how big of an outboard can I use safely?

[870 Expressmag]

I just bought a late 40's early 50's meyers aluminum boat. It's a 15footer with a 67" beam. Currently it has an Evinrude 18hp Fastwin on it. I am 6'1" 300lbs and my buddy about the same, it moves us ok but this boat is wide, and any chop or turning really bogs it down. Theres no data plate, dont look like there ever was one, so not sure what size motor i could go up to safely.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

Looking at a newer (1975 Model) Meyers aluminum boat that is 15' long and 66" wide, they recommended a maximum of 35 HP. So I would imagine yours would be the same.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

35 hp is mild for that kind of boat if it is the average sort of alum boat. We have run 35 hp on several of my friends boats. I ran a 30 hp Merc on a Mirrorcraft 14 ft. and it was a dream.

Mark

 

[870 Expressmag]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

thanks for the info, Rick if you get that Meyers i would like to see pictures of it! I found a calculation on tinboats.net and the calculation came up with 31, which they say should round down to 30hp. But a vintage 2stroke before 1980's was rated different i am told so a 35hp would probably be down around 30hp.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

get a mid 80s 35 merc, prior to 1984 it was rated @ 40hp. It was capable of running circles around my dads 1980 35hp Evinrude. A tiller can be added if needed

Omc started prop rating the twins in 86 or 87.

 

[870 Expressmag]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

well, still trying to find a good head for my evinrude 18hp fastwin to get it back going, been looking for something bigger but seems all thats out there for sale right now is 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.9 hp's, they are all over the place but not much bigger

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

Keep in mind tiller steered boats are rated very differently then a console with controls steered boat.

 

[870 Expressmag]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

how so? mine used to be console with steering controls, and is now tiller. which rating would be higher?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

how so? mine used to be console with steering controls, and is now tiller. which rating would be higher?

THe console boat is usually rated higher.

 

[DonHof]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

I have a 15 foot Lund and the biggest I can go is 30 hp.

 

[64osby]

Re: how big of an outboard can I use safely?

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Meyers

Here's a link to Fiberglassic's information. Has a bit on 1950 models, but not 15'ers. Shows three different 14' models, 1 max is 12hp, the other two are 35 hp.