14' Alum Deep V Max HP / Max Weight

[123rvk]

I just got my first deep-v aluminum boat last week. It's a 14'. Max. HP rating is 30. It's got an old 1974 15 Johnson on it. Maxs out around 14-15 mph...Looking for a bit more speed... especially when I get three people in the boat.<br /><br />30hp seems like a lot of power...and extra weight? Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation?<br /><br />Max Cap (all gear & people) is like 800 or 850lbs. Maybe go with a 20 or 25, or is 30 OK?<br /><br />I'm in mostly fresh water rivers, but sometimes in the Intracoastal off the Carolina coast.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 14' Alum Deep V Max HP / Max Weight

Go with the 30 probably not any heavier than a 25<br />and you arent likely to ever say gee I wish I had less power.

 

[Lark40]

Re: 14' Alum Deep V Max HP / Max Weight

If the boat has a plate stating it has a maximum of 30, then it is safe for 30. I have been running a 40 on my 14' aluminum boat, but that is at it's designed limit and is heavy for that boat.<br /><br />I think a 25 would be fine for your boat. Also, the way hp is measured changed in the early 1980's, so today's 25 hp is actually more powerful than 1974's 30 hp engine.

 

[wayne h]

Re: 14' Alum Deep V Max HP / Max Weight

Little Guppy <br />want to sell the 15 hp ??

 

[123rvk]

Re: 14' Alum Deep V Max HP / Max Weight

Thanks to everyone for the advice!<br /><br />wayne34609:<br />Not sure I'm ready to sell the 15hp yet. I've only had it for a week, and I'm not ready to buy that 30 horse just yet. Maybe in a month or two...I'll let you know!

 

[123rvk]

Re: 14' Alum Deep V Max HP / Max Weight

steelespike:<br />I noticed that one of your fav fishing holes is the 1000 islands! My wife and I have a summer cottage in upstate NY on the Raquette River. I will actually be fishing in "Alex"andria Bay (Wolfe Island area) the weekend after next (6/21-ish). We love it up there. Caught any muskies lately?