25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

[jasper60103]

I was thinking about a newer motor.
So this guy is offering me a 1994 Johnson 40hp long shaft, electric start, tiller with tilt assist for my 1981 Johnson 25hp, plus some cash.

Nada says the 40hp weighs 185lbs and my 25hp weights 107lbs.

My boat rated max hp = 50hp as a remote setup.

I'm wondering, with me (300lbs) at the tiller and 185lb motor would the boat be too nose high or have problems trimming?
Also, would I benefit from the extra hp seeing the motor is 78lbs more?

my boat and 25hp:

40hp:

 

[JB]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

Unless you want to rig the boat for remote steering, etc. stick with the 25. 40 would be too much for safe tiller operation.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

JB,
I think you're right. I prefer a tiller setup and a 40hp is probably more motor than I need. Thanks.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

I'd switch to the 40 in a minute if the deal was right. We run tillers up to 300HP out here, on a 200 with a prop the torque can be tough on the arm with a tiller, but a 40 should be fine.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

I have the 18 ft version of your boat with a 88 50hp Erude.tiller 197
It flys.Move battery forward even if only near the middle seat.
Tank in front of the front seat.
While my boat is bigger than yours my friend 360# has run it with not slightest problem And that was with the battery at the transom.
The 40 should really zip.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

my boat and 25hp:

Is that big metal plate covering up a transom problem?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

Here's my opinion:
Just looking at your boat, not in person, I can't believe it's rated for a 50hp. It looks like a lightweight 14 ft aluminum boat to me. It must be a 16 footer, right?
ANyway, swapping you even is just plain crazy and I smell a rat, but if you get to drive the motor and it runs good, I'd take him up on that deal in a heartbeat. Then I would immediately go get myself a teleflex stick steering setup and find some used controls and I'll bet you would really like that rig. You being 300 and a heavy 40hp looks like to me it would bow up on you really bad before it hit on plane. It would be dangerous in a decent wind as well, since it wouldn't have any weight to speak of up front like you have it set up in your pic and would feel squirrelly as heck. Like the others, a tiller 40hp is not very safe to me and I don't consider myself as an overly cautious person. Actually, I don't have that big of a problem with the tiller as much as I do the setup the tiller would be on. The boat appears to be just too light for a 40hp tiller. That 40 sure does LOOK to be in awesome condition, though. I'd think it would be worth the extra dough to upgrade if your transom can take the power like it's rating says it can.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[jasper60103]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

Ok, just to set the record straight.
The trade was not a even swap. As I mentioned before the deal was "for my 1981 Johnson 25hp, plus some cash". But this is not really important to the discussion.

Yes, the boat is a 16' and rated to 50hp per mfr specs. I agree, it looks like any other light weight tinnie. I have noticed some of the older aluminum boats max HP ratings are higher. Not sure why?

Also, I don't know story behind the metal plate on the transom. It was there when I got it. The transom feels solid, but I guess its just another reason to keep my 25hp.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

Sorry about the mixup on the motor/cash deal Jasper. That's such a nice looking motor-- I'd have to have it if my boat was rated for it. The skeg doesn't even have any paint off it. Looks like it was taken care of. With a little weight like the battery and fuel tank up front as was said, it might run really sweet even with a tiller. I like your old boat, too. The tilt is really nice feature, too.
Later,
JBJ

 

[jasper60103]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

JB, no problem. Thanks for the advice. The comment about the transom plate I hadn't even considered. Without knowing whats underneath I wouldn't bolt a big motor to it. My 25 just clamps on and I feel pretty safe with it.

Yea, you're right that is a beautiful motor though!

edit: After looking at the old Crestliner brochure, the transom plate appears to be factory on their utility boats. Maybe steelespike can confirm this?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

...guy is offering me a 1994 Johnson 40hp long shaft,
40hp:

The motor pictured is a short shaft, no??

the clamshells look to be right next to the vent plate...

or did they lengthen the exh. housing on later 20 inchers?

measure carefully if swapping.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: 25hp Vs. 40hp weight and performance gain

If you're happy with the current setup, then keep it. If you're not, then get the extra hp. But definitely redistribute weight or go with a stick steering setup as mentioned earlier. Though the 40hp may get you up on plane pretty quickly, a large wave/wake or a strong wind gust can really put a chill down your spine.