Hello from a Newbie, and first question

[bmoore3]

Hey everyone. I'm brand spanking new to world of boating, I purchased my first boat in July of this year, its a 13.5 foot 1988 deep v bottom gamefisher. I have a lot of electric lakes here close to me (Garrett County Maryland, the home of Deep Creek lake) and its served its purpose in that regard for me this summer. But I'm wanting to explore the bigger lakes around and trying to decide on what motor to buy for it next spring. I'm not gonna buy one now due to it being almost time for hardwater season up here in the mountains unless I found a great deal on a used one. The boat is rated for a 25 HP motor but I'm thinking that the old 2 strokes were a lot lighter than the four strokes and if I hang a 25 HP four stroke off of her then it wouldn't be pretty come acceleration time with all the extra weight. I really like the Tohatsu 20HP or the 15HP. but again 120lbs is a bit of a difference then a 75lb 25. Would a 9.8/9.9? suffice or do I need the extra oomph? I'm not looking to set any records, its just a fishing boat. but, I also don't wanna be going WOT and going 5mph either.. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[roffey]

I would go with the max rated hp from the plate on the back. I suspect there is structural damage and possible swamping if you over power it, IMHO.

 

[cionjay]

Welcome to the boating world. Some lakes have restrictions against the older 2 stroke motors. You may need a 4 stroke. Check the lake restrictions in the area that you think you might want to fish.

 

[64osby]

I use to late 50's motors on my 14'er. The 10hp WOT is 18mph. The 18hp WOT is 23mph. 23 feels pretty darn fast in a 14' tin boat.

 

[littlerayray]

Welcome to Iboats

 

[bluewater19]

I used a 10 horse Honda in my old 12 footer and it got me up to 18-20mph solo, and maybe 13-15 with 2 people and a cooler.
Best boat I ever owned.

 

[gm280]

bemoore3, :welcome: to iboats. Always great to have a new boater aboard...

Seems a lot of us started out the same way. But a little boat and then an engine and so on. And that is how it starts. Personally I'd strap on the maximum allowable engine on the boat. And the reason is, you can always throttle down, but you can't get more out of it then it is capable of. So even when the engine gets tired, and they all do eventually, it still has the power to go. And if/when you carry more then yourself and the supplies you want, it still can get out of its own way. So always max it out. However, like previously stated, do check the lakes for what they allow. I know where I live. the state lakes are 10HP and the private power company lakes are 20HP. So check it out and go from there. JMHO!

 

[bmoore3]

Hey everyone thanks for the kind and warm welcome and sound advice on my project. This boat is in excellent condition given its age. Transom is very strong(15 in) But i do worry anout the heavy 4 strokes. You guys dont think that would be a problem even in a 25 tohatsu? At the max id have this boat loaded with 2 200lb adults. A cooler. Battery and a trolling motor. Boat probably weighs around 200-250lbs. Around here no restrictions on hp or 2 strokes yet. Have a couple of electrics that ive been running around here this summer. Thanks fellas for your alls help.