Question on motor size

[NeilMcB]

I've recently purchased a 1976 Holiday 16 OB. I've replaced the foam flotation, floor, side panels, constructed mahogany back seats and am in the process of replacing all the wiring. My next step is the motor, the boat came with a 76 85hp Mercedes which I think is more power than I need. I will just be cruising and fishing so am wondering will a 30 to 40hp be sufficient to get the boat up on plane and keep the boat there without working to hard?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Probably not. Rule of thumb is 75% of max rating for minimum hp

 

[SHSU]

What kind of speed are you looking for? The extra power will help get you up on plain quickly and then cruise and a descent speed. Are you running WOT or cruising at 3500-4k RPM?

SHSU

 

[NeilMcB]

What kind of speed are you looking for? The extra power will help get you up on plain quickly and then cruise and a descent speed. Are you running WOT or cruising at 3500-4k RPM?

SHSU

Would prefer to cruise at 3 to 4rpm.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Would prefer to cruise at 3 to 4rpm.

3-4 rpm will be hard. Cranking speed it 200-300 rpm, idle is 650 rpm

 

[DLNorth]

We have the same motor on our SS16, IMO, it's the perfect motor for this size boat. I've been in a SC 16 fishing boat that uses the same hull, it had the old 4 cyl 50 hp Merc - too small.

Try it 1st before you make any decisions.

 

[NeilMcB]

Would prefer to cruise at 3 to 4rpm.

Should have read 3 to 4,000 rpm

 

[NeilMcB]

We have the same motor on our SS16, IMO, it's the perfect motor for this size boat. I've been in a SC 16 fishing boat that uses the same hull, it had the old 4 cyl 50 hp Merc - too small.

Try it 1st before you make any decisions.

Thanks for that.

 

[Watermann]

For the ever popular 16' SS a much better option than the heavy and thirsty V4 are the Johnnyrude 3 cyl motors 70 - 75 HP, you'll get good power, speed just over 30 and way better fuel economy.

 

[NeilMcB]

Thank you all for your opinions. I will stick with this motor for a couple of seasons and then see what happens. Motor going in for service and upgrades in a couple of weeks.