How much weight can an outboard handle?

[Shockley]

I have aquired a new to me boat, but it has no motor. The boat is a 1983 Eldocraft Spirit I. The dry weight on it is 533lbs. I realize this is without people and gear. Th length is 15'4" and the beam is 63". I currently own a 15HP Johnson. My question is before I spend money and time mounting and changing the motor from tiller and remote, can/will this engine perform on this boat? Money is tight, so I have been looking in the classifieds for a larger motor, but the 40-50HP range is hard to find. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Shockley

 

[CATransplant]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

You'll be very disappointed with the performance of your boat with that 15 hp. If it's rated for 50 hp, I wouldn't put anything less than a 35 hp on it.

The good news is that 15 hp outboards in good condition are easy to sell, and 35-50 hp engines aren't as easy to sell, so you may not have to put out too much extra. If you do buy a used one, though, make sure it comes with the controls or that it matches the controls already in the boat.

 

[Shockley]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

Thanks for the thoughts. Just yesterday, I had a guy want to swap me a 35HP Evinrude for mine. He wanted to make a even trade. I haven't looked at his engine, however I have always prescribed to the "If it sounds too good to be true" philosophy. The USCG plate states that it is rated for 55HP. I know for me to be truly satisfied with the boat I need a 50HP. I also had an offer from my mechanic to put a 70HP Johnson on it. I am worried about the weight of the engine, not to mention the overpowering. Any thoughts?

Shockley

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

Going over the power rating is dangerous. Take your time and keeping looking until you find a 40-50 hp that you like and can afford. Time is on your side in this situation unless you are faunching to get out on the water. Smaller boats suited to your 15 hp are also readily available for not much $$. The smaller the rig, the easier it is to maintain/keep.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

If I were you, I'd hold out for a 40 or 50 hp for your boat. The 35 would work, but you'll end up wanting more.

As for value, your 15 hp (in good condition) is worth about the same as a 35 hp of the same vintage. That's because there's more demand for the 15 hps than the 35s.

You'll have to pay a bit more for a 50, to be sure, but not as much as you'd think. I watch Craig's List here in the Twin Cities, and I've seen plenty of 50 hp outboards, with claims that they're in good condition for around $500-600. I don't know the year of your 15, but it could easily bring up to $500. I just saw one the other day for that amount, and it was a 1976 model. Now, it won't probably get the $500, but in its condition, it would sell for $400 in one weekend.

Don't put a 70 on it, though. That's just too much.

 

[Shockley]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

My 15 is a 1988 model. I have no reservations about selling it. Right now it is a bird in the hand. I am itching to get out on the water, but I know that I want a 50hp on this boat. Down here in Texas, the 40-50 range are few and far between. I can find plenty made in the 60's and 70's, but I really don't want to go that old. I am worried about finding parts for it if it is too old. I am also toying with the idea of financing a new one. Thoughts?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

Don't worry about anything newer than the mid 70's, parts are easy to find and they run well. Prior to the mid 70's (and I don't know the exact year), there were lower unit designs that may cause problems and parts are hard to get. I had a 1975 Johnson and it was great, I had it from 77 to just a couple of years ago when I sold it to a friend for $500.00, it still runs great.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

Worth waiting for a 50 to 55hp motor. You will be disappointed otherwise.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: How much weight can an outboard handle?

Don't worry about anything newer than the mid 70's, parts are easy to find and they run well. Prior to the mid 70's (and I don't know the exact year), there were lower unit designs that may cause problems and parts are hard to get. I had a 1975 Johnson and it was great, I had it from 77 to just a couple of years ago when I sold it to a friend for $500.00, it still runs great.

If you are speaking of the hydro-electric design, the last year that they were made in the OMC 50hp model, was 1972. The 1973 went to hydro-mechanical and a quick look at shop.evinrude.com, indicates that most parts for this gearbox are still available. The '73 model also was the first year
for inclusion of a tilt tube for the steering system, which saves the need for a steering adapter.