20 to 25 hp recommendation

[reka12]

Hello all! Is there a website that compares small engines, especially in the weight category? I am looking for a 20 to 25 hp remote but weight (of course reliability) is most important. I do not mind an older model (10+/- years) if that model year would be a weight saver. The reason is I am going to take an old 14' Suncoast and add a front casting deck and a center console, sort of a small flats boat. The boat is pretty light as it is and does not have very high gunnels. It will basically only be for two, but again, weight is my major concern. Thanks for your input. Mike

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

www.Nadaguides.com has the dry weight of outboards going back into the '70s, so it's a useful and handy reference. I can tell you right now it's going to be really hard to find one that's much lighter than your '70 at 83 lbs.

 

[reka12]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

Thanks Paul. I appreciate your input. From what I read on this board, is it true that 25 hp from the '70s is equivalent to lower ratings now? If this is true, I thought I could maybe go smaller and stay around the same weight and power output. Your thoughts?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

Yes, that's right. You should expect 5% more power right off the bat since modern outboards are rated from the propshaft rather then the engine. Also, the J/E 22.0 CID outboard is highly tuned. It was introduced as an 18hp in the mid 50s and over the years they tweaked 20hp and then 25hp out of the block. If you're comparing this particular 25hp to a larger displacement one, the larger displacement engine is going to have more low-end grunt.<br />But as long as your engine is in good shape and is making it's designed WOT RPMS, don't expect to drop much HP and pick up top end speed. <br /><br />As for weight - around this range is a personal thing for me. You get much heavier than 90lbs and it's going to be a real pain in the neck (and back!) to carry around. Up into 100lbs and I don't really consider it portable. My old 28hp comes in at around 140lbs, and it's a real bear to carry single-handed (or two handed for that matter ).<br /><br />Well, that's my thoughts. They're only worth a couple cents so don't read too much into them.

 

[reka12]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

Amen on the weight brother. Top end speed is fine now. No speed demon but good for the boat. My son and I did the lake test today and while it ran fine, there were still little quirks such as at wide open throttle the engine bogs for a moment or two then kicks in and an occasional miss. Since I am hoping this project will be a boat that I can let my 13 yo take off in without me, I want it to be reliable. We plan on hitting the mosquito lagoon this weekend for some redfishing. Maybe it just needs to run awhile. Thanks for your two maple leafs. I appreciate your opinion. Mike

 

[beniam]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

Hi reka 12<br />Here are some personal experiences. <br />I bought an old 16 ft aluminum boat. Wanted more zap than 9.9 hp. Went to 25 hp 4 cycle merc-sweet motor. Reliable, quiet,no smoke. Use, local rivers in Pa, and big lakes out west. Downside, lots of weight(guess better than 160 #) hanging off the back of a tiddling little boat. Moved fuel,battery, and my fat butt forward to balance the weight. Yours is a 14 ft, also sensative to weight on the stern. And yes , 25 hp gives a good mix of speed, low fuel use, and you can get 14 ft into your garage. Good luck. Batavier

 

[reka12]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

If I can find one that is under 110 pounds, I think the 25 will be the way to go. My current '70 25 rude I understand is about 85 pounds or so. I plan on adding a front deck and a center console so the weight will be shifting forward a bit. It is still only a 14.7 foot boat.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

Take a look at the Nissan or Tohatsu 25 HP Limited Production two-stroke. A longshaft, electric start with remote weighs in at 109 lbs.

 

[reka12]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

That sounds good. Anyone have know a good dealer in Central FL? What can I expect to pay if I go new? Anyone know of a good dealer in Central Fl that may have used smaller outboards? Thanks, Mike

 

[Salty Dog]

Re: 20 to 25 hp recommendation

See the man that posted above yours. He has good prices.