Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

[AZcamperguy]

Hi, my 14' aluminum lund is rated for a 25 hp motor. If I find a 30 or 35 can I use that or will it be too much of a problem? I'm not really sure how that works. Is there a significant weight difference or is it more of a power thing? Thanks!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

The boat is rated for 25hp because that is the most you can safely run on that hull. Weight is only part of the issue. Torque - exterted on the transom is another. The hull's ability to remain controllable with more power is yet another.

Running more horsepower than the rated sets you up for all sorts of liability issues, and depending on your location, legal issues as well.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

have an accident, one of the kids gets hurt. Family services will be on you. unsafe boating, child negligence and that is just the beginning.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

i wouldnt dude. your overated and plus 25- to 30 or 35 horsepower is really a big jump in horsepower and torque. most likely totally different blocks which means more torque.

safe boating dude. dont drink and boat either. rescued a guy who was drinking and about 50hp overpowered on a boat smalller than yours. he was very lucky since he got ran over by the boat. witnessed the whole thing

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

Hmmm, ok I see what you guys are saying. Very good points that I hadn't thought of. I was thinking that it mey be a weight or too much power issue. If weight wasn't a big deal I was thinking that I'd be fine as long as I didn't run it wot. I guess I'll just have to keep looking *sigh*

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

i wouldnt dude. your overated and plus 25- to 30 or 35 horsepower is really a big jump in horsepower and torque. most likely totally different blocks which means more torque.

safe boating dude. dont drink and boat either. rescued a guy who was drinking and about 50hp overpowered on a boat smalller than yours. he was very lucky since he got ran over by the boat. witnessed the whole thing

Really? That big of a difference from 25 to 30 or 35? Wow, I had no idea.

As for drinking..... I quit that about 8 years ago so no worries there. I feed my addiction with fishing now lol. I just want to get to the other side of the lake faster than my 6 hp is taking me. This site is great and you guys have excellent advice. I direct people here all the time to get answers

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

A 25hp would get her up and running pretty well. What kind of lund do you have?

I actually have a 14ft lund...a '76 s-14 with a 66 inch beam. It has a 2 inch thick transom and double supports. It is rated for 35hp. The boat alone with my modifications is about 300-350 lbs. I had a '59 Johnson 18hp and it ran pretty well with me alone in the boat with gear (18-20mph on average). But with my buddy and his gear, I lost about 3mph. During the summer I added a casting deck and I'll be adding a floor (removable). I have a '67 33hp that I converted to a tiller and rigged the boat with this motor. Haven't had a chance to test it and may not until spring.

Just a word of caution if it's a "utility" boat like mine; the front is very light and can get blown all over the place. I added a casting deck up front for a number of reasons, and adding weight up front was one of those. I love the boat, very stable for its size and can take a decent chop, but if you are going with a higher hp motor, I'd get your weight distributed more evenly.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

Really? That big of a difference from 25 to 30 or 35? Wow, I had no idea.

I used to put some stupid combination's together when I was younger...waaaay overpowered runabouts that went like crazy. Lucky to be alive really. I was reminded of this last year when I was working on a small (10hp) twin on the water. 1 seemingly dead cylinder came to life while running WOT on the water. 'Bout flipped me over the stern. 5hp to 10 hp BIG Difference on a little boat.
I don't think you would be in this category, but the capacity plate and hp rating is best to be heeded. Good luck in your search. 25 hp should be plenty.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

i have a 15foot boat. with 2 brace supports. its rated to 45hp and is remote steering which also plays a role in horsepower rating. not sure how thick the transom is but i have a 35hp on it right now. its does really good.

yeah there a different cause it a totally different block like 25hp is much horsepower you will get with that block. it really started out as a 18hp. then few mods such as exhuast reeds carbs etc

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

wc 14-15 dlx is mine. I think it has a 62" beam and is a '91 if I remember correctly. The front has an anchor winch on it and I may put a foot controlled troller with battery on it up there to distibute weight better. Right now it is fine since I only have a 6 hp on the back but I see what you are saying. There is a built in floor already with a livewell (doesn't work, I use it for storage). The weight is distibuted pretty good even with 2 batteries in the back near the transom and my tiller troller. I have been looking for a 20 or 25 for a while and they just don't pop up that often for a good price. I have 4 kids and am always on a budget

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

With that boat, I would stick with a motor no more than 25hp as it is rated. Also, if you do get a larger motor, I would try to put the batteries forward if possible (especially if you are fishing alone). A 6hp is a far lighter motor than a 20-25hp. With that boat, you might be able to get away with a 15-18hp and still get on plane with and adult and a few children. If you are on your own, a 15-18hp will be more than enough.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

Nice thing about motors up to 25 is you don't need a battery; just pull-start.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

another reason is that you do get a 35hp motor you will need a battery to start it cause its pretty i mean really hard to pull lol

stick to the rating

 

[will941s]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

I have a 14.5' Duracraft, Aluminum hull with a 'v' front. It has a casting deck, and a removable floorboard....1 deep cycle battery, 48 quart cooler, tackle box, 6 gallon tank, gear, and my 220 pound behind. It is powered by a 89' merc 25hp tiller, 2 stoke. No lie, with a 13 pitch 4 blade prop it will push me along at 35mph. I love that combo so much I got another boat with a 98' merc 25. All you need is those 25 horses, 35mph with a flat bottem boat can get really scary around curves.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

I have a battery already in there for the electric anchor, night lights, bilge, etc so having an electric start motor is preferred actually. I am going to look at a 25 hp this week hopefully.
I have a 20 hp (electric and pull) that came with the boat but according to the marine shop it may cost up to 1000 dollars to fix it. I was thinking I can probably find an old 25 for a much better price.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

wow, $1000? what year and model of motor is it and what is the problem? if it's a carbed two stroke, has compression, and is not locked up, then you might be able to get it running on your own for a minimum investment.

 

[AZcamperguy]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

jdsgrog, that is the problem. It is locked up. He said it may need a new power head or it may be something less severe. Problem is that I will have to pay the 3 hours labor to have it investigated. I am looking at a few others right now so something good will happen sooner or later. I am going to post this question elswhere too but maybe you know the answer?

Can I turn a pull start motor int an electric start?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

Yes you can convert to electric start but much better off getting electric
to start with(no pun intended)
A proper running 25-40 hp is not that hard to crank. I've even seen a late 40s Big Four 50hp rope started.
A good running 25 or 30 is a snap to start.Not much charge from those little motors but should maintain for the light stuff.Anything heavy like a trolling motor it won't touch it.

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

I haven't worked with a locked up motor before (though I have a 7.5 that is very stiff), so I couldn't say what the problem is. But I could see why you are looking for a new motor. btw, what motor do you currently have and what are looking for (age, two vs four stroke, price range, etc)

As for the conversion question, you most likely can change a pull start into an electric start. For my old '59 Johnson 18hp, there was a conversion kit so I am pretty certain you can find them for any 25hp. If you get an older motor, the cost may be more reasonable as you can find used parts for less on ebay.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Can I use a 35hp instead of a 25?

There is probably a 5-7mph top end difference between a 25hp Johnson and a 35hp and they weigh the same so I wouldn't have a problem running it.

My 15' Gregor does 25mph with an 87' 25hp evinrude and done 27mph with a 85' 30hp Suzuki.
I bought the Suzuki from a guy that had it on a 13' Gregor tin boat that was bone stock. My boat has decks,batteries,trolling motor, etc so its pretty heavy.

I put electric start on my Evinrude and I can't even put into words how much nicer it is to just push a button to start versus turning around and yanking on a darn rope.