What size outboard shoud I get

[wars77]

Hello all,<br /><br /> I have a 17' 1974 Tidecraft Bowrider. I am in the process of replacing the current inboard engine with an outboard. Can someone give me some tips on the size and style of motor mount I need to get to attach to the transom. I'm also looking for some info on what the minimum and maximum horsepower outboard I shold be looking at. I don't need it to pull my hair out but I would like to be able to move if necessary. I will be mostly using the boat for fishing in the Delaware bay and day cruising. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[envy83]

Re: What size outboard shoud I get

What hp was the inboard. All things being equal you could probably get away with 10-15 less hp from an outboard just because of the weight reduction.

 

[wars77]

Re: What size outboard shoud I get

It had a 125 hp mercruiser in it. I was never happy with the amount of space it took up in the back of the boat so that's why I'm replacing it with an outboard.

 

[ndanieltx]

Re: What size outboard shoud I get

90-115 hp should give you equal or greater performance than the original I/O

 

[envy83]

Re: What size outboard shoud I get

Not sure exactly what a '75 tidecraft looks like, but your in for a bit of a project tearing out an I/O and putting in a inboard. Rebuilding the entire transom and most of the floor to say the least. For the money one would spend on an outboard one could depend on you could probably sell your boat and upgrade to a boat meant for an O/B. If your serious about it though, I'd say go for broke, build a monster of a transom and slap the biggest O/B you can get your hands on on there!!