Howmuchenginewillshetake?

[AcidicUtters]

My 1955 aluminum v-hull came with two motors: orig McCullough and an Elgin (1960-61) hangin' of the back, both 40's. Maybe the Elgin "was running," but then maybe it lost some parts between (you probably understand). It is truely amazing looking, but I fear I should prepare for the boat to see yet another engine. It's a '55 (plateless). I don't know where the max is at. I do have a 1971 65 hp mercury on my ugly tri-hull that runs great. Let me go get you all some measurements...
loa ~ 15' maybe a couple inches more
width ~ 60" probably from the window aft
deepest point ~ 30" under a (~5.5') closed bow - bow has some type of tier/foot-stop (weight distribution consideration?)
transom ~ 60" x 16.5" (center)

How much engine will she take?
Thanks in advance!

 

[mystro]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake?

Let me go get you all some measurements...
loa ~ 15' maybe a couple inches more
width ~ 60" probably from the window aft
deepest point ~ 30" under a (~5.5') closed bow - bow has some type of tier/foot-stop (weight distribution consideration?)
transom ~ 60" x 16.5" (center)
How much engine will she take?
Thanks in advance!

Totally guessing without a manufactorer model #, a 15' boat (without seeing a picture) usually has somewhere between 25 and
50hp depending on many factors, since it carried two motors, figure their total weight and try and stay within that number weightwise until you learn more. I think your older 65 will just be too heavy/big. Consider getting *one of those original classics that came with her running properly, you might be surprised how sweet just one of those will move an aluminum boat..plus a nice unique overall classic then match it with a 4 hp classic kicker. I do know modern 15' aluminum's run very well with 40hp motors but dealers always try to push bigger for profit.

Can ya post a picture of the boat with the motors?

Find comparable boats for comparison but mainly.. don't overpower it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake?

this is a 14 foot 1956 Duracraft. has plate from mfgr, rated for 50HP. the brochures, state that the 16's had 2 35 hp on them.

 

[mystro]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake?

I think dual motors were for safety more then anything else in those days, ya just didn't have the reliability. A modern 40hp oil injected 2s would do wonders for these classic smaller boats such as your 14' Duracraft even alittle less would work nicely and make it feel proper.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake?

My 15 foot Lund is rated for 80. I think a 40 - 50 Johnson or Evinrude would be just fine on your 15 footer, as it is probably a bit lighter than my deep vee.