Weight vs power 6 or 8 HP?

[Socal Pat]

I have a '62 14ft. BlueStar. I've been running a 5hp Briggs for 4 years and finally getting rid of it for something more civilized. Question is the weight difference between the 6hp and 8hp Tohatsu is ~25lbs. Not being a boat guy I'm wondering if the 81lb motor might be too much for my little old aluminum transom? (It does have a wood transom mount on the outside and inside of the transom).
Also the difference is only 2hp but will the 2cyl. setup make the 8 enough smoother running to justify the $400 difference? Thanks in advance!!

 

[pvanv]

Re: Weight vs power 6 or 8 HP?

The 6 is the big brother of the 4/5/6 family; The 8 is the little sister of the 8/9.8 family. Yes, the 8 is much smoother. If the transom is rated for the weight and thrust, it's a better choice. Will burn about the same amount of fuel, and idle down much smoother.

 

[Socal Pat]

Re: Weight vs power 6 or 8 HP?

Unfortunately the little emblem with the power ratings is missing and I can't find the info on the web yet. Not much info on Blue Star aluminum boats out there. Smooth is always good so I think I'll go for the 8 and hope for the best.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Weight vs power 6 or 8 HP?

That long boat must easily accept a bigger engine, go for top of the line 9.8 instead of the 8 model, same size and weight, with better increased power than 8 if wallet allows.

Happy Boating

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Weight vs power 6 or 8 HP?

Agree. A 14' would certainly take up to a 15 miniumum. Go for a 9.9 at least.

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Weight vs power 6 or 8 HP?

My 14' Mirrocraft with a 8 hp Nissan will go 18 mph GPS with only me aboard. Same engine on my 12' Sears tinney will hit 24 mph. I plan to upgrade the engine to 9.8 hp over the winter and hope to get over 20 mph. The 8hp Nissan weighs about 48# so I can still lift it solo.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH