Howmuchenginewillshetake2pullskis?

[AcidicUtters]

My 1955 aluminum v-hull came with two motors: orig McCullough and an Elgin (1960-61) hangin' of the back, both 40's. Maybe the Elgin "was running," but then maybe it lost some parts between (you probably understand). It is truely amazing looking, but I fear I should prepare for the boat to see yet another engine. It's a '55 (plateless). I don't know where the max is at. I do have a 1971 65 hp mercury on my ugly tri-hull that runs great. Let me go get you all some measurements...
loa ~ 15' maybe a couple inches more
width ~ 60" probably from the window aft
deepest point ~ 30" under a (~5.5') closed bow - bow has some type of tier/foot-stop (weight distribution consideration?)
transom ~ 60" x 16.5" (center)

How much engine will she take?
Thanks in advance!

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake2pullskis?

Bear in mind, that boat was built during a time that the biggest Johnson/Evinrude available was 25 hp (don't know about Merc). The boat was probably built for a bit more since the owners could see hp increasing (unless they lived in a bubble). Not seeing the boat, I wouldn't want to put more than a 40 hp on it. Anything above that, number of cylinders and weight increase significantly, not to mention lateral transom stress.

But then I err on the side of caution. Others may think differently.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake2pullskis?

A lot depends on the size of the skiiers and the prop on the engine.

I have a 15'3" rinker with a 70 Johnson. The engine is in new condition, but has a speed prop so it pulls up tubes and skiiers slow. A few summers ago my daughter and I skied behind it together. We are about 180 lbs each. It got us up really slow, but once we were going it did fine.

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake2pullskis?

I have a 15' tri hull with a Merc 65hp. It pulls up any skier no problem on a pair, and someone 150lbs slalom if they know what they're doing. That motor oughta be more than enough on your alum boat, as long as the transom can handle it.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Howmuchenginewillshetake2pullskis?

I thought there were big twin 35s in 1955. I may be mistaken. But, keep in mind, that the most common motor on one of those was a 35 Johnny. Some, though, were rated for upwards of 50, and I have seen a couple of mid 50s 15 foot runabouts rated for 70! But, a 40 should do you fine, as that is a real light boat. I have skied behind a 16 foot Lund rebel with a 40 horse 4 stroke. Real tough, but remember that the Lund is a bit heavier than your thing.