Re: 12 footer engine size
You're right, Pony ... and you have some good thoughts...<br /><br />Neat wee rig you have there ... From the picture, yours appears to be proportionally a bit more broad beamed than mine, which would give it more stability under power.<br /><br />Mine handles quite well under all the present power I have (a DT-6 souped to near a DT-8), but I also know that the line between docile and wild can be a fine one. I always have the gas tank and battery just forward of the center seat. Since I am alone a lot, this provides a much better longitudinal balance and gets me on plane much quicker.<br /><br />Since I live about 5 minutes from the closest boat ramp on the New River and 15 minutes from one on the Intracoastal Waterway, I should have thought of the testing you mention ... Duhhh!!! (I'm not always as bright as the advertizing would lead you to believe).<br /><br />I haven't actually bought this motor yet, but, being a fairly good friend, the seller would definitely let me test it out. <br /><br />Then, too, I sorta do want this motor anyway, based on what I know of it's history, and feel that I'll end up buying it, regardless.<br /><br />I also have been looking around a bit for another 14 ft aluminum hull, but find them scarce in this neck of the woods. This town is over half populated by commercial fishermen and being so near the ocean, the predominent boats are either fiberglas (14 to 19 ft) work boats or much bigger (and expensive) than I want pleasure craft. I can get some pretty good deals on fiberglas hulls (like Carolina Skiffs), but don't much want a flat bottomed boat on this water.<br /><br />I don't know where you are, Pony, but if you happen to stumble over a reasonable 14 ft aluminum hull and you're not too far for me to drive to, I'd be most appreciative of a "heads up".<br /><br />If it sounds as though I've, through our exchanges, decided on a plan ... I have. I'll keep the rig I have and eventually find a hull for the 15 hp. <br /><br />Thanks, Pony .. I really appreciate the time you've spent with me on this.