how much power is enough power??

[cobia186]

ok- I have this 21' stripped down islander. It is super light and I currently have a 1993 evinrude 150 on the back of it. I only use a qtr throttle when we are out and about on the river and in the bay. I dont need to go 50 mph everywhere I go, we do alot of shallow water fishing and mostly cruise to and fro. I am wondering how small of a motor could I get away with on my boat?? Any ideas? I am hoping someone might have some experience in this area. A local shop told me that I could go as small as a 75 hp but a 90-115 hp would be ideal in the event I wanted to pull a tube or something.

 

[dozerII]

Re: how much power is enough power??

Cool looking boat Cobia. You weren't kidding when you said stripped down. I bet it does go fast. I'm sure someone will come along with the info you are looking for.
Glen

 

[jasoutside]

Re: how much power is enough power??

A local shop told me that I could go as small as a 75 hp but a 90-115 hp would be ideal in the event I wanted to pull a tube or something.

I'd bet this info is prolly just about right for your rig.

Did that 150 toast out on ya?

 

[cobia186]

Re: how much power is enough power??

it runs good- just way too much power.

 

[emoney]

Re: how much power is enough power??

I'd say a 90 would be perfect. If you're like me and you're comfortable going 20'ish, then that would work out great. I agree, no sense having all that power and not using it, it's only wasting fuel. I like the "open-ness" of your rig, btw.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: how much power is enough power??

With that stern drive a 100-120 4 stroke would be the cats meow. You get a lot of your speed with the stern drine . Was that a I/O and converted?? Very nice. Cut back your power but not to far as you may find your self in trouble some day and can get off the Water in a hurry. I have a 200 OB on my 22 holiday and way to fast Unless on the Pacific Ocean area ,power is nice to fall back on. I can run over 50 mph but seldom do more than 25 Max. I also have a 9.9 4stroke Merc kicker for slow crusing and fishing. Great loking boat Oh my 22 is as it was built nothing has been replaced except some where down the line the Motor.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: how much power is enough power??

Nice rig..I agree with Pugentsound. More ponies for an emergency is a good thing.

You can go slow in a fast boat, but will never go fast in a slow boat.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: how much power is enough power??

My buddy has a 90 on a 21' Chieftain. It's not as stripped as yours but it's pretty sparse. His performs well as far as hole hole shot and planing goes. It just isn't very fast. Tops out at like 27.

Videos:

 

[JD in Milwaukee]

Re: how much power is enough power??

I say it's better to have the power and use it as needed rather than wishing for power and not having it. My bike makes 150 hp. Yet I can cruise effortlessly in the 1,500-3,000 range. The throttle does work both ways. The point is this. You don't always have to fly, but it's a nice option to have. I say stay with what you have. No sense in getting rid of a great running motor. Use your power wisely Grasshopper!

it runs good- just way too much power.