*Looking for some experienced feedback on boating size and HP ratings*

[BCFisherman]

Hi


So here goes it, I tried NAda guide and iboat here to find specs or info on my boat and came up empty, I cant find much about them online from this age.


I recently stumbled across a deal and acquired a 1981 14-15 ft Princecraft Springbok cruiser the old style heavy gauge aluminum riveted(heavy boat) with windshield and steering. The motor came with a 10 hp honda 4 stroke. I am in need of a secondary engine thus brings me to this forum for some experienced replies of those in which may be educated with older style aluminums such as my model a cruiser and its max potential.

First saying I cannot find a rated Hp for this craft as the tag is missing, I am guessing max rating to be 25-40 with this style of boat?

Saying in which I do not have allot of extra money atm due to many obligations and unfortunate occurrences lately I am trying to work my best with what I have at hand or am able to trade up to put an engine on my boat to get out on the water and fish this summer.

I have currently a older around 1975 4 cylinder 2 stroke 50hp mercury thunderbolt 500, This thing is a beast at 260 pounds dry weight.. I do not think this is feasible by any means..

Second option which I am considering most as It is a newer lighter engine is a 1997 Mercury 40hp 4 cylinder Classic 40/50 with power trim(engine never seen salt). I am not sure of exact weight I am guessing 177 pounds..

I am hoping that this engine would work with my boat and set-up as I will be doing ocean and Fraser.. My main concern is can the transom take this much weight or will it sit me too low in which I wouldn't be able to do anything besides a lighter engine or 2 will it tear the S##T out of my boat

(In which I suppose if weight is okay I could reinforce transom)??

I can say I am no stranger to understanding limitations nor handle speed power and always cautious not looking to yahooo around with hp its nice to have yes but as well practical safety overall comes first.

I appreciate any feedback and lets try to keep it all positive as this could help others as well seeking the same answers, Thank You.

Here is a pic from when I was first starting to clean her up.

 

[jbcurt00]

Are you sure it isnt a 1961 Springbok/Princecraft.

Closed bow boats w bubble style wrap around windshields werent typical in 1981, but were almost the norm in 1961....

I suspect you'd be fine w either, but you'll probably really like having tilt/trim and a much more modern engine.

I doubt theres that much weight difference after you add in the 'extra' weight of the tilt/trim.

I'd run the 1997.

 

[BCFisherman]

Thank You for the response,

I am fairly positive it is a 1981 as It was previously registered and I transferred ownership and according to the HID number inscribed from factory in back it ends in M81E and from what I have read that is month and year of manufacture of this product line.

I just took a transom shot as well which I am redoing as the wood was rotten, It measures from bottom to top 16" in the middle and about 18" on the far sides.. What is the max safe weight of an engine I am concerned with I can mount on this style of boat.I am unsure once boat is in water as never had it how it will sit...Hp wise I don't mind overpowered as it will be used safely. I Fully agree with you a more modern engine with tilt and trim would be far more less inconvenient and probably safer in its own way indeed especially when travelling near unsure areas of depth and beaching if need be or to level out plane..

 

[BCFisherman]

Hmm well,, I did some digging and found this old post here from years back... The boats seem similar both springboks,, JoBlos tag say max rating 40hp and max capacity 1025 pounds, My boat tag does not have a hp rating tag says rated for 450kg = 992 pounds. Both seem 14 feet and from what i see he is running a big 50hp on it. Im getting excited Lol.........:bounce:

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...nd-hull-repair/65231-restoring-springbok-boat

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Is your motor a short shaft? If you only have 16inchs at the center than a long shaft will probably be too long. I live 10 mins. from Princeville Quebec where Princecraft is still producing boats today.I have seen a couple of those old runabout style boats around, one was running a 60s 40hp evinrude which are around 150 lbs or maybe a little more.If I remember correctly the other one had a 25hp or 28hp merc. I know the guy I saw with merc had the transom raised up for a long shaft motor.

 

[Scott Danforth]

just google the coast guard hp calculation for home built boats.

however if it is anything like the mirro craft I grew up on (looks a lot like it), it will have a 45 or 50hp rating. our 14' had a 45hp rating. we had a Merc 50 hanging on the back.