unsure and needing an answer

[riskybusiness]

Ok guys I need a little help. I am starting to restore a aerocraft browning 18 foot tri hull. The 125 johnson has too many problems to mess with. So I'm gonna swap it out. Heres my question. We dont ski just tube So what is the minimum h.p. motor I can get away with and still enjoy the boat?

 

[boobie]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

Is there any horse power rating on the boat ??

 

[riskybusiness]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

135

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

Define "enjoy".

Really, that's gonna' be a tough question for anyone to answer. Sure, someone's gonna' say that the engine should be at least 70% of the rated max, but heck, I tooled around in a boat as a kid that had way less than that and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Anymore though I feel the need for speed, and want the biggest engine I can reasonably put on a boat.

My suggestion, would be to look for a good used Johnson/Evinrude 115. There are plenty of them out there, parts are readily available, and it ought to do a good job of motivating your boat through the water.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

you can tube behind an 18' boat with a 40 horse on it. it wont be fast and not sure it would be enjoyable, but you can do it.

 

[riskybusiness]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

i have found a 1983 85 hp evinrude. its affordable i just wasnt sure it would be sufficient. if i can get in the neighborhood of 30 mph id be happy

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

The V-4 85 will probably be alright since it is built on the same V-4 platform as your 125. All your controls will probably hook right up making the transition a little easier. I remember my Dad (way back in the day) had a 18' V-hull with a 60HP Gale engine, and it ran out just fine....pulling skiers and all. My opinion would be that if the motor is solid and affordable, put it on the boat and enjoy it.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

i have found a 1983 85 hp evinrude. its affordable i just wasnt sure it would be sufficient. if i can get in the neighborhood of 30 mph id be happy

It's either an '83 or an 85HP but not both. The 85s started being 90s in 1981. So double check the year. Makes a big difference because I wouldn't pay as much for a pre-1978 unit with the wierdo super expensive power TnT units.

 

[dazk14]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

Any V-4 will work fine for your application. Prop,prop,prop

An early 70's 125 will use different controls than a 1973 and newer.

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

I have an 18' tri-hull with a 90HP. It will top out at about 38 with two adults, usually 2 or 3 kids in the boat, cooler, and about 20 gallons of fuel and running a 19 pitch prop. Not lighting fast but it pulls a tube with no issues.

I suspect with a 115, it could get 42-45.

 

[riskybusiness]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

so I checked it out and ur right its a 1977 85 hp should I avoid this

 

[dazk14]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

Condition,condition,condition
Good motors
How much?
Does it have T&T? ...not that your 125 has T&T.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

A '77 is a fine motor. It's not an electric shift model which is good. The only negative is if it doesn't have power tilt 'n trim, the post-1978 units (which are easily available) won't fit and your stuck looking for a rare pre-'78 unit or ponying up for a CMC unit. Both options are quite expensive. If you can live without TnT (kinda a pain on a V4) no biggie. Just don't buy it thinking you can reasonably add TnT later.

 

[dazk14]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

Without controls figure $100 used. There are lots available of the red plug units. 1973-up

Measure the existing Throttle cable on the 125 controls. You may get lucky and find long enough cables(there will be 2) to avoid replacement.

Add ~$50 for new cables if needed.

$111.99 for a 15pitch Solas 4 blade prop to satisfy your performance requirements. sku 2413-130-15

 

[silver_bay]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

135

What year and model is your boat?

I collect AeroCraft info at
AeroCraft Boats

The only models I found rated for 135 were 16'6" boats.
The Mustang II was an 18-foot tri-hull, but I have it as rated for 188hp.

 

[riskibusiness]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

it is a 1972 browning monterrey. it's 18 foot and has a 150 max hp. found the tag

 

[riskybusiness]

Re: unsure and needing an answer

I know this thread is a little old now but for anyone who sees it I have bought a 1978 115 mariner 6 cyl (tower of power). Runs great and should do the job