16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

[Nomad1972]

Hi All,

I just joined the Starmada with the purchase of a 1990 160ss but the 60hp Merc that came with it has issues. The mechanic says that he can't get the lower unit off due to it being frozen onto the drive shaft

Says that this is indicative of the PO not performing maintenance>>>GGGGRRRR

Anyway, I am looking to repower but wanted to know what some people are running for power and what performance numbers you are getting.

What is the minimum that will plane this hull with my wife, me, and gear aboard (about 450-450#)?

Will a 40hp realistically move this boat?

Max rating is 90hp, would a 115hp be breaking any laws (physics excluded)?

Looking to expand my search as wide as possible to get this boat up and running.

Use will be Casco Bay in Maine (pretty rough some times) as well as Maine rivers and large lakes (again, both get pretty rough).

Thanks in advance for any help that is offered or leads on motors for sale.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

I dunno nomad, I just caught a photo of your rig. It looks really rough too, you may need to dispose of that hull too. I'll pm you my address and you can ship it to me. I'll be sure to take care of things from there, no need to worry.



Sorry, big jerk here! Just jealous of your SS buddy! She is sweet!

I think a 40 would be aok but the extra folks and weight she may have to work some. (If you can afford it go bigger!)

I know the Starcraft bros with OB's will jump in with some good advice for you.

Glad you are here, welcome!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

Yeah a 40 would move it and probably plane it ok with a light load. A 50 would be better.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

I have a Johnson 50 on my 16 ss rebuild and it is a fairly fast and reliable motor. It has manual shifting. No power tilt but thats ok .

 

[Gibbles]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

Hi All,

I just joined the Starmada with the purchase of a 1990 160ss but the 60hp Merc that came with it has issues. The mechanic says that he can't get the lower unit off due to it being frozen onto the drive shaft

Says that this is indicative of the PO not performing maintenance>>>GGGGRRRR

Anyway, I am looking to repower but wanted to know what some people are running for power and what performance numbers you are getting.

What is the minimum that will plane this hull with my wife, me, and gear aboard (about 450-450#)?

Will a 40hp realistically move this boat?

Max rating is 90hp, would a 115hp be breaking any laws (physics excluded)?

Looking to expand my search as wide as possible to get this boat up and running.

Use will be Casco Bay in Maine (pretty rough some times) as well as Maine rivers and large lakes (again, both get pretty rough).

Thanks in advance for any help that is offered or leads on motors for sale.

I had a stuck lower on an outboard, if I was a mechanic I would of told the owner tough luck, but for me it was break it or get it off.

In the end I cracked some parts, and forced a pry bar in the front and rear with the help of hammer, then lubed the crap of the shaft area while having the engine up side down and at a upside down angle with some seafoam deap creep, sprayed it hoping to get it to run down the shaft (Was able to get just enough space for the straw).

In the end I let it sit for a few hours like that coming out every 20min to spray more in there, and then it popped loose while prying front and rear of the engine.

Good luck.

 

[fshngho]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

I would guess the lower unit has issues. I am with Gibbles, I would attempt to remove the lower unit myself. AT the worst you will have a motor you can't use (like now) but at best you get it separated and repaired.
You could go with a 115 (over the rated hp) but you most likely will not get insurance and could be told to get out of the water by the CG, or a ticket. Of coarse, you could put new decals on the motor, but I didn't say that.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

Hello neighbor!
I have a 40 on my 16ss. Check out my pics. I get around 32 mph on fish finder with 2 men and gear. I have power trim so I can max out well. I love this set up, pulls a small tube with 3 people on board well enough for the kids to enjoy it. Trolls down to about 2 mph for dragging flies on Sebago Lake.

Hope this helps.
Mike

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

That is purdy dern good MichaelP! I am thinking those are some great stats there

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 16 SS - smallest OB that is practical?

When I first bought my 16SS all I had in a long shaft was a 1957 Evinrude Lark 35. Actually ran quite well, even with a couple people aboard. The 35 wasn't a rocket ship, but it did the job I needed it to do - get me to and from the island I was living on at the time... I'm not sure I'd go any smaller than that, though.

Bought a 1980 Johnson Stinger 75 that winter, rebuilt it, and replaced the Lark with that for the following season.