Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

[Guerin]

Want to purchase aluminum fishing boat but need to know the maximum weight of boat for a 20 HP motor.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

That's a pretty wide open question because there are other factors involved beside the mere weight of the boat. Number of passengers, amount of gear, hull design, usage and other criteria bear consideration when matching boat and motor. That said, for most applications a 20 horse would be well matched with a 14'-16' flatbottom or V bottom aluminum boat.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

Welcome to iboats!

Like Incoop, I think your question is too broad. Are you looking for a boat and already have the 20 HP motor?

 

[Guerin]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

We plan to fish primarily small lakes that allow a maximum 20 HP motor, so we are trying to find a tiller aluminum boat that would work well with a 20 HP motor. We looked at a Crestliner Kodiak but would like more storage. Any suggestions for boats?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

Thanks for the clarification. You have a set of conflicting desires: decent performance from a 20 HP motor, which means a small boat, but more storage than the Kodiak (which looks very nicely laid out, BTW). I don't think you're going to find what you want from the factory; some custom storage space will probably be needed. Are you looking for something turnkey or are you willing to do some work on the boat to get it the storage you want.

 

[Guerin]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

We are looking for something ready to go. Lund offers a nice boat, the Rebel 1725 XL which we are considering at the moment.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

We are looking for something ready to go. Lund offers a nice boat, the Rebel 1725 XL which we are considering at the moment.

Also a nicely laid-out boat, but Lund recommends a minimum 40 HP motor. I imagine it would be a real dog with a 20.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

Rule of thumb....... to have a hull perform and plane properly ......... you need to have at least 75% of the maximum rated power. The 1725XL is rated at 75 HP for a tiller and a 20 hp would not be enough.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

I think even the smallest Kodiak would be too much boat for a 20hp.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

Brass tacks, 20 hp isn't much power so get going fast out of your head, it will push the boat fine but you aren't going anywhere is a hurry.

Get the boat you want and just deal with the power limit, why have a rig you don't like.

No you aren't going to plane a 17'er but the 20 will move any of the boats you have mentioned and if you are fishing you won't be on the engine that much anyhow.

I catfish and out of an average 7 hour trip I am on throttle maybe 20 minutes of that, the rest of the time we are at idle or just above or fishing.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

5150 is right. If your primary application will be fishing a limited hp lake speed likely won't be a priority. So, I agree. Get the boat that best meets your needs and get after it! Tight lines.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

We had a 18' bare bones Crestliner with an old 25 gale tiller It would plane easily with 6 adults total of about 880 lbs.The big planing surface helped get it up on the water.Boat is 375 dry.
Boat, motor, gear and passengers about 1400lbs.Much more and planing would be hard.
About 350. less might do it for you .
But not with a 14 footer unless it had a nice big footprint.I like a big 16 with a minimum of additional features.A floor and maybe storage under a seat.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Max Weight of boat for 20 HP motor

I have no idea what your budget is, but since you state you're looking for something ready to go I gather you don't mind spending a couple bucks. What about finding a nice Lund type rig with a larger outboard and a kicker. You could use the kicker on the restricted lakes and you'd have the size boat you want and a larger power plant for other waters.