Minimum Horsepower for Bayrunner

[minuteman62-64]

I have a 1982 Bayrunner, 15 ft. long. Max. horsepower is shown as 35. It weighs about 350 lbs. w/o motor. It currently has a 30 hp Mariner which provided way more power than I needed. I rarely ran it over about 1/2 throttle.

I will be re-powering and am looking to down-size. Anyone with experience with this size Bayrunner with motors less than 30 hp? Looking at various posts it appears the guideline for minimum horsepower and reasonable performance is anywhere from 50% to 70% of max. hp.

Would a 20 hp be too low?

Appreciate any and all opinions/experiences.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Minimum Horsepower for Bayrunner

Normally you like to stay within 3/4 of max HP. That would be 25HP. 20 HP will be marginal, IMHO

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Minimum Horsepower for Bayrunner

20 will work. Sounds like it will be fine for cruising and fishing. I run an 18 hp on a 14' aluminum boat, it planes out and I have even pulled a skier behind it. You should be fine.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Minimum Horsepower for Bayrunner

Oh yeah, I pulled a skier with 3.9 HP Merc, top that.

Of course, he "skiied" on a picnic table top...

Happy Easter