rated for a 20hp but i'm thinking a 25hp

[USCFisher]

i have a 1959 Alumacraft model F (v-hull)...in a little bit of a dilemma of what size motor would be best. i had a 9.5 but recently sacrificed it to the river (long story...lol). the boat is rated for a 20hp but i'm looking at buying an older (late 60's early 70s) Evinrude 25hp. i've completely rebuilt the transom and added a mini-jacker jack plate (the 9.5 was a long shaft). would the 25 add too much weight to the back of the boat? i'm just looking for some opinions...any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Shockley]

Re: rated for a 20hp but i'm thinking a 25hp

By today's boat building standards, you could probably get away with it. However, should you ever be in an accident, your insurance company would more than likely disown you. Not to mention the other guy's lawyer. If the plate says 20 hp, you are best to stay under that. Besides, I am not sure how much more you will get out of the 25 vs the 20. Weigh the odds, and make a conservative decision.

 

[USCFisher]

Re: rated for a 20hp but i'm thinking a 25hp

well as far as insurance is concerned, i don't have any on the boat so that is not the issue. the reason i'm considering the 25 is only because i know someone who has an old one for sale very cheap and i can't afford a newer motor right now. my main concern would be putting too much stress on the transom and ultimately damaging the boat.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: rated for a 20hp but i'm thinking a 25hp

You will be fine with the 25.
That motor will not weigh more or have that much more power then a 20 hp of the same year.

You will feel like your running with the "Big Boys" when you slap that 25 on the back since your used to the 9.5.

 

[USCFisher]

Re: rated for a 20hp but i'm thinking a 25hp

that's what i was thinking too...i didn't think that there would be much weight difference between the 20 and 25. thanks for the response.