Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

[MrMartyr]

I have a 1956 Lonestar, aluminum boat project. It is very similar in layout to an Admiral but longer.
It is registerd as 15 ft but actually measures 16 ft.
Beam is 64"
Top of rub rail to keel is approx 24"

I have not found documentation for this specific boat but a brochure on the Admiral and Malibu (14 ft) give max HP at 40.

My question....

How big of a motor is too big? Safety being priority.

Weight of the motor leads my concern, I do not want to put a motor on that is too heavy for this boat but I would like to have as much HP as is safe.

I have located a 1974, 50 HP Johnson OB motor, elect start, remote controlled for a pretty good price.


From the info I can find on the internet (some at Iboats) this motor is likely 185-200 lbs.

Same serching finds 1958 40 HP Johnson in the 140 ish lbs range.

Would my hull safely handle the 50 hp motor?

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

I don't think you'll find anyone that will say go ahead with the 50, if literature says max 40... People over rate boats all the time, personally I don't. Keep searching the net and see if you can find your exact boat. iboats has a great listing if you have the hull ID number, (should be on the title) you can plug that in and see what comes up.

Good Luck

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

You should also check with you Insurance agent. In some states if you have a motor on your boat that is over its rated HP then your Insurance is Null and void and if you are involved in an accident EVEN IF IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT you will be fined and can be sued. I would advise anyone to NEVER over HP their boat. Stick with what the MFG rating is.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

Many 15-16' aluminum boats are rated up to around 60-80hp(mine's 85) depending on tiller vs remote controls, how high the sides are, strength of transom, etc.

I think you will be fine with the 50hp, but I'm surprised to hear it would be that heavy for a twin cylinder. Good luck.

BTW, the 14' ratings will not apply to the 15-16' boat so I wouldn't go by the 40hp rating. Check fiberglassics.com for Lonestar brochures and info.

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

I am leaning the same way myself. Haddn't thought of the insurance/liability angle. I am usually pretty paranoid about that sort of stuff.
Thanks for the guidance.

I did just find a thread elsewere that starts off with part of a brochure showing a 1956 Clipper, 16' that is the closest I have found to my boat's layout (left side steering, front passenger cockpit, seats behind driver). One thing that has been throwing me is that mine has the "rocket" bow ornament/cleat. You can also tell from mis-matched holes in the deck that the bow light is likely not correct for the hull. But the bow light I do have is cooler that the one shown on the Clipper so I guess that that and the "rocket" are just bonus items.

The Clipper brochure matches in overall length and transom width (50" at rub rail [55" @ widest point, bottom of transom core]) but the beam lists as 3" wider than mine. Overall I am pretty confident now that mine is a Clipper, 40 HP.

That is better, I guess than learing that it is rated at only 25 or 30 HP, I would like to be able to scoot around at a nice clip ya-know.

Hopefully this link link will take you to a pic of the Clipper that I found.

PLEASE DON'T LET THIS TREAD DIE JUST YET. I would be thrilled to hear more opinions, comments and advice on this matter, If you have one please post it.

Regards,
Marty

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

Yes you boat will safely accommodate a 50 providing your transom is strong enough and in good shape. Use the USCG formula in this handbook http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/boatwater/backyardboatbuilders.pdf and confirm the findings.

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

so that link attempt didn't work out...

maybe this will,

OK,

The last two are of my boat.

 

[MrMartyr]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

Woodonglass,

Could help with directions to the Iboats hull # look-up? That could be very usefull.


VT,

Thanks for the USCG link, I will look into that as well.

Thanks all.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Motor Size for 56 Lonestar 15'

Yes you boat will safely accommodate a 50 providing your transom is strong enough and in good shape. Use the USCG formula in this handbook http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_safety/safety/boatwater/backyardboatbuilders.pdf and confirm the findings.

If your boat does not have a HIN# and I doubt that it does, then BOBVT's suggestion is your best bet to get your HP rating. I would then get your State DOT Boat Division to sign off on it so it will be Official and Insurable.