Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

[jack bowman]

I dropped my 15.5 ft Tracker alum boat at the dealer's today to install a new 40 hp Honda<br /><br />For not much more $ I can get a 50 hp. I will use the boat for fishing and cruising -normally 1-2 people but sometimes 3.<br /> <br />Any advice about the additional horses (boat max rated for 50hp)

 

[wayne h]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

i dont belive in maxing out a boats hp rating i think a 40hp will do very nice for you might even be a little scary haha. i say save you extra $$ and spend it on goodies. i have a 12 foot aluminum thats rated for a 15 but its fast enough with a 30 year old 9.5 on it

 

[Forktail]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

It really comes down to whether or not you want to spend a few extra bucks. The 40 will do fine, the 50 a little faster. Both the Honda 40 and 50 are basically the same engien, on the same block.<br /><br />Fishing and cruising....I'd go for the 40 HP and save a few bucks. If speed is an issue go with the 50.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

As Ive heard many times here, you dont here anyone say "I wish I had less hp".We ran a 40 on a 15 runabout for years and years.It was ok but<br />when you started to load it up it pooped out.<br /> What a difference it was when we went to the 50.<br /> And better mpg than the 40 when driven at part throttle.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

Go with the 50! "Not much more" now, will be worth more later on... should you wish to one day sell it. As mentionned earlier, I've never heard someone say that they had too much horsepower!

 

[Navigator]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

Beats workin,<br />If you can anny up for the 50, do it. I have the 40 and wish I would have gotten the 50. Fuel economy is basically the same unless you continually run at WOT.<br /><br />Extremely nice engine. Silky smooth. You'll be happy either way <br /><br />Nav

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

Go for the 50 !!!!!! you can hang on to it if you ever go with a bigger boat.I have never heard someone say "my boat is too fast" Charlie

 

[DJ]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

I completely agree with this statement being never heard: "gee, I wish I had less horsepower".<br /><br />Since the 40 and 50 are of nearly identical weight, I would go with the 50. The resale value will be higher also.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

More is better! Being basically the same weight, you will someday be glad you had the extra HP. Even if it is when you sell it! Just because you have it doesnt mean you have to use it. And I do beeleive in maxing out the HP on a boat!

 

[jack bowman]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

Thanks guys<br /><br />Good advice. I decided to go with the 50. The mechanic doing the work agreed.<br /> Turns out the boat is max rated for 60hp. Seems high for a 15.5 ft but go figure

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

You will never be sorry you did!

 

[DJ]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

beats workin,<br /><br />Excellent. You are right where I would want to be. You are maximizing your power without going up a step in weight.<br /><br />Let us know how she goes.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

Navigator;<br /><br />If you want it to run up with the 50 and better, try Smart Tabs. Do a search on this site. Cost about $150.00 or less.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

nautiJohn,<br /><br />Smart tabs aren't really an option since I'm running a 40 horse Tiller on a Crestliner Aluminum Modified V welded John boat.<br /><br />It might look kind of funny <br /><br />Nice thought though.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Nav

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Enough hp for 15.5 ft alum fishing boat

Nav;<br /><br />Just curious, why can't you install trim tabs on this boat. They do not need electricity, and we have done many tiller motor boats.<br /><br />John