75 hp underpowered for 16' boat?

[iron21]

i'm looking at 16' 1997 bayliner open bow with a 75 hp force of the same year. Would this combination be underpowered? I'm used to I/O's, and dont have much knowledge of o/b's, but i would think you should have at least 85,90 hp for this boat? and if i remember correctly, didnt the older bayliners have either 85 or 120hp o/b's? should i pass on this boat? i would appreciate any advice..

 

[Tregaskis]

Re: 75 hp underpowered for 16' boat?

Underpowered for what? Bayliner sold an entry level 16' around these years with the 75hp engine on it. You should expect 38 - 40mph out of this if it is set up right and in good condition (light load, 2 people). This boat will pull a slalom skier out without much hassle.<br />Let the condition of the boat and engine vs. the price make the decision. Don't worry about being underpowered with this rig.

 

[iron21]

Re: 75 hp underpowered for 16' boat?

thanks for the reply, but i have another question...on average, how long do forces typically last until they need to be rebuilt? i know there is not one set answer and many factors influence this, but considering it was taken care of,and lets say run 50 hours a season, whats a ballpark estimate? this boat/engine is 9 years old already and i really want to avoid it if i'm going to need to have it rebuilt a few years down the road. thanks again

 

[roscoe]

Re: 75 hp underpowered for 16' boat?

Rebuild schedule is the same as any other outboard.<br />If it is kept maintained, tuned, waterpump / impeller kept in good working order, and not abused, it should last 2000-3000 hours.<br /><br />There are lots of old outboards from the 60's and 70's that are still going strong.<br /><br />This motor has little in common with the Force motors from 1993 or earlier.<br />Almost every part is of Mercury or Mariner origin, except the block itself.<br /><br />I would expect low to mid thirties for speed. You will not be happy with it if you load it down with 6 people and picnic gear.<br />But fine for 2-4 people.<br /><br />Have the enging checked out, get some compression readings, and take her for a half hour test drive.<br /><br />Happy Boating.

 

[imported_LakeRunner]

Re: 75 hp underpowered for 16' boat?

As Roscoe says, the key word is maintenance. Be proactive and the boat will thank you in return with hours of fun on the water. I ended up with a problem because I skipped a small detail. I still love my 95 16' Bayliner enough that I am rebuilding the engine and it came with a 70! Get those compression readings and if they look good, your gonna have alot of fun. Good Luck!