Is motor large enough

[kweakley]

Hello all,

I looking at trading for 14 ft fiberglass tri hull jon boat/skiff with a 18 hp motor. Is this motor biggest enough to power the boat suffieciently. Ironically, I have 55hp motor that kept from a old boat I had that I scraped that i believe is much to powerful. Let me know what you think I know many of you guys are the experts!!!!! Thanks in advance.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Is motor large enough

An 18 should work OK providing that your boat is not a "heavy" 14'er. Don't expect to pull ski's though. The 55 might be a bit of an overkill but then you wouldn't have to run it wide open. Your call - -

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Is motor large enough

You'd really have to look at the rating plate on the boat to decide. If it is really a light jon boat, then the 18 may be fine.

 

[kweakley]

Re: Is motor large enough

this boat is 14 foot sears fiberglass trihull gamefisher is this a heavy 14 footer?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Is motor large enough

Not heavy by any stretch. An 18 may be the max that it can handle.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Is motor large enough

18-25 should be fine. A 55 will be too heavy plus you'll need to carry more fuel and probably a battery. An 18 will run all day on a 3gal tank. You can use a small gel cell battery (Oddysey are the best) to run your fish finder all day. Keep it light and you'll have more capcity for your big fat brother in-law when you take him out for his last swim. LOL..

Kidding aside, an 18 should push that to about 25mph. A 25 will get you about the same speed but will have more reserve power in rough water.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Is motor large enough

I had an 18 rude when a teen. It was ok when compared to a 10 hp...the predecessor. On that boat with a couple of guys and gear would run out just fine. I did ski behind mine but it was a seat of the pants deal and wouldn't recommend expecting any satisfaction.

Agree the 55 is way too much.

Mark