Question on possible new to me boat

[Little Viking]

Hey all,

Looking at possibly trading my little 12' aluminum w/6 HP Johnson plus a few bucks for an older Vanguard Skeebee with 70 horse motor and trailer.

The boat has a recommended max HP of 40 and this thing has a 70...

It needs a little interior work from what I can tell. Apparently the motor is running strong.

Having never really bought a boat with a steering wheel, advice please...

I'm really just looking for a smaller boat my car can haul around. Something to play with and put a hook in the water very once in a while. The size of this boat interests me (12 feet). The size of the motor on this little guy makes me a bit nervous.

 

[Monsterbishi]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

I'd avoid it.

My reasons:
1. There's mulitiple reasons why manufacturers put HP ratings on boats, amoungst other things the strain on the transom from the extra weight of the considerably bigger motor, and the strain exerted on it when under acceleration/turning.
2. If it needs interior work, chances are it's going to be more than just foam & vinyl that's suffered the elements.
3. It's older than your current craft

 

[cr2k]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

You don't have to run WFO; throttle back and enjoy.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

Walk-- no RUN away

 

[southkogs]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

Need more information: How old is the boat? And what year is the motor? Can ya' get it on the water before you buy it?

We used to have an older boat (50's model) rated for 50 and we ran a 35 on it. I would have been terrified of the way that thing would handle with a 70 (hard turns would have spun it across the surface). With a 70 on that boat, you're double the HP ... might be kinda' gutsy.

Depending on what state you're in, overpowering might be illegal so you'll wanna' know that too.

It's feeling like a "no" to me, but I really don't know enough to say.

 

[Little Viking]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

My boat is a 1967 and motor is 1972.

Potential boat is roughly mid 70's and motor I would estimate in the later 80's early 90's. I found an old ad where it was up for sale prior (Internet is great for that sort of thing) and it states the transom was reinforced. What that means and how it was done! Not really sure...

I am in Canada (British Columbia) and have no idea about provincial issues around this set up...

Most of you echo my thoughts. Might be an idea to give this one a miss. I bounced to a few different posts on hazards of overpowering a boat. One mentioned a hull that blew apart hitting a wake due to it not being strong enough to withstand the force! Whoa!

 

[matt167]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

A boat that blows apart from hitting a wake was likely rotted and not really the fault of too much power.. Happens all the time. higher HP motors get put on water logged boats to give them decent performance, and the boats structure is rotted. Could be what happened to the boat you are considering. After all the transom has been 'reinforced', which usually translates to a scabbed over peice of plywood, alumiunum or other material.. If it was actually rebuilt but 'reinforced' with a couple extra transom knees, it would be a miracle.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Question on possible new to me boat

Running with a HP greater than the "recommended max" is actually illegal in some states. Not sure about WA. Or BC.