25 HP enough?

[geckogeek]

I've had some serious bad luck buying used motors for my 14" fiberglass and will likely go new in the spring. Think 25hp is enough to reasonably tour to the fishing holes? Max is 45hp.

Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 25 HP enough?

Way back when, before I told God where to put the dirt, I had a 20 on a 13 footer similar to yours. It got the boat up on plane and it probably did 18-20 MPH (guesstimate--no speedometer) with just me in it and sitting back near the transom. So if getting to the fishing holes fast is not a concern, and if you are not carrying a lot of gear or weight, then a 25 might just do it. 4 cycle engines are heavier and have a different torque curve so I think in this application where a 25 is really marginal, a 2 cycle engine would be a better choice.

Bigger--up to the max rated --is usually better, so if money will allow it, buy a 35 or 45. You can always throttle back a larger engine--you can't get more than the smaller engine is rated for.

Actually---I have a 125 that would be just right for that boat--LOL The 140 might be a little much--Just kidding.

What year is that boat? it looks to be in pristeen (Oops! women's product) pristine condition. Did you restore it? Also, I noticed no cleats in the bow or on the deck--They come in handy for anchoring.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 25 HP enough?

classic boat, i would go at least a 40 2 stroke. the 4 stroke is going to make that boat really squatty in the stern. there is almost 100 lbs difference in a 2 stroke and 4 stroke. you will have one heck of a time trying to sell it later with anything smaller.

 

[Robj]

Re: 25 HP enough?

The more the merrier. Go for larger power if you can afford it. Like TD says, try and get a 40 hp. You won't regret it.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[JB]

Re: 25 HP enough?

I wouldn't go with anything smaller than a 30. A general rule is that it takes 70% of rated HP to get satisfactory performance from a planing hull.

There are exceptions, of course, but they are boats very light for their size.

The Boston Whaler classic 13s, for example, are rated for 40 but perform well with 25.

Being rated for 45HP, I expect that your boat expects a bit over 200# on the transom. Check into the Honda 30, which I understand is quite light for a 4 stroke. If you can't find a good, EFI 4 stroke in that size then I suggest a good 2 stroke in 30-40HP.

 

[geckogeek]

Re: 25 HP enough?

Alright, Thanks guys. Resale is important so a 40hp is likely the best.

Not sure of the year but I know ithe boat is in the early 60's. It has a Polaris tag on the "dash". I pretty well spent most of last summer working on it, but never successfully got a motor that was any good so it hasn't seen water yet. I have cleats and lights on it now too.

Thanks again