Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

[canuckjgc]

I have a jetcraft/harbercraft 16' (1625) side console. It is rated for 60hp. I can get a great deal on a very lightly used 40hp merc EFI with low hours. I've heard the 70% rule which would be 42hp. Problem is I've never been in this boat on the water (purchased with no motor). I'm told it is a quick planing hull (has 12 degree rise) and is based from their jetboat line.

I need help deciding. A 50 or 60hp will be a fair bit more money for an older carbed 4 stroke in the area I'm in. I don't want 2 stroke.

Need some insight here - anyone try something similar on a similar welded boat or ?


Thanks!

 

[pootnic]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

A 1625 or 1652?
A 25 would be pretty narrow,anyways if it's a 1652 there normally rated 35 tiller and 60hp console.
Only say this because I have a 1652 crestliner,tiller model,jet tunnel but only 6 degree deadrise.
Not sure what the difference in deadrise will do but the tunnel hull on mine will reduce my top end(2-4mph).
With a 40hp,2 stroke,would go around 33mph with a 13" prop so with a 40hp you would be around there probably alittle better.
I mean,you may want more because we always do but a 40hp will be alright and price with low hours could be a deal maker.(atleast for me)
Which 40hp EFI is it,the 4 cylinder or 3 cylinder?

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

It's a 1625 but it's not narrow, I think the beam is 82". It is rated for 60hp for sure. It is the 3 cylinder 2007 merc efi. I can get this motor and be on the water for a great price, or keep waiting for another used motor. I won't buy a new one, just can't justify one.

Your performance sounds fine to me actually. Can I improve planing time a lot with a different prop? Top end speed is not as big a concern.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

Sorry just google your boat.
66" bottom,160 bottom with 100 gauge sides,12 degree deadrise and around 960lbs.
Mine 52" bottom,only 100 gauge,6 degree and only 360lbs.
Where not close enough to compare...not saying the 40hp won't work but just saying.
Nice boat by the way.

 

[jessper]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

My uncle has a 19' Lowe roughneck with a 40 hp yamaha 4 stroke on it and it does fine. Will do mid 20's with 4 people on board. I have seen many 1652's with 40's on them and they do fine, although not a speed demon.

I guess it comes down to what you want to do with the boat. If you haul a lot of people and want to pull a skier with a single ski it might be a little small, but for a couple guys fishing it should be more than enough.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

Yeah just for fishing and exploring with the family. Note that it is not a jon boat though. I'm in the "beggars cant be choosers" camp with regard to finding a used outboard. And I think sticking with EFI would be a good idea.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

I have a 40 hp on my 15' aluminum runabout, and get 33 mph(gps) with a 15p prop
And I have a 50 hp on my much larger 16' which gets me 29 mph with a 13p. Both boats are old, and rated for 50 max.

 

[crossroads123]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

I have a 40hp Mercury 2 stroke on my 16 foot Alumacraft and she does a great job with my wife and I on board.

 

[dave11]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

I have a 60, which is the max power for the boat, on my 16ft Alumaweld similar weight. Good power and it tops out mid to high 30s. I seldom go that fast. I would ask for a demo if you have concerns about power.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: Help! Horsepower decision on aluminum boat

Thanks, going with the 40hp efi. Wish i could test it first but wont happen.