Re: Will a 14' aluminum vhull be fast with a 35hp evinrude?
Most of the big twin's bulk was air. The outer covers on the leg, introduced in 1958, actually weighed very little, but quieted the thing down dramatically. Under those was a typical 50's twin.
I was shocked, too, when I pulled my 58 Johnson RDS-20 off the transom. I had a friend there, and we figured it'd be a big lift. We were really surprised when it was no big deal.
I believe the short shaft of 1958 was 141 lb. The long shaft added about five more pounds.
With a 13" pitch prop, the 35 he's talking about will pop his tinny on plane a lot faster than the 25hp he has and keep it there without stress. Like I said, it won't really go any faster that what he has, but it'll sure feel better.
Those 35s were the primo outboards of their era. OMC introduced the 50hp 'Fat Fifty" at the same time, but on a 14' boat, the 35s made great little skiing engines, due to their torque.
I grew up with those engines and on water skis. The Mercs were a bit faster on the top end, but the Johnnyrudes would pop skiers up a lot easier.
Lots of nostalgia in them for me.