15 hp Evinrude on a 16' skiff?

[skiffer]

I have a 16' flat bottom skiff made by Stur-dee, it's a fibergals replica of an Amesbury skiff, weighs 425 pounds. These boats are supposedly easily driven. Would like to get a 15 Merc instead of a 25 since the 15 is lighter and cheaper. Anyone have any idea how it would go with a 15hp?

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: 15 hp Evinrude on a 16' skiff?

Boat 425 lbs<br />battery 80 lbs<br />troll. mtr.30 lbs<br />2 "BOB's" 500 lbs<br />fuel 39 lbs<br />outboard 80 lbs<br />ice chest 20 lbs<br />fish. gear 30 lbs<br /><br />=<br />1204 lbs<br />as per Mercury prop chart<br />Prop selector says power to weight ratio to low..<br />no options..<br />Maximum recomended weight is 1000 lbs @ 24 MPH(maybe....)<br />I think your better off with a Merc 25 HP, you should be able to buy one for about $2,199.00 brand new with electric tiller start or about 2 grand with yank start or what ever brand outboard you want. 25 will gitya 29.MPH @ 1250 lbs and you can still add a third person and more gear and still do over 25 MPH...

 

[Boatist]

Re: 15 hp Evinrude on a 16' skiff?

Skiffer<br />My 15hp will plane a 14 foot aluminum boat with two 150 lb people and very light gear. Heavy gear and a icechest will not plane. 3 people and no gear will not plane. Boat weighs 80 lb.<br /><br />Go with the 25 at least.

 

[thehermit]

Re: 15 hp Evinrude on a 16' skiff?

skiffer,<br /><br />buddy has the same boat (nice but sure tippy) he runs the 25 merc and dont forget the long shaft on the sturdee!