motor for 14' starcraft

[NYGiants]

im purchasing a boat (starcraft! =D) and i was wondering if 15hp will be enough, and how fast about the boat will get.
http://www.starcraftmarine.com/Show...uminum&Series=Jons & Utilities&Model=1420 FLB
thats the specs for the boat, i see its max hp is 25, its already set up for controls but has none.

motor is 2001 15hp mercury. with electric start. how big of a deal would it be to buy and install controls myself?

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: motor for 14' starcraft

It's a nice boat. Based on the specs, my guess a 15hp will get one or two people on plane going about 18-22mph depending on load.

I have an old Lund, and with a '57 Johnson 18hp (closer to a 15hp by modern standards), I was able to get me and a buddy of mine on plane going about 17-18 mph when trimmed properly and weight distributed properly. Total weight of boat, people, motors, batteries, fuel, and gear was about 1100 lbs. I modified the boat during the summer and recently put a 33hp on (about 28-30 hp by today's standards). Got my boat running with me in the boat up to 26.7 mph on a test run before I put it away for winter (about 800lbs total).

If your budget allows, I'd opt out for the 25hp. My guess with the 25 the boat should go in the mid to upper 20's, but should pop the boat out of the hole much more quickly than the 15hp. As for controls, if they didn't come with the boat, they may cost several hundred dollars extra. I personally like the tiller layout, more open and a better feedback response in steering.

 

[markandclark]

Re: motor for 14' starcraft

I would also go for the 25hp. They are alot easier to find with controls plus you could go the speed you wanted without running it at WOT