Boat/Motor Sizing

[jrhofman]

I am considering purchasing a Lund WC16 DLX and putting on a Yamaha 25 4 stroke. The main reason for the 25hp is that I will be fishing Minnesota Border lakes that have 25hp restrictions. If not for this I would probably go to a 40hp.<br /><br />I'm getting some feedback from dealers and other people that the 25 may not be enough motor for this boat. I selected this boat because it has the flooring and other features I like but only weights 420lbs. I could have as many as 3 grown people in the boat. I selected the Yamaha because it appears to be one of the lightest 25HP 4 strokes as well.<br /><br />Any other feedback on this combination would be helpful?

 

[teamstromer]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

good morning jim,<br />i had a 16 ft fishin' boat with a 30hp mariner, it was enough engine for 2 adults. no problem with getting on plane and moving at a good speed. but with 3 adults or maybe 4, boat would bog down, had to adjust people to get on plane, then you run into having to slow down and spped up due to boat wakes etc. my suggestion would be to go for the 40.

 

[mmainelli]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

Since you're restricted to 25 hp, I would go for the Yamaha two-cycle, instead of the 4-cycle. Worse mileage, but much better torque to get up on plane. A good compliment to the engine would be a 4 blade prop, instead of a 3 blade. Again, more torque in the hole. Whatever the max diameter the unit will take (call it "Y"), I would put a 4 x Y x 15, instead of a 3 x Y x 15. The 4 x Y x 15 will perform like a 3 x Y x 16 overall, but much better on the low to mid-range.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

Another thing to consider Try to go for a boat with the biggest footprint while maintaining as low weight as possible without sacrificing strength.With more surface to plane on it will get up on the water easier.My 25 hp.18ft. bare utility planes much easier with a load and runs faster with a load than my old 15 ft.with the same motor.I've also heard that more cubic inches gives better low end performance.<br /> You might see if they are making a 25 evinrude etec yet.You will get 4 cycle clean with 2 cycle performance,and easier maintenance.

 

[stevens]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

I've heard that some people just buy a 40-50hp and put the 25hp hood on it...

 

[jrhofman]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

Thanks for the feed back folks. After looking at the specs more closely this particular lund will only handle a max 30hp. I'm guessing a 25hp might be alright but I'll keep researching. I've got 4 months before the ice is out.<br /><br />With regards to the comment on a 2 stroke vs 4 stroke. I've been struggling a little there as well. Is the power output that much different between the two? I like the idea of a nice quite gas friendly 4 stroke but the price spread is huge. My father inlaw has a 200x Johnson 25hp 2 stroke electric start that I can get for $1500-$1700. The Yamaha comes in at $3700 new.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

I feel there are just too many moving parts in a 4 stroke.If you compare 4 stroke outboard use to an automobile it is like running your car at 100 mph.everytime you use it.Especially with a smaller motor.Sure a 4 stroke performs well and with care will last.But without question requires more maintenance both for routine and breakdown.25 hp. is 25 hp but the 2 motors develope their power over a different curve.I don't know the usual price range of your uncles motor but if it has had good care and performed well It should be a fine motor.<br /> As with any outboard you need to carefully match the propeller to your use.Also the virticle<br /> height is important.If you start with the antivent plate approximately even with the bottom of the boat and raise the motor 1/4 inch at a time ,use 1/4 inch sticks to hold position, tighten the clamps and test it.Raise till just before ventilation becomes a problem.Be sure it is pumping water properly and the clamps have a good bite.Under just the right conditions you could gain 2 or 3 mph.By working with blade number and prop design like cupping you may gain even more height.They can advise you over at the prop forum.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

I feel there are just too many moving parts in a 4 stroke.If you compare 4 stroke outboard use to an automobile it is like running your car at 100 mph.everytime you use it.Especially with a smaller motor.Sure a 4 stroke performs well and with care will last.But without question requires more maintenance both for routine and breakdown.25 hp. is 25 hp but the 2 motors develope their power over a different curve.I don't know the usual price range of your uncles motor but if it has had good care and performed well It should be a fine motor.<br /> As with any outboard you need to carefully match the propeller to your use.Also the virticle<br /> height is important.If you start with the antivent plate approximately even with the bottom of the boat and raise the motor 1/4 inch at a time ,use 1/4 inch sticks to hold position, tighten the clamps and test it.Raise till just before ventilation becomes a problem.Be sure it is pumping water properly and the clamps have a good bite.Under just the right conditions you could gain 2 or 3 mph.By working with blade number and prop design like cupping you may gain even more height.They can advise you over at the prop forum.

 

[jonb14]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

I'm relitively new to the "jon boat thing" and currently own a 14 foot jon boat w/ only a 50 Thurst Trolling Motor, living on a large lake I sometimes get stuck on the other side.

I'm looking for an outboard but not sure of what size I need, something to heavy may sink the boat.

What's a good price for an inexpensive motor?

Any suggestions

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

Jon, you need to start your own thread, hi jacking is rude. a 6hp would get you home. not necessarily fast.

 

[jonb14]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

Unaware that asking a question about "Boat/Motor Sizing" in a thread that pertains to the same subject was considered rude and frowned upon.

 

[marquette]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

hi
i have a 16 ft lund rebel deluxe with a side console. when i got the boat it had a 3cyl 40hp Yamaha on it. nice motor but no matter how smooth a 3cyl runs it it just would not go slow enough to troll for walleyes. i switched to a 30hp Honda 4 stroke. lost a little top end but it actually trolls to slow. i have to bump it up off idle to get up to 1MPH. if you are fishing the border waters i assume you are fishing for walleys and do at least some trolling. forget the top end and go for the QUIET and slow of the 4 stroke. i fished smallies in canada for a week last summer and 2 days into the week we took the minnkota off the boat to get it out of the way and worked the rock piles and shore line with the Honda. it is that slow and quiet. this is my first 4 stroke so i don't mean to say that Honda is any better than other manufactuers because i really don't know. but from a fishing standpoint i think you will be really happy if you go 4 stroke. and it sounds like we fish the same type water. the 30hp puts my boat up on plane and holds it here with 3 adults in the boat. using my GPS to measure i do about 17-18 mph. so it's not a speed merchant but i have always worried less about how long a motor takes to get me to a fishing spot than i do about how it works when i get there. the best comparison i can make is a well tuned 9.9 johnson on a 16ft boat. you can troll all day with out skipping a beat, you can carry on a normal coversation over the noise of the motor and you can creep around rock piles. and at $3.50 a gallon if you like to run 15-20 miles down Lake of the Woods to fish you will really like a 4stroke.

 

[Jambo]

Re: Boat/Motor Sizing

Hi marquette... thats really interesting because i'm looking at picking up a 14ft lund with center console.. similar to yours I imagine. It has a 40hp honda on it. Only way I would buy this rig, is if I can troll for the wallys with the honda, and not have to go for an additional trolling motor. Do you think the 40 honda will go slow enough on this 14ft'er Lund (rebel), to troll as you do? Thanks! Any other replies are welcome!!

Jambo