Transom weight vs. Horsepower rating

[Barracuda Bill]

My boat is an early '80s 16 foot aluminum. I currently run a '79 20 hp, but have been considering getting a new 4-stroke. The hp rating for my boat is 40. But since the new motors are so much heavier than older ones, I contacted Lund to see what I could do. They suggested that I stick with the 20 hp.

Good advice, but perhaps a more universal rule would be to not exceed the weight of a 40 hp motor from when the boat was made (assuming the wood transom support is in good condition). So that limits me to approx 150 lbs.

Interesting information.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Transom weight vs. Horsepower rating

How much more does the 4 cycle motor weigh? I would be surprized if the small difference in weight put you over the edge of the boat's capacity.

You will easily have much more moveable (people, gas cans, batteries) weight than the difference in 2 cycle vs 4 cycle weight. Heck, move the battery or a 6 gal gas tank forward. That ought to offset it.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Transom weight vs. Horsepower rating

Look for a nice used 2 stroke motor. Patience will pay off......someone will be selling one.

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Transom weight vs. Horsepower rating

I agree with Bob. 2 strokes are much lighter and are less of a hassel to own.

 

[mbgaski]

Re: Transom weight vs. Horsepower rating

Most modern 16's still are rated in the 40-50hp range as a max. There's some fudge factor built into the number. Remember too that not all motors from various companies weight the same. The lightest 40 HP 4-stroke I can find is a Nissan at 205 lbs. The heaviest is a Suzuki at 243 lbs. That's a pretty significant difference (FWIW, Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda are all 214 lbs).

IMHO, you're probably still perfectly fine to safely put on a 40 HP (and you're certainly going to be fine from a legal perspective, as that's it's stated rating). If you want to watch the weight, go with the Nissan.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Transom weight vs. Horsepower rating

I'm in the "buy a 2 smoke 40 hp" crowd.

Good luck.