1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

[NYCruisers]

I have a 1960 17' Cruisers Commander with a '66 Johnson 80HP 2-stroke that I'm going to replace due to age and overall compression loss (bought it this way). According to the hull tag, the boat can take 90HP, however, I'm concerned switching to a modern 4-stroke that the engine weight will be a factor, even if I stick to an 80HP.

So the question is: are there any guidelines for the engine weight my lapstrake hull type can/should carry -or- should I shop by weight and HP?

Any suggestions and opinions from the forum would be great.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

Ayuh,... If she floated, 'n handled Comfortably with the old motor,...

I'd shoot for the same weight, regardless the Horsepower...

 

[NYCruisers]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

I'll agree with that. Thanks for the thought. Just found the weight coming in around 240#. Not so easy to shop by weight!

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

Evinrude E-Tec 90 HP should work nicely. It's a two-stroke.

 

[NYCruisers]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

Thanks for the lead - beautiful motor. Now that's 320#. I suppose it's only 80# more than my current 2S/90 but my concern, whether valid or not, was a) being stern-heavy, and b) whether this 1960 lapstrake boat can handle this extra dead load (trailering/storage) on the transom. When this boat was built these motors weren't available.

Just looking for thoughts/insights. My first boat and I had to get a wood one. Love it, but it's far more easy to generate questions than answers .

Yamaha has a 2S/90 that weighs in at 260# where I feel more comfortable, but that's about it.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

There is a 1962 Cruisers Inc in the size smaller than yours with a '90's vintage 90hp Johnson and it handles and trailer's it just find. However, its transom had its lower half restored.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

Great old wooden boat from the 60's! The link below will get you to the Blue Book data for Cruiser's which lists max horsepower for your model as 110. Good luck!

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Cruisersbb002.jpg

 

[NYCruisers]

Re: 1960 Cruisers 17' Max O/B Weight

Great leads and info! Yes, she's a great old wooden boat in excellent condition except for some dull finishes. Oddly enough, the 1960 Commander 302 is listed as 18'-7" whereas mine is +/-17'. Definitely a Commander as I have all the original receipts, the Commander graphic on the console and the ID# is Commander. The hull tag states 90HP but 110 would be fun!

Thanks for all the help - I think I'll try to keep the engine weight below 300# and maybe ditch the third fuel cell which I never really use anyway.