help out a newbie

[mikemedic]

I am purchasing a lund 1700 fisherman boat. I want to use this to fish, hunt waterfowl and some recreation. I know.....want want want...but if I am going to drop a small fortune i want it to be versatile. Okay here's my question...I have been told by so mant people so many outboards to buy..I weigh about 250 and would like the damn thing to pull me up skiing and get us around for recreation and also be a good fishing boat. I have been told everything for a 60 hp merc 4 stroke to a 150 hp 2 stroke and like the idea of a four sroke... I need help! What is everyone's opinion on a motor.. By the way the boat weighs 1300 lbs without people<br />mike

 

[mattttt25]

Re: help out a newbie

what's the max it's rated for? i'd go as close to that as i could afford in a 4 stroke.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: help out a newbie

Best thing to do is check out different hp motors on the boat you plan to get, or one very similar. Find a dealer that sells that boat, or similar, and call on some of the satisfied customers with different hp motors. Ask for a ride, ask lots of questions, you'll figure out what you want pretty quickly this way. Best way to do it, that or compare hp in similar boats at nearby marinas, etc. Again, ask for rides and ask lots of questions. Folks will be glad to answer your questions.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: help out a newbie

I would go with the maximum HP rating of the boat which I beleive is 140 HP, or as close as I could get to that without going over... Think that would suit your needs best especially since you want to ski a bit too...<br /><br />As for the 2 stroke vs 4 stroke deal, personaly I think the jury is still out on that topic...<br /><br />If I were in your position I would take a serious look at a Mercury 135 optimax 2 stroke...

 

[mikemedic]

Re: help out a newbie

i didnt realize how quick this would be, i am thinking the 115 hp 4 stroke merc. the max horsepower is 150 hp kinda shot my wad with the expense of boat due to the wife wanting more seats so i need a reasonable motor. keep the input coming

 

[kojak58]

Re: help out a newbie

The better the skier you are the less horse power you need. I am gravitationally challanged at about 285 and I have been up on 2 skis behind a 90 hp Merc. I was drug .25 miles but did get up. The prop also makes a difference. I am no expert but you can get by with less hp with a "power" prop I think.<br />Good Luck!<br />Kojak

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: help out a newbie

The 115 hp 4 stroke merc, with that sized boat, will jerk just about anyone you want to up on skies. I would try to stay near the 100 HP mark, as you may be disappointed with much less.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: help out a newbie

Well, let me try a comparison. I have a Lund 1650 Explorer with a 60 Merc 4 stroke. Weighs about 850 and is rated for 75 hp. Tops about 34-35 mph and gets on plane in about 4-5 sec when I'm alone. I weigh 248 with clothes on but I don't ski. Not no way, not no how. I'd say a 60 is going to be extremely disappointing on the Fishermamn. But if the 80% of max works for you like it seems to for me, something in the 115-120 range ought to do nicely. Also with the Fisherman you get the IPS hull which is supposed to be faster and higher than the True V. In any case, it's hard to keep the smile off your face when you're in a Lund.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: help out a newbie

the 115 should be a good choice. i'd still look at 135,140 if you can. good luck-