NEWBIE qustion: Seamax 380HD, 14' what motor should I buy??

[Fish&fry04]

Hi all;

I am new to boating and new to the forum, I have not bought anything yet, and am hoping to get some advice from the wise.

Family of 4 (two boys are pre-teen).
Leaning towards Seamax 380HD 14', for portability and stability.
Uses: bow river floats, lake fishing, LIGHT tubing.

Boat motor max hp is listed as 25hp (15" shaft). (saturn boat max is 40hp, not sure why the difference?)

I have posed questions on other forums and many say a 25hp on the seamax can pull a tube, not super fast, but can.

Some even say they have pulled skiers on same or less hp!

Should we go 2 stroke or 4 stroke? (Alberta & BC lakes) like Travers res, Kookanusa,

Should we get detachable planing plates to help?

Looking for boat/motor combination that will give us most flexibility.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Fish&fry04

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: NEWBIE qustion: Seamax 380HD, 14' what motor should I buy??

Welcome to the forums,

A 380 is not 14' to start with, a huge difference in lengh and width to a 14'. If lakes you'll be boating does not have restrictions at the moment or soon for 2 strokes engines go for a Tohatsu/Nissan 25 HP and use it restricted untill you are confident on what you are doing, when the beast has been tamed pass your 25 to 30 HP for peanuts. Both weights and has same CC, one is carb restricted...

Saturn 13' uses 30 HP and 14' uses 40 HP engines.

Happy Boating

 

[steelespike]

Re: NEWBIE qustion: Seamax 380HD, 14' what motor should I buy??

I don't have a clue what a Seamax is. Tell us about it Aluminum,glass? Bare bones full dress? Is it a full 14 footer.
It may be only a 25 because it's a small 14, a beefy 14 utility would be 160 to 200 lbs.
We used to ski with a 25 on a 18ft 375lb Crestliner bare utility , with a 180 lb driver and a 100lb adult spotter.
Your smaller planing surface may struggle getting up with the tube and 3 aboard.But may make enough speed.
If the boat is a light reasonably fast boat the 25 might make 27-30 with one aboard.But may fade quickly as you add weight.
Careful setup and the right prop may help.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: NEWBIE qustion: Seamax 380HD, 14' what motor should I buy??

Low end PVC inflatable. Glued seams, short on warranty, but, very inexpensive. The best bet would be the Tohatsu 2-stroke 25 which is still available in Canada under the Mercury label.