trying to find hp and weight rating

[DTS1290]

I just bought an old alumacraft, from what i was told it was a 1950 and its just shy of 14' with a pretty shallow V bottom and 3 benches and a small bench in the front. I asked the guy what the hp rating was on it and he didnt know but guessed around 15. I have a 9.8 that i want to put on it and wanted to know if this was safe for the boat. that and i wanted to find out what kind of weight is safe for the boat since is way too old for a coast guard placard. Anything that could help me would be greatly appreciated

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

You'll be fine with a 9.9. Weight is only one of the factors that determine how big an engine can be installed on a boat. Depth, width, length, hull type are other factors.

 

[Pony]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

14's are an interesting breed, as they can be rated anywhere from 15hp to 50hp. It really depends on the hull.<br /><br />My grandpa and I used to fish on a real old alumacraft similar to what you describe (the one I have now is similar as well) and we used to use a 5.5hp, then we used a 9.8hp, and now he has an 18hp on it. You already have the 9.8, so there is no harm in trying it and seeing if you want/need more power. Thats what I love about these hulls, its very easy to just throw a different motor on there and see what it will do. <br /><br />My alumacraft has a 25hp on it, which is its max. It moves at around 30mph. <br /><br />Is your boat shaped like this??<br />

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[DTS1290]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

It does look like that with the exception of the transom. The transom does not drop down at all and is flush with the sides. They come together at the sides with handles on each side also.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

Your style of boat is similar to mine. This is my 14 foot FD.<br /><br />

<br /><br />My guess is your boat is the F or F7, the most popular built boat. A 9.9 motor is ideal for all around use.

 

[DTS1290]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

Yup, that looks pretty much like it, except for the shine. Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[DTS1290]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

One more quick question. I bought the boat and between the deck and hull it is nearly completely full of water. I want to make sure that the deck is not sealed to the bottom. I dont want to try to flip 300-400 pounds of boat by myself just to find out i wont drain. Also would anyone recommend how to add flotation to the boat?

 

[River - Runner]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

For me, I try to keep my boat as original as possible. Sounds like yours has a built in additional floor or compartment inside? Not done by Alumacraft. That can trap or hold water? It's ok to a certain point, people do a lot of things to these boats, but to me it adds weight and uses up room, compromising boat performance.<br /><br />As for the flotation, if the boat is kept orginal it is sufficient. The three bench seats should either be air sealed or have styrofoam in them. Adding more flotation because of other added weight just uses up more room again.<br /><br />My boat only weight is 207 lbs. Yours if kept as original is a lot lighter and with your 9.8 hp motor it should really scoot, because I orginally had a 9.5 on mine and it did fine. Pictured above it has a 40 on it and it is rated for 40 hp.

 

[Pony]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

DTS1290....<br /><br />Is it possible for you to post a picture of what you are describing? I agree with River-Runner, it sounds like someone added a little something to the boat.<br /><br />I agree the original flotation foam should be enough, providing the previous owner didnt alter that as well.<br /><br />It really isnt that difficult to flip these things over. I store mine upside down on some tires during the winter and i was easily able to flip it over and then back again this spring.<br /><br />I too like to keep thinks somewhat original, but I did add a removeable floor.<br /> <br />

 

[DTS1290]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

Here are some pictures I took a couple days ago. Maybe these will help. Will take a couple more when I get around to gettting it out of storage again.<br /><br />

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[bigskydrift]

Re: trying to find hp and weight rating

My '05 Alumacraft T14V 14' is rated for 15 HP max. and 825 lbs.<br />I like your floor PONY, think I will do that with mine!