1973 Ranger Fisherman 16' boat, what size motor?

[kmercury]

Hello,

I have a 1973 Ranger 16' Fisherman boat that I am restoring. It had a 50hp Johnson on it that is junk (threw a ring and can no longer get pistons for it). So, I am at the point of selecting a motor for it. My question is, what size motor is this boat rated for and what size should I look for. It should be noted that the transom skin is cracked and rotted so I am having to do a rebuild with Seacast (not sure if this matters as to the weight of the replacement motor).
This boat will mainly be used for fishing but I will want to pull the kids around on a tube every now and then.


Thanks for any help.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 1973 Ranger Fisherman 16' boat, what size motor?

If that is the original Ranger bass boat or bass boat derivative of the era (same hull, different interior), I used to run with guys that had them and Kingfisher boats of similar design/purpose. I saw an add about the Bass Master's Classic at the time and the boats were Ranger and the engines were 85 hp Johnsons. 65 hp triple loopers were common on those boats. Had a neighbor that put an 85 on a Kingfisher. I had a later model Kingfisher and had a 70 on it and it was a lively performer...after I jacked the engine up one notch and put a 21P ss prop on it.

You might google something like the history of the Classic and see if there aren't some pictures of boats like yours and check the engine hp. Or just email Ranger and ask them. I think their factory is in Flippin, AK.

HTH,

Mark