Sea Nymph, not sure.

Its funny, he said he paid 2000 for that trailer. We bought 3 of them. The first cost us $1200, then I found a place that was selling out and got the next 2 for 900 each. ( galvanized bunk 2600# capacity)

 

[ctswf]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

Do you recall how fast your 18' with 65 hp could go? Also, do you guys know any other decent aluminum manufacturers/keywords to look for on Craigslist? I don't need a trailer or motor, just a cheap hull I can work on.

I have a smartphone app searching for "Starcraft, aluminum, lowe" alumacraft looks good but all appear new and expensive.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

the question isn't size, it's hull design. a 70 will push a 19' carolina skiff J series, even a 21'. I have a mid-80's 70 on a 17' key west bay boat hull and it is real fast plus lots of power for pulling skis.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

Your motr should work fine. Remember that CL ad is his "asking" price and you can always negotiate. I would wave $1000 cash in his face and if he says no just walk away. There are many aluminum boats for sale on CL and do not be afraid to travel a bit. Western MA is close to Albany NY, Vermont CT etc.

That boat in the ad needs work and the seller obviously has emotion tied into the sale.

 

[ctswf]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

Thanks to all the input so far. I checked the boat out... I'm on the fence about it

Floor is just 1/2 inch unsealed plywood, needs to go.
Hull has a few popped rivets in the bottom of the boat which are leaking slowly.
I know they are leaking slowly, because this person has the boat sitting level with a small pond in it...:facepalm:
Transom cap is slightly pealed back exposing the wood to rain for up to 2 years, although the wood is hard as a rock when i stuck it with a screw driver and the transom seems very solid. The motor holes are plugged to an extent protecting from rain.

Buyer says his family member filled all new closed cell foam when putting the floor on 4 years ago.
The foam I can see seems good, but i cant get access to any foam that may be sitting in a puddle.
Needs various little things done, needs seats, the live well "bay" in front of the console is missing the live well insert and/or a seat on top of it.

Under the center console is open , this is where the main puddle/leaking rivets are and i see no rust on the metal.
the rest of the rivets on the hull seem fine, the old paint is not broken around them

Wants $450 for the hull only.

I mean, as expected the boat needs work. I am a handy person and I can do it, but I'm still not sure about it. Does this sound reasonable?

I have had 2 beater boats before. I like to get them running quickly, use them right away (fishing), and fix them up (or not) over time.

I see this as being necessary before I can get running:
-New wood for floor + resin sealed properly. (Haven't read up on it, but I guess marine grade ply wood)
-Seats
-Transom?- it seems fine but I don't like seeing it exposed to rain. I do not want to get stuck replacing it.
-Possible new foam
-various bolts around the boat are missing (not structural but needed)
-Need to get access to a rivet gun of that size.

On top of that, my trailer is kind of tight for this hull, but it should fit based on my measurements.

$450 for the hull, lets say + $500 to get it into useable state (not including seats and its still a beater at this point). Maybe I am better off buying a hull with a good floor and some seats for $1000..(I haven't found much in the past 2 months of looking). At the same time, for $1000 and some labor I think I will have what I really desire, this hull is quite awesome.

Apologizes for the long writing..I live in a bizarre world where my friends aren't in to boats.. so I need to bounce my thoughts off you all!

Thanks

 

[ctswf]

Re: 70 hp evinrude- upgrading hull- how a big can i go?

well I am still looking. came across an ad for a late 60's Starcraft holiday 18'. haven't got ahold of the owner yet. I can't stop thinking of the sea nymph, the custom (and giant) bow rails are one of a kind. I was all about the project when I looked at it. Note to self: leave wife home next time.
Something like an 18' holiday is probably more suited for my 70hp anyway.