1970 12' Ouichita

joelmash

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2023
Messages
20
I am looking a new motor for my 12' V hull aluminum boat. Would a 15hp Mercury 4 stroke be too much for the boat. The boat does not have the data plate on it.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,387
I believe that the Ouichita aluminum boats were built by alumacraft. I also think that the boat was rated at 10hp, however I am going off old grey haired grey matter. use the USCG CFR 33.183 calculations on boat hp.

if the transom is under 4' wide, then 10hp. if your transom is over 4' wide, then I believe 15 if I recall table 183.53 correctly. however if the bottom is flat, then drop down a rating.
 

FLATHEAD

Captain
Joined
Dec 29, 2002
Messages
3,435
I owned a 70’s 12 foot Ouichita v-hull. I wouldn’t have run a 15 hp on that boat. I used it for electric motor only
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2023
Messages
69
Depending on what you want to use the boat for as in how far and how fast if it was mine I'd maybe consider putting a 5 hp on it and save some money and weight. I'd think 5 hp would push it pretty good and the 5s are light and easy to carry opening up the possibility of not having to leave it on the boat.
 
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