Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

[Socal Pat]

I sort of touched on this in a different thread, but I'd like to address this specifically. I have an old '62 Bluestar 12' aluminum and need a new 4 stroke to get on my local lakes. The plaque with the model specs is missing so I can't say for sure what the HP rating is. Also the new 4strokes are heavier than their old 2stroke counterparts. I'd LOVE to strap on a Tohatsu 8hp and think it would probably be OK as far as power ratings go.

For all you old boating hands... Do you think 81lbs is too much weight for my transom? It is not a core-type transom, but a simple sheet of aluminum with a motor mount block 1 1/2' x 2' x 1" on back and a 1"x6" board that runs the width of the beam. There are 2 supports that go from the floor to about 1/3 up the transom height. The boat is rivited not welded, but not 1 rivet is loose on the whole thing. So whaddaya think guys?

 

[JB]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

I think a 4 stroke 8HP would be too much for the transom and for that boat, Pat. The transom you describe sounds like a 5HP or less. . . maybe 3HP mount.

You say you need a 4 stroke.. . .is it because 2 strokes are banned or because outboards over XHP are banned?

 

[Socal Pat]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

We have 2 nice reservoirs here, Diamond Valley Lake and Lake Skinner both of which require 4 strokes. I have a 55lb briggs 5hp on there now with absolutely no issues. I just want something more civilized and would love to have a 2cyl. motor. I think I may have a "Warrior" based on the size listed here. http://hartungsmuseum.com/ So it may be rated at 12hp? (you have to click on "products").

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

Or, ah, er...you could find a nice two stroke and put a four-stroke cowl on it...unless the aqua police regularly run boat checks. Of course, this conversation never occurred.

 

[Socal Pat]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

LOL..... if only. They look at every boat now for Quaga mussels and while they're at it...... They are also big on checking for extinguishers and floatation devices. OH! and the best part there is NO SMOKING anywhere on the lake!! And it IS enforced.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

I would put that 8hp 4-stroke or a 15hp 2 stroke and not think twice about it.

Your transom description sounds similar to my old 1966 Klamath and I ran a 25hp motor on that thing for many years without any issues. The transom was even damaged while backing the boat down a hill and it still held up.

No smoking huh......No doubt a bunch of Liberals got together and put that on the books. If I have a mild headache and a medicinal marijuana card can I light up on the lake?

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

Do they throw ya in prison fer a "hate crime" if ya think bad thoughts about Central Corntrol? It is gettin' bad in this soviet enclave here in God's Country too, but NOT THAT BAD. Thanks BIG FELLA! JR

 

[geordybass]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

I think an 8hp 4stroke will do just lovely on your boat. I ran a HEAVY 2002 9.9hp 4stroke Mercury (130lbs!) on a 12' Sea King at Pyramid lake... Was a little too much but the boat handled it pretty well.

Yeah I don't like the fact the DVL or Skinner are 4 stroke only, but the fishing there is awesome! Too many huge striper and bass in there....

I run an 8hp Honda 4stroke on my 13' gregor and it goes at about 15-18mph w/ 2 people...

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Sizing a motor for my boat. Need experienced advice.

LOL..... OH! and the best part there is NO SMOKING anywhere on the lake!! And it IS enforced.

Jesus H. Christ- whats this world comming to???sad sad sad and I'm not even a smoker. - I'm a follow the rules type person but this is an invasion of your personal lifestyle.