Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

[Marvelous5891]

So I bought a 78 Starcraft 18' holiday with a 65hp Evinrude and a trailer from my neighbor for $200, I don't have any pics right now but I will try to put some on soon. Its a solid hull from what I can see but it needs a complete resto. I plan on starting it this summer. The motor is shot. I've been looking on cl for a donor boat and have found a few that I need to call on. I'm just looking for some suggestions on motor size.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

Howdy Marv and welcome to iboats!

Well, once you get that ol Holiday brought back to life, what do you plan to do with it? Fish? Ski? Both? Go fast?

You'd probably be in good shape with something in the 90 to 120 HP range.

I think the 18' Holiday is rated for 120, that sound right to you guys?

 

[classiccat]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

:welcome:

Jas hit it with a good HP range...although you can bump up the max HP to 140.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

A 115hp is the perfect fit for the boat and found very common on rotten donor boats

 

[Marvelous5891]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

Hey guys, thanks for the suggestions. I'm mainly going to be fishing with it. I've called on a few boats in the 70's era with motors ranging from 75-110 hp. one is a 71 merc 95hp for $450, another is a 79 Johnson 110hp.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

Good choice, try to stay with the late 70's and younger to avoid the electric shift.

 

[SigSaurP229]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

That 79 johnson is a great near indestructible motor parts are readily available and cheap. Plus it has the newer tilt and trim

 

[barato2]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

welcome to the pit o doom. you KNOW how addictive these things are, right?

 

[Marvelous5891]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

barato, I do. I already have a nice little early 60's crestliner with a mid 70's Johns on 9.9 and a cheaper canoe. im planning on upgrading the canoe in the next year or so but it would also be nice to get a 12'er for river fishing. ive definitely got a major case of MBS.

so Im going to look at an 86 18ft glasport with an 86 115hp Johnson and trailer for $1200 on Wednesday. I think it will make a great donor boat. heres the add from cl, I cant figure out how to post pics. 1986 18 ft glasport boat

 

[dozerII]

Re: Engine suggestions for an 18' holiday

If that could be had for $800-$1000 that would be a good deal if the motor checks out, the trailer looks good as well.