Minimum horsepower size for Starcraft SS160?

[ShoestringMariner]

I'm still looking for a newer motor for my '76 SS160. I've found a 60 hp OMC with power trim (big plus feature as my back is not strong). I have my heart set on a 70, but I'm currently running a 70's Merc 650, so I cant see there being a tremendous difference, can you?

i was getting 30-31mph last year with 2 people onboard with the 650.

A 50hp is probably too light, no?

 

[jbcurt00]

...
.I've found a 60 hpOMC with power trim (big plus feature as my back is not strong).... A 50hp is probably too light, no?

60hp or 50?

 

[DLNorth]

It depends on what you will use the boat for.

I had a buddy that used one for just fishing, he had a Merc 50 on it, OK for fishing but slow.
Another had a 70 OMC on his, could handle 3-4 guys and light skiing.
We have a Merc 850 on ours, great match. (this is like a later 75 prop)
All of these are powerhead ratings.

I wouldn't go less than a 70 powerhead/60 prop. More is better.

Your 650 is about 55 prop.

Dan

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Thanks Dan, 70 is what I was searching for but the 60 became an opportunity. If only the OMC 85s weren’t so big....I’ve got s lot of weight at the back already.

 

[DLNorth]

That's why I like the Merc 850's, 265 lbs and about 1/2 way between the OMC 70 (50^3) and the 85's ((100^3) in displacement.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

That's why I like the Merc 850's, 265 lbs and about 1/2 way between the OMC 70 (50^3) and the 85's ((100^3) in displacement.

Do the 850s have the same corrosive wiring issues that plague the 650’s? My mechanic told me that mine is on borrowed time. The trigger cannot be rewired and I’ll be looking for one on eBay and at a premium. This is why I don’t trust it for big lakes.

 

[DLNorth]

Probably, can't imagine they'd be any different.

 

[MTboatguy]

I have a 55 Rude on mine right now and looking for a 70-80 for it, the 55 does okay with just the wife and I and being honest with you, her and I are never really in a hurry, but I would like a bit more omph out of it if possible, I would like to find a 850 Merc, but in my part of the country, they are few and far between.

 

[DLNorth]

Or look for a early/mid 80's Merc 75, same motor just prop rated, and it has the newer self contained T&T.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I have a 55 Rude on mine right now and looking for a 70-80 for it, the 55 does okay with just the wife and I and being honest with you, her and I are never really in a hurry, but I would like a bit more omph out of it if possible, I would like to find a 850 Merc, but in my part of the country, they are few and far between.

Scarce here too. Same with Yammy 70’s. Lots of johnnyrude 70’s though.

 

[coostv]

I'd say 50 is the min, but a 70-85 is what I'd be after.

 

[Watermann]

The 3 cyl 70-75 Johhnyrudes are a great match for the 16' SS. Large gear case and darn near bullet proof

 

[Decker83]

I have a 1974 70hp rude on a 16 ft glass boat and it runs great. I had 3 adults pushing 200 lbs and 3 kids and it would get
us up to 34 mph on the gps., It's a strong motor with excellent compression..