How fast with a 40?

[waterinthefuel]

Hey guys, I have a 13 foot fiberglass boat that has a 28hp Johnson on it. It runs beautifully, but it's rated for a 40. I was wondering, if my boat currently does 26.5mph (GPS speed) with a 28 with no PTT, how fast can I expect it to go, with say, a 3 cylinder Tohatsu 40, with the correct prop and PTT? It's a stick steer, so the weight is in the front.<br /><br />This is the infamous boat on these forums that goes faster with 2 adults on board than just 1.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: How fast with a 40?

I would expect around 35 MPH with the 40.

 

[JB]

Re: How fast with a 40?

Ditto Rick, BUT:<br /><br />Stick steering when alone in the boat is hazardous because of the bow-heavy condition that you referred to in an earlier post. It turns your boat into something close to a displacement hull. Not only would you be unlikely to reach the 35mph, you might well have a tiger by the tail.<br /><br />With a balanced weight distribution you can probably operate 40 hp safely, but the reason that stick steering is obsolete is the number of accidents when operating bow-heavy with "too much" power.<br /><br />I had a stick steered Fisher years ago, and it was very hard to control at speed on anything but near-flat water. Read about a guy who was thrown overboard by a surprize wake (no lanyard) and chopped to shreds by his own prop. Went to a wheel steered boat right away.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: How fast with a 40?

I gotta agree on the control issue. The following story involves a bigger boat with a bigger motor, so it'll only be of marginal interest. Maybe just some food for thought...<br /><br />I used to work for a Skeeter dealer. One day a gentleman wanted to order a walleye model with a 115Hp tiller motor (Conversion kits are available, intended mostly for barges). He also wanted to become part of the marina's pro fishing team. That usually means trading off boats every couple of years. We didn't do it. No trade-in value. Who else in the world would want to fly along at 50mph plus holding onto a stick?<br /><br />Like I said, just of marginal anecdotal value. I have seen many such setups with up to 60Hp. I suppose it's all a matter of preference.

 

[Lark40]

Re: How fast with a 40?

I'll also say 35mph with the Tohatsu 40.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: How fast with a 40?

This little boat is very stable with its current powerplant, and amazes people to see the chop I can take it into and be completely confident. <br /><br />I've done 2 foot chop with 3 foot breakers and didn't sweat it. Just kept the nose up!