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

 

[Jeff Peacock]

Re: Under-powered?

The boat is new, and the hull weight is 525 Lbs. The boat, motor and trailer come as a package, and the motor upgrade to a 30 Hp is about 2500 (Canadian, so about fifty bucks American . To upgrade to the 40 HP ELPTO would be $2999. You can see the boat here...<br /><br /> http://www.legendboats.com/genx_single_console/164_xcite_sc/164_xcite_main.htm

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Under-powered?

not a big enough diff. btw. 25/30hp to justify<br />the extra loonies IMO. 40hp is another story.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Under-powered?

After reading the weight and seeing the pictures, yep, gonna want a 40 on that boat.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Under-powered?

I'd like to change my support for the 25HP engine. I don't think you'd be happy with only 25 horses on that boat.

 

[Jeff Peacock]

Re: Under-powered?

I think the best advice I've heard is that it's better to be over-powered rather than risk being under-powered. It'll be a difference in $30 or so a month- not a big deal. I've fished with 16ft boats set-up comparable to this one, and I can tell you I really enjoyed it.

 

[Jeff Peacock]

Re: Under-powered?

One other thing to add- the dealer has told me that the 40 HP merc we are looking to upgrade to is only sold as a power trim model, thus adding $1000 to the price. Is this true? Why couldn't I get the non-powered model at $2000, or is the power-trim a basic necessity for an outboard like this?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Under-powered?

You will kick yourself so hard in the Azz if you do not get PTT that you will not enjoy fishing in your new boat! And Im sure everyone else is going to tell you the same.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Under-powered?

LubeDude,<br />That is precisely why I stay away from boats with PTT. I'm quite afraid I might find out what I've been missing & might want it real bad. That might be bad for my bank accout! (if I even had enough to do anything about it, which I don't!) In this case anyway, ignorance is bliss. Well, maybe not bliss but better than really knowing experientially just how much nicer it might be. I tell myself that "living simply" is a virtue. Works for now.<br /><br />Actually, Canuck, I do get by with my 55 not having PTT. It is possible. With a 40 or less it would only be easier. But if you can swing it it might be mighty nice to have it. If you ever have back problems you'll be particularly glad. It is so much easier to beach with the PTT, though it is one more thing to eventually maintain. I'd go with it if possible, particularly with a 40.<br /><br />My brother has a similar boat with a 40. Does quite well. Only way I'd consider less horsepower is if I never took anyone else out and had a successful demo ride with that lesser motor. Have you been able to get a ride in one?

 

[DJ]

Re: Under-powered?

Canuck25,<br /><br />You are NOT going to be happy with the 25. There is a HUGE difference in load carrying capabilty (displacement and prop diameter) between most 25's and 40's.<br /><br />Remember, boats tend to gain weight, like we do as we get older. The performance will only deteriorate-over time.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Under-powered?

Canuck, you won't be happy with the 25, you won't be happy with a 40 w/o PTT, and I know I wouldn't be happy with a merc! Especially a 40 hp merc! Ahh, the memories - of getting a second, 25hp merc, to use when the 40 went belly up! Then about the time the 40 waas repaired, the 25 would be belly up! Just my luck! Anyway, go with the 40 and enjoy the ride with the PTT!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Under-powered?

I feel so strongly about the PTT that I would by a used engine with it than a new one without it. You cant adjust the trim while you are moving to take advantage of the boats potential. You have to pick a happy medium and live with it. Crappy hole shot, and less than desirable top end. Frustrating to say the least.<br /><br />Ive had four boats in my lifetime and the first didnt have it. After I got a boat with it I will NEVER go back the other way. However the engines keep getting bigger.