Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

[gerste]

I have a 14 foot aluminum jon boat (texas maid, probably 30+ years old) with a 1969 (I believe) 18hp Evinrude Fastwin. I'm not mechanically inclined and therefore have had the motor in the shop more than the water. Typically minor issues, carb rebuild, new fuel lines, etc. However, I believe I'm ready for a new(or used) outboard.

Question: What should I be looking for in a new outboard? My belief is that I could probably go to as large as 25 hp but perhaps this would be too heavy (or powerful) for the boat? Or as small as a 15 but would I be sacrificing power/speed?

For reference, the boat is used for fishing, salt and freshwater, flats, lake and river.

Thanks for any insight..

 

[drew2237]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

a 25 hp should light that boat on fire but a 15 should do good on it. is it a single wide or double wide? i like the evenrudes and johnsons they are hard to kill motors

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

I would suggest a somewhat recent 18/25 Merc. 25 is better as you get 7 more hp of whoopie for the same weight. 25 is a bit much if you are running empty and you don't have to max out the throttle. But when you get her loaded up with gear the 25 will show her colors.

Realizing that BIA didn't certify boats back then you can't rely on that.

Other caveat is that all johns aren't the same. Some have shallow sides, and have a narrow beam. On one of these, I'd stay out of open water and 18 hp max would be my recommendation; 10 or 12 would be better.

HTH and I had a few of them.

Mark

 

[colbyt]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

What is the beam (width ) of the boat? Width adds some stability so a wider one should handle the 25 as most modern wide ones are rated that way.

 

[gerste]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

Beam is roughly 4 foot

 

[colbyt]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

That isn't a jon boat. It is a v-hull. Other may disagree but a 25 is way too much motor for that boat.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

keep in mind also that a modern 15 is rated to make 15 at the prop and your old one made 18 at the flywheel... I suspect that a modern 15 in good shape would push that boat faster than the old 18

 

[gerste]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

Everyone: Thanks for the info!

I suppose I'm looking in the 15 to 20hp range then. Any suggestions on where/how to buy? I've shopped some of the marinas locally but see better value on the web, at least in regards to new motors.

Onlineoutboards.com has a tohatsu 20hp for 2600 at the moment. Reputable or no?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

YEP! right here at IBOATS.COM .... how bout a Mercury for LESS
2011 Mercury Complete Outboard - iboats.com

EDIT:
I just realized it is a used engine with a 60 day warranty... still, tho it's a 2011... I wonder how many hours it could possibly have on it.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

Onlineoutboards.com has a tohatsu 20hp for 2600 at the moment. Reputable or no?

Tohatsu makes their brand and relabels for Nissan and Mercury. Same basic engine with a different decal.

 

[drew2237]

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

i have a 25hp nissan and i love the motor the only problem is the parts are expensive. from the nissan tohatsu factory the water pump kit was $128 and if i went with just the impeller it was $32. so thats the only problem i have saw with them

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Finding a proper outboard for my jon boat

that old 18 is a mighty good engine.

But if you insist, get a 15.