What is the right size engine?

[rolmops]

Hello.<br />I picked up a 1964 17 foot Duratech Orion aluminum boat.the type that has a V shaped front and a flat rear end.It's maximum allowed engine is an 80 horse.Having dealt only with wood and fiberglass I have no idea what would be a good strength of engine if this boat is mostly used for fishing. But I will have to be able to get places that are 10 to 15 miles distant on the water,mostly around Province town,Billings Gate and Race Point,in short Cape Cod Bay.<br />Any suggestions will be highly appreciated.<br />Thank you,Cornelis.

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: What is the right size engine?

howdy romops,<br />Not knowing your tastes, it is difficult to give yo a clear definative single answer...<br /><br />HOWEVER, that said, it would seem to me that anything 40-50 hp (or larger) would be acceptable.<br /><br />BUT ... ONLY you hve the knowledge of what you expect to be able to do. If your idea of going 10-15 miles is to do so at 40-45 mph, then you'll need at (or very near) the max rated motor...<br /><br />If you're satisfied with less speed, then you can back off the max rated motor size, to fit your needs...<br /><br />I'm sure there are several knowledgeable dealers in your area, who could assist you with this selection...<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan

 

[JB]

Re: What is the right size engine?

Ditto Jeeper.

 

[rolmops]

Re: What is the right size engine?

Thank you very much for your answers.<br />Knowing that my 35 is out is a great help already.<br />I would like a little bit of each,so sixty horse would probably do it.<br />Would twin,35 horse '57 seahorses produce simular power? Or would it just be a lot of dead weight on the back of that boat?<br />Thanks again, Cornelis.

 

[DJ]

Re: What is the right size engine?

rolmops,<br /><br />I wouldn't go the route of twins, especially of that vintage. If you're interested in true "antiquing" then go ahead.<br /><br />I think that a modern 50-75 hp. would be a very nice fit on that rig. Remember, today's engines are rated at the prop. When your boat was rated, the hp. ratings were taken at the powerhead, about a 10-15% difference.

 

[blueboat1]

Re: What is the right size engine?

I have a 17 ft aluminum, it has full seats and fish rigging. i have a 70 hp johnson. I thinks thats a good size. i can change props and pull skiers or run 38mph to fishing grounds as is.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What is the right size engine?

If you have been running a 57 35hp you will be<br />pleasantly surprised with the milage of a newer motor say 82 or newer.A nice 50 hp at cruising<br />speed would probably get close to double the<br />milage of the old 35,and may be faster cruising than the old one at wot.<br />Those old big twins were great old motors but a<br />little thirsty.

 

[rolmops]

Re: What is the right size engine?

Hello.<br />Thanks to all of you.<br />Now there was some food for thought!<br />Fifty or sixty it shall be and I will try to locate a reasonably priced mid eighties one.<br />Thanks again,Cornelis.

 

[dsknight]

Re: What is the right size engine?

I just purchased a 1964 Duratech Neptune, it is 15 and a half feet and equipped with a 1970 Mercury 65 horse motor. It really moves when out on the water, however it does'not plane well so I am addind a hydrofoil kit.<br /><br />Hpe this helps.