Overpowering ?

[boomer2]

Guy's, I'm putting together a 14' jon for occaisional fishing. Small used outboards are pretty pricey but have found an 18hp Johnson really reasonable. The boat is rated for a 6hp. At the risk of sounding silly would this engine be just too much? I'm nearly 60 years young and wouldn't be running full throttle as I realize that would be asking for trouble. Has anyone put a 15-20 hp on a small boat like this and how was the outcome? Boat is pretty light, only weighs around 125 or so I'm guessing. It is factory welded at the corners of the transom with re-enforcement plates at the top of each corner also. It has wood on the transom also with everything in good shape no cracks, rot etc.

 

[crb478]

Re: Overpowering ?

Yes it would be too much. You would be seriously overpowering a boat that light and the motor would weigh 2/3 what the boat weighs.

 

[boomer2]

Re: Overpowering ?

Yes it would be too much. You would be seriously overpowering a boat that light and the motor would weigh 2/3 what the boat weighs.

You're right, the motor is probably 75 lbs it felt like. I was hoping it would maybe work but the boat would most likely be sitting waaayyy low in the rear. I wish smaller engines were not so expensive, most of the cheap one's either have problems or are about to.....

 

[Shockley]

Re: Overpowering ?

I have a 14' x 48" wide with a 15 HP Johnson. It runs pretty well. I have to say, it is rated for that, and I don't think I would entertain going up in size. Keep it safe. Weigh the options and make a conservative decision.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Overpowering ?

Here's a link to the USCG regs for calculating maximum horsepower capacity:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/julqtr/pdf/33cfr183.53.pdf

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Overpowering ?

Installing a motor with three times the HP the boat is rated for is NEVER a good idea. At 1/2 throttle you are still double the HP rating so not going full throttle is rather moot point.