Proper Power

[Uncle Mike]

Trying to revisit this issue with more information:<br /><br />My nephew has an 18-foot 1966 Starcraft, modified with a fiberglass center console, set up like a Boston Whaler. It is powered by a 55-hp Mariner with manual start, that I understand is really a 1979 Yamaha.<br /><br />It is hard to start, but he has been led to believe that it would not be cost-effective to convert to electric-start, given the age of the outboard.<br /><br />Any ideas on how to approach such a conversion in a way that won't break the bank?<br /><br />Also, I've indicated before, in order to have electric start, my nephew is considering downsizing from the 55 hp Mariner outboard to a 40 hp, electric-start 1969 Evinude, that someone is willing to essentially give him. I'm concerned, however, that his boat will be really underpowered. <br /><br />Is there some way to figure the appropriate outboard horsepower that makes for safe operation for a given vessel?<br /><br />Uncle Mike

 

[steelespike]

Re: Proper Power

Does your boat have a capacity tag?<br /> I dont think you would be happy with the 40.<br /> It would be OK but under powered.<br /> I think I would look around for a similar<br />motor with electric start I wouldnt think it<br />would cost much more than a conversion.<br /> You could check out your motor and give it a <br />tune up If it is sound and properly tuned it<br />should start with a few pulls.You may simply<br /> have a carb or choke problem.

 

[Franki]

Re: Proper Power

I had a 196x evinrude lark selectric with electric start on my 17 foot half cabin..<br /><br />I never actually got it on plane with that motor, it got close, but never quite made it,, and as a result the constant water displacement made the motor work hard for not alot of speed and the fuel costs were attrocios for a 40HP. (keeping in mind that a 40 that old is really a 30-35HP if that...)<br /><br />My boat is only a 17 footer, has no V at all at the rear, and has a very narrow beam.. so if it couldn't bring mine to plane, its unlikely it will yours either.<br /><br />Don't do it.. <br /><br />If I were you, I'd go hunting around all the outboard wreckers looking for a yam of the same vintage as yours that has the starter gear and a blown motor.. by the bits that way, I'll be alot cheaper and probably quite simple to setup.. (put wanted adds in the locals as well, be even cheaper that way.)<br /><br />Also, the evinrudes gearcase can be a problem. (if its a selectric its a pain in the a$$ and if it fails he will be stuck in neutral with no way to get home. (happened to me more then once.)<br /><br />If its a hydro-electric then its much much better, at least if the soleniods or wiring fails it defaults to forward so you can still get home.<br /><br />Good luck with whatever you decide.<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Franki