figuring max hp on 15 ft jon

[trotline1]

I have a 15ft Alomnacraft jon boat. The hull is not a mod V but just the old style jon hull. I currently run a 1977 evirude 6hp on it, but it doesn't come close to planing it. The tag is gone. I'd like opinions on what I could safely run on it. The boat is very solidly built and wide ut its not very deep. I don't want to win races, but I could stand to go a little faster particularly when I have another couple people with me.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: figuring max hp on 15 ft jon

The current Alumacraft 1542 riveted jon boat, their lightest, is rated for 25 hp. You can look up the specs of the boat on their site at:

http://alumacraft.com/jon-boats/riveted-specs.php

Compare that boat to yours. If it's pretty much the same, the rating's probably pretty much the same. Isn't there a tag in the boat with capacities?

 

[trotline1]

Re: figuring max hp on 15 ft jon

The tag is gone. you can see the holes where it was. Thanks for the link. 25 seems like a whole lot. I was hoping you guys would tell me I could run a 15. Thanks for your help.

 

[DADDYRABBIT1]

Re: figuring max hp on 15 ft jon

You can run a 15, CATransplant was just giving you the max. size o/b you can use.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: figuring max hp on 15 ft jon

I have a 16' Voyager regular jon. The tag says maximum h.p. 25.

A Tohatsu 9.8 4 stroke plane's it nicely with 2 people and 2 large
dogs. Have not had more people in it yet though.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: figuring max hp on 15 ft jon

The tag is gone. you can see the holes where it was. Thanks for the link. 25 seems like a whole lot. I was hoping you guys would tell me I could run a 15. Thanks for your help.

Sure. You can run a 15 on that jonboat. An 18 would be a better choice, I think, or even a 20 from the 70s. Whether the 15 will plane your boat when it's loaded is a good question. If it's just you in the boat, it probably will. Add a buddy and a bunch of tackle, etc., and it may not.

If you're going to regularly carry a couple of other people, I'd start looking for an 18 or 20, or even go with the 25hp. That way, you know you'll get on plane and scoot along. The cost is about the same for any of them in the same age group as your 6hp. Where I am, in Minnesota, a 77 6hp in good running condition will bring $300 or even $350 if it's pretty. A mid 70s 25hp can be had in good running condition for $500, or $400 if you don't mind a little ugly on it.

Every once in a while, I see someone who has an 18-25 hp outboard that's too large for their boat, so they're looking for a trade to a smaller outboard. Keep your eye on your local ads. Don't be in a hurry, and you'll find a bargain. In the meantime, you can poke along with your 6 hp.