Under-powered?

[Jeff Peacock]

I've read a few posts about HP on boats, and that the minimum HP for a given craft is half the max HP. We're buying a 16 ft. Aluminum fishing boat with a 25 HP Merc outboard (72% of the maximum 40 HP). The only problem is, the next step up in HP is a 30 ELPTO, about $2500, which is about $2000 more than I have! Will this boat be under-powered with the 25 HP?

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Under-powered?

What's that, metric math? I think it's more like 62% . Seriously, I think 25HP would be fine on a 16' alum. boat.

 

[Jeff Peacock]

Re: Under-powered?

definately metric math...had a brain fart, obviously. 62.5%

 

[MurdockJr]

Re: Under-powered?

I had a 16ft Lund Rebel with a 30hp evinrude 1988 model. The 30 was fine with one person but had a really hard time with two or more people. I found a 85 Yamaha 40 and put it on and could not believe the difference. It didn't matter how I loaded the boat it performed great. Boat was rated for 45hp. If I was you I would try to max the hp out. Just my opinion.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Under-powered?

You did not say if you were buying new or used. In my opinion you would not be satisfied with a 25 and would be far better off with a used 40 that would fit your budget. Check out the iboat motors here:<br /><br /> http://www.boatmotors.com/rebuilt_outboard_motors/

 

[roscoe]

Re: Under-powered?

A 25 would be fine on an aluminum 16' utility boat of 300 pounds. But would be unable to move my 16' alum boat that weighs 950 pounds.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Under-powered?

I'm with Solittle on this one.....personally, I feel 75% of max is as low as a guy really wants to get, but that's just my 2 cents.....<br />Good luck!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Under-powered?

You will never be unhappy with too much, but definatly will with to little, Bigger is Better. Always with HP.

 

[JB]

Re: Under-powered?

Moving to General Outboard