what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

matt9923

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Sep 6, 2008
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I have a 14 ft fiberglass boat. Brand or modle is un known, previous owner painted over or removed the brand plate. I have a 33hp johnson and im sick of it its nothing but trouble for me. I am looking at a 25hp motor but im not shure if it will be good enough to push this boat well. I dont need a speed boat but want it to have a little more power then im guna need on a daily basis. (full of gear and 4 people) sometimes. Its a closed bow type fishing boat, i gess deep hull but not shure on that? Il get pics when im on my other computer. thanks
Matt
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

picture would get you the best info.
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

Usually, boats like that are rated modestly. My 1969 Glastron 14 foot tri-hull with a 20 inch transom and deck was rated at 60 HP. The closed deck and remote steering plus the 20 inch transom makes it rated for more than an open boat of the same size with a 15 inch transom. If it were completely open it probably would have been rated for 35 or 40. Total width (widest point) and transom width also counts in the Goast guard formula. Deep vee also qualifies for more HP than flat or round bottom hulls.

Same situation with my 14 foot flat bottom fiberglass hull. No manufacturer or model. It was probably rated for 40. I have a 125 on it. BUT I have extensively modified it and it only carries one person--ME.
 

matt9923

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Sep 6, 2008
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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

Ok its a 20in transome, silmilar to what you have. I will get a picture later im loking into a 40hp.
 

woosterken

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May 18, 2005
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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

I had a 1962 14' lonestar closed bow that had a40 hp.rude on it.it would move just fine.

woosterken
 

matt9923

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Sep 6, 2008
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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

Ok its a 14ft MFG niagara 20" transome. Rated for 50hp
i am probably getting a 40hp mariner.
Thanks Guys
 

mthieme

Captain
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Oct 6, 2007
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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

I've got a 14' McKee with a 35 on the back. They are rated for 40 and have seen 50.
 

KPKID

Seaman
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Aug 26, 2008
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Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

My 14 ft Steury closed bow runabout is rated at 65 hp.I have a 40 on it and it moves pretty good.
 

Steve Mahler

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Oct 10, 2006
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361
Re: what is the recomended hp for a 14 ft fiberglass?

More pertinent to the poster, I have underpowered similar boats. My current fishing boat - a 15 mohawk closed bow (on shareaproject under Mohawk 15) just barely planes at like 17mph with a 20hp johnson and light load.

Also, last year I ran a Chrysler 14' tri hull (also on shareaproject under Valiant) and that had a Chrysler 35hp. Planed smartly, but really only ran about 25mph.

I think 40hp is right for your MFG, so you can scoot regardless of load.
 
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