Starcraft 14 Replacement Motor HP/Weight Recommendations

[allentd01]

Here are some pictures of my 1967 14 FT Starcraft Seafarer. It is rated for a 30 hp motor. It has a '67 Evinrude Fastwin 18 on it now. I want to install a new four stroke Merc 15 or 20 but am worried about the weight. The Evinrude weighs about 85 lbs while the Mercs come in at about 111 lbs. I not sure whether I should sacrifice horsepower for reduced weight. The Merc 9.9 4 stroke weighs about the same as the Evinrude but I am not sure I want to go with that small a motor. Any recommendations?

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Starcraft 14 Replacement Motor HP/Weight Recommendations

I have 14 Klamath and have a 2 stroke 15hp, great motor to weight ratio.
You are now at the delima of the government laws. There are no more 2 stroke 15hp new. If you are willing to buy used and are ok with the smoke my 15 hp pushes my boat good.
I have seen the 15hp and 20hp 4 strokes on 14 foot boats and with one guy sitting in the back they look like the boat has too much weight in the back.
I think if you can put your fuel tank up front, anchor and some other stuff to off set the weight you will be ok with the 15 or 20 hp 4 stroke.

The e-tec is only down to a 25hp,
I would hate the weight of a 4 stroke because I take my boat motor off, because I have aboat loader that puts the boat on top of the pickup so I can pull my travel trailer.

 

[allentd01]

Re: Starcraft 14 Replacement Motor HP/Weight Recommendations

Thanks for the feedback elkhunter338. I am probably going to go for the Merc 4 stroke 20. It's the same weight as the Merc 4 stroke 15 and will get me the horsepower I need/want.