The right motor for my boat?

[MAJ Dino]

I have a 14' aluminum v-hull w/ a floor, seats, livewell, etc. I'm currently running a '95 30 hp Evinrude. The motor has been incredibly reliable - I love it. The problem is, the boat is a liitle under powered. I'd like to get a little more punch to get on plane with 3 fishermen in the boat, but I'm concerned about the added weight associated with going with a 40 hp motor. <br /><br />Can anyone recommend a motor upgrade...good power to weight ratio. Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

What is the hp rating of your boat, Maj?<br /><br />14' tinnys can be rated for (and safe with) anything from 15hp to 40hp. See the thread about "How do mfrs determine HP ratings.?"

 

[steelespike]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

I'm no expert but a quick check of Evinrudes up to 1989 seems to indicate that 28,30 and 35hp are the same basic outboard so you may be able to go to 35 in the same weight range.<br /> If buying new, Evinrude has an Etech 40 hp.The etech line seems to be amazing on all points.<br /> In the mean time you could fine tune the trim on your motor.If you run with 3 people a lot you could try a little less pitch on your prop.You'll need to know your present rpm,max recomended rpm and your present size prop.<br /> You can also raise your motor vertically to improve performance. Raise it about 1/4 inch at a time until just before ventilation becomes a problem.You could gain 1 to 3 mph depending on where the motor is at now.A prop change and careful engine set up might surprise you.<br /> Fine tune your trim before you make a prop change.<br /> Poke around over at the prop forum for more info.

 

[MAJ Dino]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

Great feedback - thanks.<br /><br />The rating is 35 hp, but I was thinking about pushing to 40 if I could find a light motor. I read the warnings against it in an earlier string (from a liability standpoint)...important to consider, but I don't expect it to be an issue with my li'l boat.<br /><br />I'm running the stock prop...with a few nicks and dings from upstate NY sneaky rocks. I'm really happy with my current motor's reliability, so trying to tweak it is probably a good first step. I didn't know raising it might help -- thanks Spike. I looked at the Etech 40 stats. It looks like a great motor. I wasn't sure if it would be too heavy.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

Pitch down on your prop for heavier loads and it will still go quite fast. I used to have a 30 hp Johnson and a 13" pitch did real well even with three people on board a 16 ft aluminum boat V hull with floor.

 

[MAJ Dino]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

JB - I read the thread...very interesting. My 14' Lund is a little sluggish but very stable with the 30 hp 'rude and will probably handle a 40 hp Etech just fine.<br /><br />I think I'll try Cobra and Spike's suggestions for now, and put the Etech on my wish list.<br /><br />Thanks for all your help, guys. Much appreciated.

 

[rayrivera]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

Asking for advise, I have a 12' Aluminum v-hull that I plan to mount a Gale 12hp outboard motor on it. If I am correct I think it was rated for a max 10hp. Would I get in trouble for putting it on there and running it in a lake? <--- I'm terrible new at this. Thanks

 

[MAJ Dino]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

2slow,<br /><br />I'll refer you to the same string of messages JB recommended to me. Click on the link in the bar at the top of this message -- the bar that starts with "Hello, 2slow [logout]" -- click the "Outboard Non-repair Discussions" link to get to the list of messages. Look about halfway down the list for the "How do mfrs determine HP ratings.?" message. Click and read that.<br /><br />Your question deals with the capabilities of the boat, liability, and regulations specific to the lake where you want to use your boat.<br /><br />The message mentioned above will address capabilities and liability. Personally, I don't think either are an issue with a 2 hp difference. Local lake regulations may be more important. Many lakes restrict motors to under 10 hp. You can check with your local Dept. of Natural Resources guys to find out what restrictions apply in your area.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[rayrivera]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

Thanks Maj Dino, I have to take a drive back to the res. and measure my transom then peform the calculation. lol I will keep you posted. <br /><br />2slow<br />2/7th Calvary <br />Hoorah.

 

[Solittle]

Re: The right motor for my boat?

Lawayers love it when clients come in looking for damages from someone who has overpowered their boat. 2hp or 20 hp won't make any difference. They salivate at the possibility of grabbing everything you own.