Is 15 hp enough?

[rook]

Not sure if this is the right forum to be asking but would 15 hp be enough motor to push a 16ft jon boat(modified V hull) I'm not lookin to make MACH speed but do you think it will plane the boat. The only reason I ask is cause I can get the motor fairly cheap and would like to save $$$ for a mudmotor for the boat but still have an outboard for fishin. Thanks a bunch guys.<br /><br />Sean

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

Probably, but what's the boat trated for and how heavy is it?

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

Touch and go Sean.<br /><br />We have boats here, in the land of smallness, that plane well with fifteen horses. But we have same length boats that wouldn't do it.<br /><br />Weight, hull shape, motor and prop setup make a world of difference.

 

[tee-boy]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

My first boat was a 16ft aluminum flat bottom hull. It had 15hp evinrude. The boat never did plane, but it would get you where you needed to go.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

Maybe it will. Depends on the boat. How heavy and how wide?<br /><br />One thing you might want to do is extend the tiller handle so you can sit in the second seat from the stern. You'll also want to put your battery and gas tank forward.<br /><br />You're probably not going to know for sure, though, until the outboard is on the boat. It's going to be marginal on a 16-footer, though.

 

[rook]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

Boat has approx hull weight of 400lbs, 52in bottom width, and is rated for a 35 horse.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

No, it's not.

 

[JB]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

You need at least 70% of rated hp for satisfactory performance, Sean.<br /><br />That means at least 25hp.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rook]

Re: Is 15 hp enough?

thanks guys I appreciate all your input.<br /><br />Sean