Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

[rrkyle]

Im looking at getting a late 60s or early 70s Johnson either 15 or 20 horse for a 14ft Lone star v hull. I dont know a whole lot about boats and boat motors so I had a few questions..

Im wondering how fast I could expect these motors to push my boat, and if theres anything I should know about them before purchasing?

Im looking at buying from a johnson/evinrude mechanic that sells rebuilt motors with a 90 day warranty.

Also in cosideration is a 66 E start 25 hp, Could this be too big or heavy for my boat?

Thanks in advance for any input

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

i had a 1956 15 hp Evinrude on this 14 ft Lonestar. put stick steering on it, and controls, middle seat. it was the best boat i ever owned. 15 is just right for the boat, i do recommend the 70's version of the 15.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

A 15 or an 18 hp of the era pictured here is actually the best quality motor you could buy, even if you have to spend the 100+ dollars to go through it and tune it up right. There is no plastic. If you get an 18 or 20 of the 60's vintage, you still have a great motor. The later style 15's are okay, but I don't believe they are quite the motor that the old FD's were

I have a 1986 25hp and I'm anxious to try it out, but I also have a 1957 18hp that I think will be cooler once I get it restored

 

[kbait]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

If you've got 3 adults in that boat, an 18 or 20 pre'72 will out speed a '75+ 15hp. But the 15 is great for 2 folks, and idles slowly easier and MUCH better on fuel. An 18 can be coaxed to idle slowly, easy to work on, and a used one can be found pretty cheap.
If you need a warranty, expect $700ish for a 15. $500 for the 18. I find 18's for about $75 and tune 'em and sell 'em for 3-$400, depending on cosmetics. My warranty is it will perform as described or I'll buy it back or fix it, but not for 90 days. That'd cost you extra at the Marina. (and 'Marina' already means $$). Look around craigs for used ones and see what you find. It's fun to find a barn-buried motor and make it purr.

 

[mars bar]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

We used to own a boat up north called the TANK. A welded steel boat I think 15'-16' and had a 15 hp Evinrude. Planed fine and was good on fuel.

 

[psteurer]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

I would suspect you might get around 20 mph with a 15hp and maybe a few more mph with a 20hp. I have a 14 foot 1963 Sea King with a 1989 20hp. I can get 23 mph with two people. Three people in the boat and I have a hard time getting up on plane. But my boat has a closed bow I cannot put anyone up front.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

well, when you start getting 3 adults in one of those boats, you start pushing toward the weight limit of the boat. should not run as fast. weight limit is all persons, gear, and motor.

 

[rrkyle]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

What about the 25 electric start? Is this too big or heavy? And by the way my boat has a pretty thick reinforced metal transom

All three of the motors Im looking at are the same price $700 but im gonna try and get them to go down to 6 or 650.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

25 electric start would be a nice motor.

 

[rrkyle]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

Has anybody here put a 25 on a boat this small?

I think I was told these motors are 120lb?

Im just worried about weight because im 260 and being a college football player all my friends that go fishing with me will probably be at least 240 or so.. I only plan on two people in the boat at a time tops though because two of us is about three average people..

 

[ditchen]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

my first 14ft with a 72 electric start 25hp, got on a plane really quick.

then I went with a wider beam 14ft with the 25hp,

With the bigger boat I found a 40hp with a cmc set back tilt & trim much more suitable.

 

[kbait]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

The electric 25 will likely weigh 110ish. An 18hp will be 77 or 80lbs and should push two big guys on your boat to plane. If you go with the 25, just don't slow down really suddenly (short transom), and you'll be fine.

 

[rrkyle]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

Ok thanks, I think im going to try and get the 25 if i can talk them down to around 800, If not ill have to get the 20, I know it wont be a speedboat but as long as it planes my boat ill be happy.

Thanks for all the input everybody, Ill try and post some pictures if i get it this weekend.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

Ok thanks, I think im going to try and get the 25 if i can talk them down to around 800, If not ill have to get the 20, I know it wont be a speedboat but as long as it planes my boat ill be happy.

Thanks for all the input everybody, Ill try and post some pictures if i get it this weekend.

Where are you located? Motors sound a little pricey there.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

I have a '14 Cherokee. Looks a little wider and taller hull than tash's. It came with a '71 25 hp and it could be dangerous. Bouncing around in rough water could make you twist the throttle unintentionally. That would bring the bow WAY up! I'm sure it would flip the boat if you tried. I have a 15 hp now and it's fine. I wouldn't doubt it if that 25 made it do 35 mph.

 

[rrkyle]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

I wont ever be in the boat alone so ill always have some weight up front too keep it down. Thanks for the input, My motor selection is all up too what kind of deal the guy will work with me.

And im in central texas

 

[underpressure]

Re: Question about Johnson 15hp and 20 hp

i have a 1974 starcraft 14 foot with a 1975 15hp johnson on it on and it runs nice with 2 people but with a 3rd person it struggles a little to get on plane,we are looking for 25hp for this year