How big of a motor could I put on my boat?

[zed2500]

I have a 14ft Larson aluminum boat circa 54. I would like to know how big a motor it could handle. I recently redone all the original woodwork on the boat including the transom. I can get a really good deal on a 35hp Johnson but suspect it would be a little much? What do you guys think.

Thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: How big of a motor could I put on my boat?

If it is a runabout with a steering wheel, go for it.

If it is a tiller motor, probably 20 hp.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: How big of a motor could I put on my boat?

I had a 25 hp Johnson on 12' Klamath for years without any issues. The 35 hp is about the same weight so I don't think you would have any issues there.
The Klamath had decks front and rear which made it heavy so the 25hp was not overkill for the boat. The 1gpm leak the boat had made it even heavier.

If the motor is too much for the boat at WOT then back off and cruise at a safe speed.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: How big of a motor could I put on my boat?

Here's a link to the USCG regs for calculating maximum horsepower capacity:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/julqtr/pdf/33cfr183.53.pdf

Plug in your boat's dimensions and see what you get. Good luck!