40hp vs 25hp

[Westportwhaler]

I have an older 13 ft Boston Whaler (lt blue deck) with a 1961 40 hp short shaft (15")Evinrude outboard. It doesn't have any tags regarding engine power.<br /><br />I am looking to repower with another 40hp but with power tilt (and trim). My older 40 hp allowed the boat to plane with 4 fairly large people.<br /><br />It seems that the 40 HP evinrude weighed about 150 lbs (no power tilt and trim). Some outboard retailers say not to rig the boat out with a new 40hp because of weight and that a 25hp will do just fine.<br /><br />My gut tells me to use a 40hp but I concerned that it may be too heavy for the old 13 ft whaler which I think is more buoyant than the newer ones.<br /><br />Any advice/experience in this issue would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Matt King]

Re: 40hp vs 25hp

those little bostons are good boats. If it is in good condition you would not have any problem getting the 40hp. the newer outboards are not as heavy as the old ones any ways. when you pull the old motor look at the transom and make sure it is good to go. I bet you only use it for fishing and if you don't hot rod it too much you will be much happier with a little more power.<br />have fun<br />matt

 

[ICEMAN]

Re: 40hp vs 25hp

Hi Westportwhaler, A new 2cylinder 40hp weighs about 190lbs. Your older motor is at least 40lbs lighter. A 2cylinder 25 or 30 weigh about 120lbs. Your motor was rated 40hp at the powerhead. A motor after 1985 is rated at the propshaft. A 25hp will give you close to the same power of your older 40, a 30 will give you more. If you have the rope style steering on your whaler now, you may have to change it, if you put a new 40 on it. I had a customer wanting a new 40 and I refused to sell him one. I sold him the 30 he came back two days later and thanked me. The boat is rated for a 40, but that was according to the standards when the boat was made.