How much motor is too much?

[pchika]

I have a 14 ft, Bayliner Capri with Merc/Force 50. It seems like a lot of motor for a 14 footer to me, when planing this boat is fast, actually only about 29 mph, but in a little boat like this that's about as fast as my kidneys can stand.<br /><br />Anyway it can be slow to plane, and when fully loaded (4 people, or really anybody in the back seats) it just won't plane period. The prop is a 17. Should I get a bigger motor or a samller prop. I don't mind losing a couple of mph off the top end if I could just get it to plane with a full load.<br /><br />Thanks in advance folks!!

 

[DJ]

Re: How much motor is too much?

Phil,<br /><br />Before you contemplate getting a bigger engine, make sure the boat is rated for it. You should have a yellow USCG placard somewhere in your boat that gives the max. engine capacity.<br /><br />50 hp. is not a lot of engine and Force 50's had very small lower units, thus small dia. props.<br /><br />Before you start swapping props. you need to know how many rpm. you are turning at wide open throttle.

 

[steelespike]

Re: How much motor is too much?

I sure would think a 14 with a 50 could do better than 29 even if it is a Force. Could be your speedo is not correct.Motor trim can effect planing. Rock the motor in (prop closer to boat) <br />when you have a load.If you have your battery<br />and gas tank in the stern thats a lot of weight in the back of a little boat.I had a 15 with a bench in the back.I cut it in half and put it<br />right behind the front seats.It helped a little.<br />You could also add a Doelfin to help get it on plane. Spike