90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

[maillon]

Hello,<br /><br />Do you gentlemen think that a 17.5 Mckee craft would be sufficiently powered with a 90HP Honda? <br /><br />Max horsepower on the boat is rated for 150 (2-stroke).<br /><br />Thanks for you help

 

[JB]

Re: 90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

The 90 should work for light loads and moderate speed.<br /><br />If you want to ski, carry heavy loads or go fast I think you need at least 115hp. The 115hp 4 strokes are all EFI, while most of the 90s (except Johnson/Suzuki)are carbed.<br /><br />En EFI 115 should give better fuel usage, longer life and more user friendly operation.<br /><br />All major manufacturers offer a EFI 115 4 stroke. The Honda is the heaviest of them by nearly 100lb. I suggest the Johnson.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[maillon]

Re: 90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

Thanks JB.<br /><br />You've given me advice before and I appreciate it. Given the weight of the boat, do you think that the Honda 130 would be too much?

 

[Hawaiian]

Re: 90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

I have a BF90 on my 16' Boston Whaler Dauntless. The boat has a deep V and weighs 1500 lbs dry. I have a 15 pitch prop on it and it pulls up a skier easily and tops out at about 38mph.

 

[DJ]

Re: 90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

maillon,<br /><br />I think the 90 would be adequate. The 115 OK and the 130 even better.<br /><br />If you're going to go with the 115, you might as well go 130. They weigh the same.<br /><br />I'll bet McKee Craft could answer your questions regarding weight.

 

[maillon]

Re: 90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

I did call Mckee corporation. In fact, I talked to Mr. Mckee. He said that I would have to put trim tabs on the boat but felt that it would be fine. Their new 185 Offshoreman is essentially the same boat as mine, just a little longer and little heavier (80 poounds). These boats come with trim tabs as standard equipment from the factory.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: 90hp Honda on 17.5 boat (1480 lbs) - Is this Enough?

I'd have to agree with the previous replies. McKee is a vey good boat, but has a lot of wetted surface [and friction] due to it's design. They are definitely not noted for being "fast". I believe you would be much more satisfied with a 130HP or even larger. Mr. McKee's suggesting trim tabs with a 90 supports this, to some extent.