Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

[model14]

I have a recently restored 1988 Thunder Craft 16 foot deep 'V' boat that weighs about 1400 pounds empty. It is powered by a 120 HP Mercruiser. I want to use the boat for near-shore, calm conditions trolling off NE Florida, but I would like backup power to get me home if the 120 goes South. I own a reliable 25 HP Merc outboard that I am considering mounting on the transom for "get home" power. Assuming worst case 20 kt headwind and into 2-4 ft seas, do you think the 25 HP outboard will get me home at 5 knots or better? I would reprop it, of course.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

Hmm interested to see what others say. I would say it should move the boat fine. I see sail boats in the 30 foot range with less power than that on them. But thats a different hull.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

25 is a big hunk to carry around on a 16' just in case. I don't subscribe to the "spare motor" practice for most boaters. You have towing in your insurance, there's seatow/boat us, and the kindness of strangers.

besides, in that boat you're dead meat anyway in 20kt headwind, 2-4' chop; you'd never get to try it out. it would make you swamp faster, though.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

Kinda' with HC ... if things were calm, or on smaller water, I'd say the 25HP would be overkill as a kicker or spare. Not sure what it would look like in the conditions you describe (2' is one case, 4' is another I would say).

 

[JimS123]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

Anything bigger than a 9.9 on that boat would be too cumbersome. The 25 would require a huge bracket, and it wouldn't plane the boat, so you won't go any faster than a 9.9.

 

[model14]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

The 25 is what I have. Thanks for the inputs. Just an idea I was kicking around. I have BoatU.S. towing insurance, so it may not be worth it to bolt on 80 more pounds on the transom and the hassle of rigging steering and throttle. I was thinking if I got caught in bad weather and no power from the IO, steerageway would be nice to have. I don't intend to be stupid and head out of the inlet in forecasted bad weather, but no matter how careful I am, it will happen at some time. I would like to be prepared. The boat isn't going to sink and I am in good physical condition, so at worse I may be in the water for awhile until help comes. I really want to troll near-shore this summer.

Read more: Will 25 HP work?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

Your 16' i/o for coastal fishing is simply a square peg in a round hole. You can't fix that by adding a too-big spare motor "just in case." Go enjoy what you have and watch the wx; understand your limitations: you must get home before the weather gets bad. Swimming around a sunk boat until help comes is not a viable back-up plan.

either switch to a boat that fits your plans, or limit your plans.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

Your 16' i/o for coastal fishing is simply a square peg in a round hole. You can't fix that by adding a too-big spare motor "just in case." Go enjoy what you have and watch the wx; understand your limitations: you must get home before the weather gets bad. Swimming around a sunk boat until help comes is not a viable back-up plan.

either switch to a boat that fits your plans, or limit your plans.

+1 ocean inlets and 16' boats don't get along well. All it would take is a battle wagon to come thru the inlet at the same time and your toast.

 

[model14]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

Your 16' i/o for coastal fishing is simply a square peg in a round hole. You can't fix that by adding a too-big spare motor "just in case." Go enjoy what you have and watch the wx; understand your limitations: you must get home before the weather gets bad. Swimming around a sunk boat until help comes is not a viable back-up plan.

either switch to a boat that fits your plans, or limit your plans.

That's good advice, thanks.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Is 25 HP enough for getting home?

25hp on a 16'... On the right boat with a light hull/load that is enough to plane! Yes, it would be fine, but I agree, that is far too much for a second motor on a 16' transom. 9.9 max. That also means its small enough to stash in a compartment somewhere (without fuel of course).