Re powering my boat and have a few questions

[Borgey401]

My 15' runabout currently has a 25 HP Johnson outboard on it. I want to upgrade the motor to a higher HP since I feel it's not enough. Plus the hull is rated for up to a 60 HP motor. I have been thinking that around 40-50 HP would be perfect for what I want to do. I have been checking craigslist daily and can't seem to find a motor around this HP. Well I found a Johnson earlier that's in my price range but is a 35 HP. Will I even really notice a difference between this motor and my current one? But then again I was aiming for a 40 HP when re powering and that's pretty close. Just wanted to get some others opinions on how much of a difference the 10 HP will make. Any input on this situation is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Re powering my boat and have a few questions

10 hp not much difference at all. IMO you should hold out and keep shopping for at least a 40 and anything above that would be even better.

I would save up and keep looking......... people will be unloading motors soon.

 

[chrome dome]

Re: Re powering my boat and have a few questions

IMO you won't notice much of a difference between the 25hp and the 35hp because they will both struggle to get the boat to plane,

try and keep looking for a motor that is rated as close to the hull rating as possible coz that's...allegedly..what the boat was designed for,

 

[Borgey401]

Re: Re powering my boat and have a few questions

Yeah that's what I figured. I had a feeling the 10 HP would not make much of a difference at all. Looks like I'll waiting for a 50-60 HP.

 

[JB]

Re: Re powering my boat and have a few questions

I have found the best all-round power is about 70% of the rated power, Borgey. That would be a 40-50HP for your boat.

It would be small enough to get good economy, light enough to get good handling and powerful enough to plane her to within a couple of mph of what a 60HP would do.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Re powering my boat and have a few questions

also, you would be trading a known motor for an unknown motor with unknown problems, for little benefit.

Look for a 48 special, too. They are good motors, and are really 50's.

The Yamaha 50 is a good motor, if you can find one. Maybe someone else powering up. Leave word at local shops; you might get the trade-in. Many dealers won't take in old motors unless they know they have a sale.

Your 25 will be a very desirable motor, so don't sell it cheap, and consider hanging on to it.