Motor suggestions for 16' aluminum boat

[reelfishin]

I am reconsidering my original plans to use a 70hp on my 16' Starcraft aluminum hull, (I think it may be a Jupiter model but I'm not sure), the hull ID says 85HP max.

My motor choices are as follows, I have, one 90HP Evinrude V4 in good condition, a mint clean barely used mid 80's 70HP, and a mint hardly used 55hp 1979 motor.

My concerns are with fuel usage and proper performance. I also have someone who wants to buy the 70hp really bad. (Far worse than I do I think considering his offer), but I really don't want to give up a perfect motor that I may need. I'd hang the 90hp on it but its over the rated limit by 5 and I figured that the added weight gain didn't offset the added power or added fuel consumption.

I'd like to use the least amount of motor that will do the job considering that the cost of gas. I will mostly run this in the river and some light saltwater use from time to time, but mainly as a river run boat. The last owner had a 50HP Mercury on it, but complained it was too small, but he was using it as a pleasure boat and not as a fishing boat.
(I do have a 65HP Mercury but it's a lot older (1968), and I'd be concerned with reliability and parts availability on that motor).

Any input?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Motor suggestions for 16' aluminum boat

i had a 90 on an 18ft aluminum center console, was way overpowered, ran 48mph. i've been running an 88 50 rude on and 14' aluminum runabout, rated for a 50, far more motor than needed. i think the 70 on your boat would make a good water sports boat. the 50 will get you to the fishing hole, at a reasonable speed. it is really going to be how you load it. rule of thumb, is 70% of rated HP is minimum, 70% of your rated hp, is 59 hp.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: Motor suggestions for 16' aluminum boat

Throw the 55 on her , and see how she works .
If you feel it is adequate for your demands , call it done .
If it seems sluggish and underpowered , you can always mount the 70 .

90 seems a bit much , but , it is only 5 horses over the 85 rating .
Weight difference would not be much , and , the 5 extra horses would be a minimal gain over an 85 .

JMO