16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

[geordybass]

Hi, I have a 1969 16'7" Boston Whaler Katama. I just recently got the boat with no motor but got a really good deal on a 1994 Yamaha 40hp Oil-Injected 2 stroke. I'm wondering if this is enough power for the boat? Only 2 or 3 people will be in it most of the time anyways. Or.... Should I just buy 50hp Carbs and use the extra HP? In about 1-2 years I will get a Nissan 90hp TLDI....

Thanks!

 

[gbb]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

I asked the same question with my 72 sakonnet on whalercentral.com and was told it was not enough hp. Mine came with a 90 Johnson and we were able to get it running. Took it out an it flew, not sure how fast but seemed really fast. Just started restoring it. Let me know how you make out with the 40.

 

[JB]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

Forty is not enough for that hull, Geordy.

It is rated for 100HP and the transom is rated to carry 400lb.

I have had several Whaler 16/17s and always got best all-round performance with JohnnyRude 70 triple loopers. . . 40mph WOT.

I put a Suzuki DF70 on my last Montauk 17 and dearly loved it, but it weighs about 370# and did make the boat a bit stern heavy in close quarter maneuvering, compared to the JohnnyRude 70s.

Many people choose to overpower with big V4s....115s, for example. In my opinion that is a foolish move and only returns 5-6mph over the 70s at the expense of a lot more weight and fuel consumption. I took 100s off of two of my boats to replace them with 70s.

That hull gets very uncomfortable at speed in a chop. It can put your kidneys up between you shoulder blades, so take it easy.

That is the best small offshore boat ever made, but it isn't perfect.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

Yeah, that 40 is for the 13 footer, not the 16 footer

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

Your Yamaha, while too small, looks like a good motor so maybe you can work a trade at a used boat yard, around a marina or commercial guys, or craigslist. Go for the OMC 70 as suggested.
You might find a junky boat with a 70, switch the motors and sell the junky boat with your 40. Remember you need to switch controls if you switch brands.

 

[geordybass]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

Whats nice is this boat has OMC controls on it already from previous motor (85,which siezed). Now the next question is...

Some guy wants to trade me a 1976 Evinrude/Johnson v-4 135 and $100 cash back. I know that 135/120/115/90/85 are all the same engine with different carbs and misc parts.... but,

Is a 135hp too overpowered? I know what the hull is rated for a 100hp motor and 400lbs...motor weighs approx under 280lbs and it will be plug and play,,, Also I know to be very careful with the throttle and is gas mileage gonna be bad? Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

Well, I said it before and I will say it again: Overpowering a Boston Whaler is a waste.

Do what you please, but if you really want experienced advice go for a 70 JohnnyRude.

 

[geordybass]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

Well, I said it before and I will say it again: Overpowering a Boston Whaler is a waste.

Do what you please, but if you really want experienced advice go for a 70 JohnnyRude.

I know I agree with what you said, but I'd rather be over then underpowered and it is temporary anyways,,, thanks for the response!

 

[geordybass]

Re: 16' Boston Whaler Katama Question

this makes me happy though JB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M376JDuzXKM