Need help evaluating boat/motor combo...

[fishnfiend]

Looking at a 1999 Larson 166BR, 16.5 foot runabout 1080 pounds, open bow with 1999 70 horse Johnson. Assuming the rig is OK mechanically, will this 70 Johnny pull up 200 pound skiers? The hull looks perfect. Motor supposedly "is sound" and will push the boat 40+ mph.<br /><br />I like the idea of the 70 for fuel economy, and am comfortable with E/J engines. Willing to add on tabs/hydrofoil/jackplate if necessary. My main question is about the rig having the holeshot to pull up skiers/wakeboards which is the main use for the boat. Other than skiing, don't need any more 'go-fast.'<br /><br />Thanks for any information/opinion.

 

[BF]

Re: Need help evaluating boat/motor combo...

Hmm... could probably work, but probably would be border line. I think a 90 or 115 would probably suit you better. What's the boat rated for?<br /><br />I doubt that workin' a 70 hard (probably WOT a lot of the time) gives much better economy than running a 115 that is throttled back.<br /><br />Also, will you have a boat full of people when you're doing the skiing wakeboarding? If those 200 pounders are sitting in the boat between turns, it'll make a big difference on a rig that is borderline on power.<br /><br />If you could have a test ride, you might get a better idea.<br /><br />that's my $.02

 

[fishnfiend]

Re: Need help evaluating boat/motor combo...

Yup, it's the "borderline" problem that I was concerned about and probably the reason for the boat going at such a good price.<br /><br />And yes, the 200 pounders will sit in the boat, and there are several of them (son's football buddies).<br /><br />I hadn't thought about a 90 or 115 being as economical as a 70, but your reasoning makes sense there too. We currently ski (son, wife and I) behind our 16' Lund, 40 HP E'rude. The horsepower/weight ratio is actually higher in our current rig (.067) compared to the Larson with the 70 (.0648) and that's WITHOUT the beef aboard. Guess I'd best keep looking. <br /><br />Thanks for the honest input. Rather find out before I buy what the limitations are!!!

 

[KCook]

Re: Need help evaluating boat/motor combo...

The 166 was Larson's "Flyer" model, with low windshield. Max power rating was 120.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Jixxxer]

Re: Need help evaluating boat/motor combo...

Good question, I am looking at a similar or maybe the same boat. Anymore input would be appreciated.<br />What do u think something like that would go for?

 

[SCO]

Re: Need help evaluating boat/motor combo...

To get your holeshot, prop it down like you would put a truck in a lower gear. I'd figure out how fast you want to ski and find the prop pitch that will deliver that theoretical speed at your max rpm considering 90 % efficiency(use the prop pitch speed table thats been in recent posts, its an excell program and it works great. My quattro pro spreadsheet program also runs it), then I might step up a pitch or two(say from 13 to 15). I bet you have a 17 or 19 pitch prop on there now. Larger diameter props provide more thrust, watch for overspeed when the skiier goes down. I don't know if it will work but think this is how youd get there. If your boat will run 40mph at the middle of yout maxrpm rating, you've got some horsepower to spare. A 13 pitch prop might get your top end near 30 with a lot of pull(depends on the gear ratio of your engine)