Is a 15 hp 4-stroke enough motor for a 1448 jon boat?

[MT-Tom]

I have a 15 hp 4-stroke I use on a 1436 jon boat. It pushes me upriver much faster than I really need to go in the dark. However, it seems a little heavy for the boat and I need a little more space and capacity for my duck hunting gear. I'm thinking of upgrading to a 1448 jon. Do you all think the 15 hp is enough motor for the 1448? Thanks in advance for the advice!<br /><br />Tom<br /><br />P.S. I am looking at the 1448 jon because a 1648 won't fit in my garage.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Is a 15 hp 4-stroke enough motor for a 1448 jon boat?

MT-Tom<br /><br />The 15 would go real nice on the 1448 Jon. True the boat will be a bit heavier than the 1436, but with the enhanced beam it will plane faster and ride smooth and stable.<br /><br />I have a JWMV1650 with a 40hp 4 stroke and it doesn't take a whole lot to get it up on plane and going. Wide open with one person and it gets a bit scary. (I am however, within the HP limits for the boat.)<br /><br />If you are looking for a "safe" stable ride to the hunting spot and speed is not your main concern, then the 1448 sounds like your best bet.<br /><br />Nav

 

[dmessy]

Re: Is a 15 hp 4-stroke enough motor for a 1448 jon boat?

It will work fine but the new hull is only slightly larger than what you have now. I s it really worth the trouble?

 

[MT-Tom]

Re: Is a 15 hp 4-stroke enough motor for a 1448 jon boat?

dmessy-<br /><br />I don't know if it would be worth the trouble. Tell me what you think. One thing I will add is my present boat has wood in the transom that is beginning to be rather suspect. I would prefer to have a boat that does not have wood in the transom. Any advice?<br /><br />Tom

 

[MT-Tom]

Re: Is a 15 hp 4-stroke enough motor for a 1448 jon boat?

bump