15' Bayliner Capri power question

[Evinrude_NooB]

This is a grey question on a boat but non-engine topic.

I have an 80s 15' Bayliner Capri. It's a bowrider.

I currently have a 35 HP Force on. My question is, if I took off the 35HP and install a 7.5 tiller, would that be enough power to get me around for fishing and just moving around, no water skiing or like that? The Capri is a fiber glass boat so it's a bit heavier than what I see these 7.5HP running on.

 

[briangcc]

Re: 15' Bayliner Capri power question

Sure it'll move it around, but not at any kind of speed. What you're proposing is basically using the 7.5 as a kicker so stupid question...why not leave the 35 where it sits and install the 7.5 on a kicker bracket? When you want to go slow, drop the 7.5 into the water, raise the 35 up and away you go. When you need the speed, reverse the process and use the 35.

Or am I over simplifying your situation???

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 15' Bayliner Capri power question

You will be so very disappointed with the performance of the 7.5. It is like asking a newborn to do his fathers job.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 15' Bayliner Capri power question

... consider wind too. Once the boat starts blowin' around, will the 7.5 have enough oomph to overcome it? If it's just a little wind, probably be okay. If it starts blowin' (and I'm not talking a gale storm or anything), you might have a hard time steering.

 

[NYBo]

Re: 15' Bayliner Capri power question

The best you could do is hull speed, which would be roughly 6 MPH for that hull.

 

[Evinrude_NooB]

Re: 15' Bayliner Capri power question

Thank you all for your response. They're all great.

Ultimately I think I will use it as a kicker motor. The problem is that on the Capri, there is no room on the transom so I will ultimately put it on where I have my electric trolling motor. I tested it out today and the bracket seems to be able to support the weight.