Repowering

[duckhunter55]

I was thinking of repowering my 16ft. mv aluminum jon boat with a larger motor. It currently has a 1983 25hp Chrysler. It will run about 24-25mph by myself, but with more people and gear top speed drops considerably. This motor is pretty large and heavy for a 25hp and i know i have seen 40hp about the same size. The boat is brand new but its only rated for a 25hp motor which seems very low. Motor weight should not exceed 150lbs. My question is what would be a good light weight 40 hp for this boat? Maybe something early to late 80's. In advice greatly appreciated!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Repowering

johnnyrude 40's are around, 180lbs 30's are 120. doubt you will find a 40 in the weight range.

 

[JB]

Re: Repowering

You want to put a 40 on a boat rated for 25?? That is a 60% overpower, duckhunter.

Boats are rated according to how much power is safe on that boat. The bottoms of many lakes are paved with the boats (and a few bodies) of people who thought they were smarter than the people who made their boats. I have personally hauled a couple of those guys out of the water, but only saved one of the boats.

End of lecture.

A modern 25HP engine, correctly propped, will give you more speed than the Chrysler. I recommend that you settle for that or get a boat rated for more horses.

 

[oldsailor]

Re: Repowering

"...Boats are rated according to how much power is safe on that boat. The bottoms of many lakes are paved with the boats (and a few bodies) of people who thought they were smarter than the people who made their boats..."

That statement is right on!!

I have a 16' jon boat with a 1970 25hp Evinrude, bow mounted trolling motor, live well, that carries two of us, fishing boxes, cooler, etc., with no problems - it actually surprises me that it gets up and scoots like it does....

Manufacturers have tested and tried all sizes of motors on their boats, and they have established limits that will give performance for the type of boat, but be within safety limits as well ....stay with a 25 hp motor...