16' ouachita v hull motor capacity

[andy7918]

I have a 16' aluminum v hull ouachita 1969 model. I have been looking for a second hand tiller operated motor and was planning on purchasing something 10hp or more. My questions is what is the most powerful motor i could/should safely use? Could i go as high as 25 hp? The boat is real stable in the water, not tippy at all, and measures 4.25' in width at the transom with a 16" depth. The transom is shallower in the center than at the sides. What type of motors have people used on similar boats? Also the boat is real light, i can move the trailer by myself no problem. I found a formula when searching online (beam*length*2)-90= max hp which for me would be 54hp which i know is way too much. Does anyone out there have the same boat and know the max motor size?

 

[SwarmyWench]

I'm using a Evinrude 60 hp on my 16ft boat however its a fiberglass skiff. We just re-powered my friends 16ft Jon Boat with a 15 hp and it flies with 2 people and gear

 

[lncoop]

You'd be very happy with a 25.

 

[Mel Taylor]

I don't know anything about Ouachita boats, but my dad's 1957, 14', Lone Star with a 15 inch transom handled a 1984, 25 horse, Evinrude just fine. My 1982, 16' Bluefin with a 20 inch transom is rated for a 50 horse motor. So unless you've added enough weight with floors, decks, etc. to change things, your boat should be able to handle a 25 horse no sweat and I wouldn't be surprised if it would take a 30 or 35 horse with no problems. Naturally, I'm talking about 2 cycle engines. All I know about 4 cycle outboards is that you don't have to mix oil in the gas.

 

[rocknroj]

Should be a plate on the boat, probably near the transom that state the maximum weight capacity of the boat, maximum horse power motor and some other details.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Since it is a 1969, I doubt there is Plate on the transom for weight and horse power, didn't care back then. Can you borrow a motor from Friends? Thinking 15 hp tiller short shaft? Got pics? Back then the transom could be anywhere from 14" to 16" Need to measure Transom