What size motor to use?

[NAPCO]

I just bought a 18'6" Lund, Alaskan deep vee. The boat is set up for a tiller. The maxium horsepower rating is 60 horse. What is the minimum horse I can get by with and still run well? I have an option on a 60 horse with power tilt & trim, but it seems like this would be a hugh motor. I will be using this boat for open water duck hunting on Green Bay & Lake Michigan. I look forward to your response.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: What size motor to use?

Why not just go with the 60 HP? This way you won't be kicking yourself later for getting too small a motor. If it seems too much motor just slow down. That boat can handle a 60HP I see it's rated for 75HP in a remote set-up. I imagine it's probably about a $500-$700 difference between a 60HP and a 40HP. with a 50HP somewhere in between.

 

[JB]

Re: What size motor to use?

In my experience, Napco, most small boats give the best balance of performance, handling and stability at about 70% of the rated HP (and weight). For your boat that would be about 40hp. <br /><br />If you want to go 4 stroke, be sure you don't go over about 235lb (Suzuki or Evinrude DF40/DF50). <br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[localva]

Re: What size motor to use?

i have an 03 18'9 alaskan tiller with a 50 honda 4stroke with a 13' prop and that works 'ok' empty, 24.6 mph gps, but with a 660 grizzly in it it wont plane. that may be a lot of weight, but it labours even when i have 2-3 adults to get up on plane. i would definitly go with the 60 hp. very stable boat, even with the atv in it.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: What size motor to use?

One thing to look at as the motor weight. If a 50 and 60 are the same platform, and the same weight, go for the 60, but I think, for that boat, I'd rather end up with a bit less hp at the if there is a substantial difference in weight and size.

Not up on newer motors and their weight, but on the older evin/johnny's, a 70hp would often make a lot more sense than an 85. The 70 was the most hp for the three cylinder (or is it 75) while the 85 was the same weight as a 140 and was pretty big in comparison.

Take a look at 50's comparable to the 60 and see if there is a big weight difference.