Starcraft power question

[tugboat80]

I have a '84 Marlin powered with a 90 hp Mariner. I asked last year what I could expect for speed over water. Someone correctly answered 36 MPG. Amazing, that is exactly what I got WOT. Currently I have a neighbor offering me his 1997 Starcraft Fisherman 170 powered with Mercury 75 hp also from 1997. I believe the Fisherman is rated to 125 hp. Is the 75 enough for reasonable travel to my fishing and fun spots on the big lake? What could hope for WOT speed? The owner said he had it up to near 40 mph. Is that realistic? Thanks.

 

[airshot]

Based on what to measure his speed? A pressure speedometer is not accurate, a gps is the best speed tool. Near 40 sounds like he was guessing or using a pressure speedometer. I had an 18' alum CC with a 75 stinger ob and it could just get 36mph with a good tailwind and a light load. Measured with a gps. What seems fast to some might appear slow to others... Many people tell me how underpowered my Islander is but....at 34 mph with gps it is plenty fast for me, I can only avg about 22-24 on the big lake anyhow as it is normally much to rough for any more. So what do you want for speed? What are your needs for speed?

 

[tugboat80]

I like the 36 mph I get with my Marlin FG right now. It is an older boat with non working electrics like lights and gas gauge, some dings and dents, but the motor purrs superbly. For a "few dollars more", I have the chance to upgrade to a clean alum with bells, whistles, and such, BUT, a smaller motor, which when my friend first got it, I thought may be a weak point on the package. I am not a speed freak but I like to get to where I am going so I will be there.

 

[scrapper042000]

if you find the weight of the boats ,and or check his prop pitch ?maybe he has a 19 or 21 take it for a drive and throw your gps on it ....I have owned over 40 boats and its amazing how they all are different in many ways when you your out on the water

 

[pckeen]

Good rule of thumb is don't go below 70% max rated horsepower - a 75 hp sounds underpowered to me....

 

[roscoe]

It is doable, but will not be great out of the hole and fast.
I had a Starcraft 18 with a 65 hp, boat was rated for 125 hp.

Your Fisherman weighs the same as my 18SS. It did 34, but the hole shot was poor in my opinion.

Repowered it with a 90 and propped it for 5800 rpm.
Hole shot was 2 seconds, and wot was 40.