Max HP and Weight Outboard for my boat.

[VaBeach1234]

I've got a 1988 Glassmaster S-196 fiberglass center console boat with a 1988 Mercury 90 HP outboard on it. My current motor weight approximately 270 lbs and I'm thinking of upgrading. Well the plate saying what the max HP the boat is rated for is no where to be found and Glassmaster is out of business, at least they don't make boats anymore. I'm wondering what the max HP outboard I could put on my boat. Also, I'm leaning toward a 4-stroke so weight is also an issue, so what is the transom rated for as far as weight goes. <br /><br />I've got my eye on the Johnson 140 HP 4 stroke but it weights 417 lbs. And the wierd thing is that the Johnson 90 and 115 HP 4 stroke weights more than the 140.<br /><br />My boat has a 7'-6" beam, weighs 1000 lbs. without the motor and accessories, according to the nadaguides.com. It also has a V-shaped hull.<br /><br />A Sea Pro 18CC boat new is the closest think I could find to it and they rate that at 140 HP Max. But I'm still leary about the extra weight of a 4-stroke.<br /><br />Any input would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks guys.

 

[yamahamaninmobileal89]

Re: Max HP and Weight Outboard for my boat.

I would suggest anywhere from a 150 to a 250 would work. Your boat should be rated for 275 or in the 300s. If your leaning toward a four stroke maybe a 200.

 

[ob]

Re: Max HP and Weight Outboard for my boat.

Vabeach1234,Here is some info on your boat.Looks like it tops out with a 115 hp.If you obtain a four stroke I would stay with something of comparable weight as a 2 stroke 115 or slightly heavier.Example: a 115 evinrude weighs around 336 lbs.Yamaha makes a 115 efi 4 stroke at 400 lbs and merc makes a 115 efi 4 stroke at 386 lbs.Good luck.<br /><br />Length: 18' <br /> Model Name/Description: S-196 CENTER CONSOLE <br /> Boat Type: Sea Drive Boats <br /> Hull Material: Fiberglass <br /> Beam: 7' 6" <br /> Engine: 1<br />115 HP<br />Gasoline <br /> Net Weight: 1,500 <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Forktail]

Re: Max HP and Weight Outboard for my boat.

ob's got it. By all means go by the manufacturer's specs. <br /><br />Going up in hp will most likely add weight. Otherwise it's back to a two-stroke or dropping back around 90 hp. The nice thing about the 115 hp and up models is that you get a wide selection of fuel injected outboards. The Yamaha F115 would be a sweetheart at 400 lbs. Merc's 115 is even a little lighter.<br /><br />--------<br /><br />FYI I plugged your boat's dimensions into the Coast Guard formulas. For remote steering and 20" transom (I assume):<br /><br />factor = 18' X 7'6" = 135<br /><br />hp = (2 X factor) - 90 = 180 hp.<br /><br />Weight carrying capacity is:<br /><br />7.5 X 18' X 7.5' X 1.67 = 1688 lbs.<br /><br />From this weight capacity you need to subtract the weight of the outboard, battery, fuel, equiptment, etc.<br /><br />For example: 1688 lbs - 400 lbs (outboard) - 300 lbs (fuel) - 100 lbs (battery) - 150 lbs (equipment/gear) = 738 lbs.<br /><br />So 738 lbs is left over for persons capacity. At an average of 200 lbs per person, this is about 3-4 people.<br /><br />Dropping 100 lbs on the outboard weight or fuel (for example) would allow that much more weight to be carried as persons.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Max HP and Weight Outboard for my boat.

I ran a 1979 140 hp Evinrude on a 19' Glasstron for years. Great combo.