What to do?

[JeffSmith]

Hi all. I am new to boating, and just got my first boat, a mid 70s tri-hull 14' Bee Craft. It has no motor, and no controls. According to the tag on the boat, it can accomodate up to 55hp. Any suggestions on what to look for, and how to go about finding a decent motor on a TIGHT budget? I just recently found a 35hp Evinrude that the guy claims runs well for $300...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What to do?

BUYING A USED MOTOR

overall condition, condition of the place you are buying it from, usually tells you how they care for things. compression 100 + psi, and within 10% of each other, good strong blue spark, no water in the lower unit oil. look for discolored paint, (sign of over heat at
one time, also scarred up bolts, as why. have them start it. if they fail to put it in a barrell or tank, or on muffs, or in the water, to start it they don't know what they are doing. best yet is to take it for a 30 min to 1 hour test run. also if remote controlled motor, the controls should come with it. 78 and above, 50hp Johnson/Evinrude would do very nicely on that boat. 35 would be absolute minimum. 70% of the rated HP is rule of thumb.

 

[JeffSmith]

Re: What to do?

I just had someone offer me a Johnson 70hp for $175. Is there a problem with putting a 70hp on a boat that says 55hp max? I realize they say a maximum for a reason, is it really that important? One person tried to tell me that the boat wouldn't be allowed on the water with too big of a motor on it...that just doesn't sound right to me, but I have NO idea!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What to do?

If you plan to insure this boat, your insurance company knows what the maximum HP is. If you tell them you have a 55 HP motor and then give them the serial number for the 70, they will know that's wrong as well. If you tell them its a 70, you will also not get insurance. But then you can go without insurance at all and then should you be involved in an incident of any kind where there is even slight personal injury (your fault or not) guess what happens. Lawyers get involved and all the stuff you currently own will likely belong to someone else. That's what's wrong with over powering a boat. DNR people are not generally stupid and when they see you passing everying else on the lake with a similar size boat they will get curious. Is it against the law -- in some states yes. But even if it's not, there are legal ramifications as I just pointed out. And then their is the safety issue. The boat is rated for 55 HP for a reason. SAFETY!

 

[5150abf]

Re: What to do?

You don't say but make sure the hull is worth hanging a motor on before you buy one, the 70's were a long time ago for a glass bot.

just make sure the hull and transom are solid before you spend money on it.