Can I get some advice from old salts?

[Searun1]

Hey there,

I have a 16' aluminum Lund skiff that is rated for a 50 hp outboard. It currently has a 30 hp Yamaha from 1986. It runs ok but doesn't like low rpms and while the boat goes about 26 mph at wot it won't haul around much more then two guys plus some gear. I tried to get four guys to a fishing spot once and i could not come close to planing. In addition it is pull start and does not have trim/tilt. It is rigged for a console which I like.

My question for the knowledgeable outboard guys.

I have an opportunity to get a new 50 hp Yamaha two stroke. As you know these are hard to find nowadays. I know I will get more power and some speed out of this. I will be picking up more weight but only about 60 pounds as the 50 is 189 pounds.

Is this worth the upgrade? I know it really comes down to a personal decision but I am looking for some advice on what you would tell a buddy in the same situation. I will get reliability and the convenience of trim/tilt, electric start, an alternator (that's actually a big deal).

Will I see that much more speed, power, etc...

Thanks for your advice and opinions ahead of time. It will run all told about 6 k to do this so I could use the unbiased advice.

SR1

 

[delta229]

Re: Can I get some advice from old salts?

One way to see how the weight will affect balance is to simulate the new motor. Calculate the difference in the two motors and load some dry weight at the stern while in the water. The original design formulas used the center axis of the motor as the point of reference for the calculations. Although the weigh at the stern will not be 100 percent accurate it will give you an idea of the balance of the boat. The two strokes are heavy but you may find that you dont have an issue.

 

[Searun1]

Re: Can I get some advice from old salts?

I have a 56 pound Johnson 6hp on it right now as a kicker so that approximated the weight difference pretty well. It runs like previously stated with that extra weight.

I guess the additional thing to consider is can I still put a kicker on it? May have to troll with a electric now....

Huh...

SR1

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Can I get some advice from old salts?

With a little basic number crunching I came up with a guesstimate that your boat will got about 33 or 34 mph with the 50. You'll be upping power by 67%, so you should see a pretty healthy increase in low speed acceleration. Also, I see the addition of power trim as a huge plus, you'll be able to trim all the way in to get a good hole shot and then come up to an optimum running position instead of having to settle for a single compromise position. Finally, you're currently only at 60% of rated power, which in most people's eyes is underpowered.

 

[64osby]

Re: Can I get some advice from old salts?

...Lund skiff that is rated for a 50 hp outboard. It currently has a 30 hp Yamaha from 1986. In addition it is pull start and does not have trim/tilt. It is rigged for a console which I like... ..I have an opportunity to get a new 50 hp Yamaha two stroke.

Is this worth the upgrade? I will get reliability and the convenience of trim/tilt, electric start, an alternator (that's actually a big deal).
It will run all told about 6 k to do this ...SR1

You'll be upping power by 67%, so you should see a pretty healthy increase in low speed acceleration. Also, I see the addition of power trim as a huge plus, you'll be able to trim all the way in to get a good hole shot and then come up to an optimum running position instead of having to settle for a single compromise position. Finally, you're currently only at 60% of rated power, which in most people's eyes is underpowered.

1+ on what mcw says.

"They" say 75% is the minimum hp that should be used. Using 100% of max hp is optimum. If it's in the budget and you want to, do it. You will love the features and most certainly be able to guide your fishing buddies to any spot in style and on plane.