90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

[PaulKim]

Well, after the Seattle boat show, I started to think about a new boat, it would be very nice to have a hard top / enclosed area so I can extend my fishing / boating season. I've been out in the Puget sound, with some pretty nasty weather in my little bellboy, and it's just not that fun when it's 40 degrees and I'm soaked.<br /><br />So I've been looking at the Arima 21 Hardtop. I would like to use my existing 2005 90HP ELPTO with this boat. The boat is rated at 90-175HP. Will this be enough ponies? From all of the litature it appears that a 90 will get it on plane, but I would like to get your opinion. Anyone out there with this kind of setup / experience?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

My personal opinion: Usually a motor at the bottom end of the recommended HP range will be lackluster at best. If you get in some rough chop, you may find it difficult to power through. The fuel efficiency may suffer as well by causing the engine to work harder to get the boat on plane. My suggestion: Test drive the boat with a couple of different configurations, see which one works best for the boat, and for your needs.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: 90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

Arimas do OK with low HP, but a 90 on a 21' might be a little too low. With a full load of people and gear it may not have adequate performace. But if you have the 90, try it, if it doesn't work sell it and go bigger.

 

[JRJ]

Re: 90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

If you haven't been there, lots of info at the Arima owners site. Nice boats. I would put a 150 on it myself.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

Personally I never go with the minimum hp rating unless you are planning on ALWAYS boating alone.It is very frustrating when taking friends out on the new rig and you have trouble planing off and you have to have the fat friend go to the bow.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

OK, Now that you have asked, and got these recommendations, are you going to take the advice?<br /><br />I agree, dont under power your boat, you will have a new boat that you really dont like and wish you had sprung for a larger engine. I vote 150 HP minimum. and if you can afford it Id max out the rating. I dont think I have ever yet heard someone say. "Man, I wish I hadnt got that big engine".

 

[paulie0735]

Re: 90 Ponies enough for an Arima 21 HT?

You need 150, I would go 4 stroke. If you really want to keep your engine than you are going to have to concider a smaller, lighter boat. <br />Will 90hp push the Arima 21 along? Yes. <br />Is it enough? No.