Re: Engine Size?
This will "Kinda" get you close to your HP rating.
The USCG determines the max HP rating for a boat as follows:
1. Multiply length x width at the transom.
2 If Length x Width is.........then max hp is
.........0 - 35.......................3
.......36-39........................5
.......40-42........................7.?
.......43-45........................10
......46-52.........................15
3. Except flat-bottomed hard-chined boats use the next lower rating.
4. If length x width is greater than 52, use this formula:
.......Length x Width x 2 minus 90, rounded up to the next multiple of 5.
............Example: my boat is 15.5 feet by 5.5 feet. 15.5 x 5.5 = 82.25 x 2 = 170.5 - 90 = 80.5
...................the rating plate reads "85 hp".
5. Except if the transom is less than 20" high *or* the motor is tiller steered, in which case:
..........Length x Width x 0.8 minus 25, rounded up to the next multiple of 5.
A boat builder doesn't need USCG approval to rate a boat at or below the USCG formula.
A boat builder can use a higher rating only if the proposed boat/motor combination passes handling tests designed by the USCG.
Source(s):
United States Code Title 46, Chapter II.
CFR Title 33, Subchapter S, Chapter 1.
My experience tells me that a 14' boat of your vintage should NOT go more than 50 hp and would more than likely be very satisfactory with a 35 - 40 hp. I have a 15' 1962 model with a 40 hp Rude' that is just fine.
I'm just sayin...
