What size/weight outboard can my boat handle?

[Courtney_Dallas]

Hello,

I am in the market for a new small outboard, 5-7 horsepower. I have a 1978 12' aluminum Starcraft v-hull, and want a reliable motor. Is there an equation to determine the maximum motor weight for a boat?

Courtney

 

[Sea Rider]

There should be a tech plate around transom which indicates max carrying capacity along Max HP outboard. 12 footers are for 10-15 HP OB's. 2 strokes less weight are preffered as opposed to heavier 4 strokes with same HP.

Happy Boating

 

[jbcurt00]

From elsewhere, where you asked about a best brand to shop for:

Honda,Yamaha,Evinrude,Mercury,Nissan,Tohotsu ,Suzuki are all brands that are trusted and proven.

I'll add, that in addition to selecting a motor from one of the well established brands 82Rude mentions, I'd pick a motor that has a servicing dealer convenient to you. IMO, nearby service should outweigh a brand preference.

 

[pckeen]

If you don't have a capacity plate, there's a formula to use her: http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/hp.html

 

[iam2sam]

If you do rely on the capacity plate, keep in mind the typical weight of a motor of the specified maximum HP for the era when the boat was manufactured. For example, I suspect that a 1970's boat that specifies a max 45 HP engine (as does my 1972 16' Sea Nymph Coho) could be significantly overloaded and/or unbalanced with a heavy, modern, 45 HP 4-stroke engine with electric start, tilt & trim, etc.