I bought a 1988 Alumacraft V-14 last year rated for a 25 HP. I took it up to Northern WI last year, and with a 25 HP outboard, 2 batteries, gas tank, and trolling motor in the back, it sits about 6-8 inches above the water line. It happened to rain maybe 1 inch in a downpour with waves blowing in on the dock it was tied to. Add in a boat water skiing around and around a 100 acre area not far from the dock, the back end of the boat had a fair amount of water splash in and probably 2 inches to spare, this happened in a 6 hour period.
Here is my question. That made me nervous, to the point where I'm wondering if I need to go with a lighter motor. I'd hate to do that since the 25 HP my father gave me has only 10-20 hours of use. Would splash guards and a bilge pump be enough? The boat only spends maybe 7-10 days a year in the water tied to a dock. Thanks for your input.
Here is my question. That made me nervous, to the point where I'm wondering if I need to go with a lighter motor. I'd hate to do that since the 25 HP my father gave me has only 10-20 hours of use. Would splash guards and a bilge pump be enough? The boat only spends maybe 7-10 days a year in the water tied to a dock. Thanks for your input.