hp when is too much

[J Headrick]

well, took the boat out today. started good but ran like crap still. soon as i would give it full throttle, it would die. does anybody have any ideas on that. just rebuilt carb. new plugs. it seemed like possibly pumping the bulb on fuel line helped somtimes...but wasn't deffinate. i have a 14ft fiberglass runabout do you guys think a 40 hp motor would be too much. a friend is offering it to me for free.

 

[Solittle]

Re: hp when is too much

Well the price is certainly right. Check the boat manufacturers plate for the max hp specified for your boat. If it does not have a plate I would suspect that a 40 would be at or over the limit. Having said that there is nothing that says you have to run it wide open all the time.<br /><br />On the performance - check for obstructions in the tank, fuel line, fuel filter, fuel pump and failing any of those - bet there is still some dirt in the carb.

 

[ob]

Re: hp when is too much

Jheadrick,Insure that you have no air leaks on fuel lines from tank to pump.If not, may have a failing fuel pump.<br /> 40 hp sounds kosher for a 14 ft. runabout.What's the boat manufacturer?Is there a coast guard rating plackard on hull?

 

[J Headrick]

Re: hp when is too much

i didn't see any kind of plate stating any info..maker is sears. is there a way to found out the max hp rating...will have to check for air leaks in morning.

 

[shelbydriver]

Re: hp when is too much

One can never have enough horse-power hehe

 

[J Headrick]

Re: hp when is too much

i was looking at some bout ads, and i saw a couple of runabouts forsale with johnson 55's on them.

 

[JB]

Re: hp when is too much

Ahoy, JHeadrick.<br /><br />The USCG has, on it's site, a formula for calculating what max HP rating should be.<br /><br />It is based on length, width and transom height.<br /><br />Without that, and without the make and model of your boat, we can only offer guesses.<br /><br />Don't bet your life on guesses.<br /><br />Good luck.