Advice on new outboard

[crfdvm]

I am in the market for a four stroke engine. I currently have a 40 hp 1990 mercury 2 stroke. I have a 18.5 foot center console gregor aluminum boat. Weight of dry hull 560 pounds. I only need to max speed at 20-25 mph and use it mainly for trolling at low speeds. I want to know if you think that a 25 or 30 hp 4 stroke would accomplish what I need. I don't want to spend the extra money for the 40 hp if I don't need it. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advice on new outboard

you don't say what the boat is rated. the rule of thumb, is the minimum hp is 70% of the rated hp. why are you wanting to do away with a motor that is just broken in good?

 

[crfdvm]

Re: Advice on new outboard

Rated for 60 hp max
The lake (Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet, CA) that I want to get my boat on requires either 4 strokes or direct fuel injected 2 strokes. It is a Municipal Water Department lake and has strict rules on emissions.

Thanks for your reply

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advice on new outboard

good reason, 42 hp is 70% of the rated hp. i would not go under 40hp.

 

[crfdvm]

Re: Advice on new outboard

Thanks so much for the input.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Advice on new outboard

Based on my 18hp 4 stroke on an 18' jon boat doing about 20mph,
and the difference in boats, I'd say that 30hp will do for what you say
you want to do.

I occasionally wonder what another 12 hp would do, but I'm doing fine
with what I have, and it doesn't cost very much in fuel to do it.

 

[JB]

Re: Advice on new outboard

The Suzuki DF50 is a good engine. It was, for a while, also offered as a Johnson. Weighs about 250#.

I agree with Daddy about minimum HP. You don't need to go WOT except in emergencies, when the extra 10 HP will be very welcome.