Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

[dkontra]

I just recieved for christmas a 17 ft 1963 aquaswan bay boat. It does not have an engine and i am wondering what would be good to go with. It requires an outboard motor and I do not know much yet and was hoping to get a response. I will not be looking to be a speed demon woith it, but dont want to crawl at a turtles pace either. Thanks<br /><br />Dave

 

[Trevor]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

what are the specs on your boat? weight, beam, transom height etc?

 

[miloman]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

I agree with Trevor hard to tell you with out that but a stab in the dark you should be pretty safe with a 20hp look for a coast guard rating on the boat and it will tell you what the maximum hp is don't exceed it if it is your first boat I suggest 1/2 to 2/3 of the maximum hp

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

I agree with Miloman, DKontra.<br /><br />I like to go with around 70% of the rated max HP for my Whalers. <br /><br />That has always allowed me to cruise at 25-28mph and get to 35 or more when I am in a hurry.<br /><br />I am going to guess that your Aquaswan is rated for 90 to 100HP. If that is the case I would be looking for a 60 to 70HP engine.<br /><br />Next will be your decisions about what an engine has to meet in the way of priorities and price.<br /><br />Let us know what you decide and what you will be looking for.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

I would go with a 75 fitch! great engine!

 

[radsrh]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

What type of activity will you be doing with your new boat, depending on how much of a load you will have in it or if you might want to pull a tube ect. I would think about going more towards the max Hp. Just a thought, you might not use it all right away but it's cheaper then a re power if your not happy.

 

[dkontra]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

My sheet stated 45 hpo is the max. the max weight of the boat(capacity) is 1200 lbs. wont 45 horses be slow? what could i in theory look at for speed? i dont want to use it, but its nice to know its there, if you know what I mean.

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

Howdy, DKontra.<br /><br />When your boat was made outboard engines were rated at the flywheel. They are now rated at the prop, which means that they actually deliver 7 to 10% more power at the prop.<br /><br />If you boat is rated for 45, get a 40 and settle for what it can do.<br /><br />With correct prop and rigging, and assuming that your boat, fully loaded, weighs around 1500LB, You will get excellent performance.<br /><br />Potential WOT is about 32-33mph and cruise at around 25.<br /><br />For your boat I suggest one of the OMC looper twins or the preceding model 40.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[dkontra]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

Anybody have any links on what may be good? or have an engine to sell? my email is david.kontra@cigna.com

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie needs to know what size engine to go with

Hi, Dave.<br /><br />Go to the top of the page and click on "Boat Motors".