horse power

[dethridge]

I am looking into getting my first fish and ski boat. i am looking at out boards also. my question in i am a bigger guy weighing at 325 my wife weighs around 170. everyone else that we go out with are also heavy set. i was wondering if a 150 hp outboard would be big enough, or would i need to step up to a 200 hp outboard?

thanks

 

[flycaster]

Re: horse power

I am looking into getting my first fish and ski boat. i am looking at out boards also. my question in i am a bigger guy weighing at 325 my wife weighs around 170. everyone else that we go out with are also heavy set. i was wondering if a 150 hp outboard would be big enough, or would i need to step up to a 200 hp outboard?

thanks

Check the Coast Guard info plate on the boat, it will indicate what is the recommended MAX horse power for the particular boat. Anything up to the recommendation.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: horse power

I am looking into getting my first fish and ski boat. i am looking at out boards also. my question in i am a bigger guy weighing at 325 my wife weighs around 170. everyone else that we go out with are also heavy set. i was wondering if a 150 hp outboard would be big enough, or would i need to step up to a 200 hp outboard?

thanks

This really all depends on the boat you are getting.

#1 always buy the motor based upon the plate rating of the boat. it should be at least 70% of the maximum rating. i.e. if the boat is rated for a 200hp max then nothing less than a 140hp will do. If you are going to be moving a lot of weight then get as close to the max HP that you can without going over.

150HP can move a lot of weight on the right boat. The BEST way would be if you could take the boat on the water for a trial run. The next best would be for you to find a boat then post again with the model number and HP of the motor and someone on here should be able to give you better advice.

Cheers

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: horse power

Welcome to iboats!

A 150 Hp will be adaquate for a single skier and the required two people in the boat..... you will have plenty of power and fun. Fill the boat up with a few more people and a skier and your boats abilities will drop off. I have seldom seen a situation where a 150 would not do it.

Keep in mind the biggest seperartion with power happens when 150 HP is matched against a 150 hp I/O the I/O will be just as much fun and alot easier on fuel. The I/O wins the economy race. If you are looking at boats consider ALL the factors and the future ones too.

If you have a tow rig to hadle a 19-20 ft boat with a 150-200 OB then you should be able to handle a nice boat with a v-6 I/O too.

I will move this to the correct area for more responses.

SHAME on you other member's not welcoming a new person to this great iboats site!!

once again Welcome!

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: horse power

SHAME on you other member's not welcoming a new person to this great iboats site!!

oops!:redface:

Welcome to iboats dethridge!

 

[dethridge]

Re: horse power

thanks guys, i am glad to be here. where will it be posted at so i can keep up with it?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: horse power

You have already found it since you replied here in Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)

Not engine topics means not repair...... many of our "new" boaters start here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: horse power

I'd also look at some other aspects to consider -

What kind of water will you be boating in? Mostly calm, or maybe rough
water at times?

What length of boat are you considering?

What hull shape are you interested in?



Lots to consider, along with keeping close to the max hp rating.

This is a good place to learn from other posts, too.

Good luck!

 

[dethridge]

Re: horse power

well i live in alabama so the waters will be both rough and calm.

i am looking at a 19 to 21 ft fish and ski. i enjoy fishing and my wife and friends like to ski and tube. a v hull fiberglass is what i want.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: horse power

get a 21' deep V center console, suchas a Sea Hunt, Sea Chaser, etc. You want room to move around. Avoid the heavily padded sofa boats. Way too crowded. Standard rig on the 21 of that type is a 150; maybe bump yours up.

Anyway, focus on the boat first. If you are buying used, you will probably get it with a motor already on; try it out and if you like the hull, buy it and upgrade the motor later (which is not all that easy unless you buy a new one, the cost of which will astound you.)

One factor is the boat weight and design. I push a 19' Carolina Skiff, flat bottom (totally flat) with a 50, heavily loaded.

Think about how much skiing you'll be doing; the bigger boats can be used for it but it eats up the gas and is not as manueverable.