1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

[gnarbrah]

Hi all - I just got my 75 6horse that I acquired from a friend of my fathers for $40 about 12 years ago (it was like new I might add) running again and now I just need the boat to put it on. I'm thinking a 12' v-hull is the way to go. Problem is I see alot more flat bottoms but I just like the look of the v's better. Will that 6 be enough to push me and the fiancee around the lakes for a day of cruising? I have access to a 14' v-hull but I'm thinking thats too much boat. I'm definitely in the market for a boat and trailer if anyone knows of something reasonable in my area. Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[1730V]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

The "6" is no powerhouse but it is VERY reliable. Before we talk boats, service that engine. If you do, it will run another 30 years.

1. Get a manual.

2. Replace the water pump and service the lower unit (oil).

3. Use good TCW-3 oil and mix to 50:1 ratio.

The 6 will not plane many boats. If you just want to cruise around at displacement speeds, it's great. V Hull, flat bottom, won't matter. It's not going to make any hull type a performer.

Enjoy it. Put it on a 12-14' V and it will give you years of enjoyment.

SERVICE it!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

i say 12 -14 aluminum V. trolling motor on the bow, lots of pole holders, sunblock. here's my 14 footer with 1955 15 hp.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

12' and under V bottom aluminium or Jon. Its not enough for a bigger boat. IMO

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

I have changed the impeller and T-stat on her and the lower unit oil is this weekend. I'm not planning on setting any speed records with it, it just beats the heck out of paddling all day! I'll be just fine with 12-14 v-hull then. Just enough to cruise around and get to my secret spots. Thanks for the opinions and pics!

 

[bassboy1]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

The four horse Evinrude in my sig pushes the 12 foot vee in my avatar about 4 - 5 mph with dad and me in it. Won't plane, but for what it is, it works just fine. With just me, it goes faster, but due to weight distribution, it won't quite plane. (well, it is on the verge - I can't tell from in the boat, and don't have any wide open throttle pictures.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

I have access to a 14' v-hull but I'm thinking thats too much boat.

14' is not too much boat. A light 14' boat may get up on plane easier than a similar 12' boat with the same weight in the boat. The larger boat having more surface area to get up on plane.

This is my 4 hp. on my 14 ft. semi-v. At wide open throttle, just on plane and at a running speed. A 6 hp. would make my boat scoot.

This is the boat. The boat is rated for 40 hp. Boat only weight is 207 lbs. Beam is 4 1/2 ft.

I know you'll enjoy your 6 horse.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

I agree the 14 may surprise you as stated more surface area to help it get up and plane.It will plane easier than a 12 with one aboard because of the longer length.you may need to move the tank all the way forward when alone.

 

[EricR]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

When I was a kid I cruised all over a 900 acre Minnesota lake in a 12'X36" Lund jon boat with a '74 Johnson 6. At 14 yeas old and maybe 100lbs, it got up on plane. Last month I was up home with the family and I'm about 180 now, it pushed the same boat 5.5mph with me, my wife and two year old in it.

 

[dlngr]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

My 14' aluminum Lund goes up stream in the Illinois river just fine-with 2 people aboard,and plenty of equipment,cooler,etc. WITH the 8 horse Johnson that came with the boat.[have a 35 horse on it now,but am keeping the 8 hp for 10 hp limited lakes] I think if you buy a 12 footer,you will be looking for a bigger boat very soon. The 14' is minimum size for 2 people fishing,3 people,gets crowded.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

Thanks again, I guess now its just a matter of finding one around here for the right price. I must admit I like the idea of a 14 over a 12 just for having somebody else in the boat. I'm going crazy looking at the motor every night knowing all it needs is a boat to go on!

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

Allot of it has to do with hull width as well as length, shape and weight. Generally, wider boats need more HP regardless of length. I've owned a Dozen+, 12--14' aluminum boats ( it's a hobby). Here's my 2 cents. A 6 HP can actually be too much for a narrow 12' jon (like a 1230 /1232 style) and can provide a white knuckle ride on a light 12' V hull. FWIW, we take a old 130# , 14' x 46" aluminum V hull boat to maine every year for a week of fishing. My 84' 6 hp johnson will push two 200#+ men with another 150# of battery and gear at 13.5 mph (per GPS reading). Which is comfortable and safe. However, on a simlilar lengthed, but heavier and deeper V'd 14' Grumman (with a 60"? beam), that boat won't do much over 8 mph with that same motor.
My rule of thumb is to look at the HP rating of the boat and provide at least 50% -70% of that # for satisfactory results.
As for boat length. 12' is easier to handle and generally lighter/better suited to sub 10 hp engines but can get cramped for fishing. If I could only have one, I'd choose a 12-14' aluminum V hull for it's improved ride and seaworthyness.
hth

 

[Rob Wilkins]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

I have coverted an old Sabot into a row boat for fishing around in the hardor.
I am ready to buy an outboard for it and I'm not sure what size to get. As most of you know, Sabots ride low, so I know I will need a short shaft.

Sorry, I didnt mean to post this here !!!!!

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

The Sabot appears to be a pram.With that much rocker anything above 3 hp would be wasted.If you can trim it with the bow clear of the water and the transom clear of the water it may make the best time.with the rocker it will tend to squat or push the bow up.While the Sabot is reasonably light
for easy rowing it doesn't glide well a longer slender boat with a gentle rocker
and a rounded bottom will row easier and glide better.

 

[Sharticus]

Re: 1975 Johnson 6hp.....what boat?

I have a '75 6hp johnson on a 13' fiberglass tri-hill....fine what i use it for, but won't win any races.