My first Smokercraft is a 2001 16' Lodge SS with side steering. The boat had a 50 hp Honda but the seller removed that motor and replaced it with an older 25 hp 2 stroke Yamaha. I bought the boat knowing it is probably underpowered and have not had it on the water yet to find out.
I'm pretty sure though that I want a bigger motor and am getting different answers as to what size hp motor and type is ideal. Almost all say the current 25 hp is under powered. The hull is rated for 50 hp. Some say to get a 30 hp 4 stroke, because the 3 cylinders of the 30 hp are much better than the 2 of the 25 hp. Others tell me to get a 48 or 50 hp 2 stroke because the larger engine will work less with heavier loads. Whatever I'll buy will be used.
I'm not a speed freak. This is a fishing boat and I want a good balance of power and fuel economy/speed for mostly 1 or 2 a dog and rarely 3 people and gear. I do not want to be grossly under powered either. When calm I might travel as far as 6 miles over saltwater to fish. I like the idea of the economy and quietness of a 30 4 stroke. But that seems so close to the current 25 hp 2 stroke on now? A 40 hp 2 stroke seems neither here nore there? I think a 40 or 50 hp 4 stroke is just too big of a size of a motor for this hull? I like the idea of a 50 hp 2 stroke and simply throttle back, but still have to wonder if I need that much power? My fuel tanks are portable- so limited.
Please help me decide which motor is best, Thanks, CC.
I'm pretty sure though that I want a bigger motor and am getting different answers as to what size hp motor and type is ideal. Almost all say the current 25 hp is under powered. The hull is rated for 50 hp. Some say to get a 30 hp 4 stroke, because the 3 cylinders of the 30 hp are much better than the 2 of the 25 hp. Others tell me to get a 48 or 50 hp 2 stroke because the larger engine will work less with heavier loads. Whatever I'll buy will be used.
I'm not a speed freak. This is a fishing boat and I want a good balance of power and fuel economy/speed for mostly 1 or 2 a dog and rarely 3 people and gear. I do not want to be grossly under powered either. When calm I might travel as far as 6 miles over saltwater to fish. I like the idea of the economy and quietness of a 30 4 stroke. But that seems so close to the current 25 hp 2 stroke on now? A 40 hp 2 stroke seems neither here nore there? I think a 40 or 50 hp 4 stroke is just too big of a size of a motor for this hull? I like the idea of a 50 hp 2 stroke and simply throttle back, but still have to wonder if I need that much power? My fuel tanks are portable- so limited.
Please help me decide which motor is best, Thanks, CC.
