What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

[woodsyfeller]

Ok I have a 19 ft Reinell V-hull boat that I intend to go fishing/crabbing with in the waters off of Washington state. (LaPush, Neah Bay, Strait of Jaun De Fuca ect.)Its set up for an outboard and max of 150HP.I'm guessing the total wheight of the boat with gear gas and passengers will be around 2500lbs.I'm not currently in a hurry to get an engine as I am hoping to be ready by next season so I've been taking my time looking on CL ect at boats and motors for that killer deal.What I would like to know is how small of a motor would be viable for the area and size of boat. I was thinking 70HP would be minimum, but I really dont know for sure.I'm seeing lots of 50 hp motors out there for realtively cheap.

Thanks ahead of time for any input you may have.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

I am sure you will not be happy with a 70. I would stay near the 150

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

Standard "rule of thumb" is to use 75% or more of the rated max hp. Less than that doesn't generally give good performance.

If it was me, I would definitely want a reliable powerplant out there at La Push. And of course a kicker to boot, you probably need one for fishing anyway. Boats that size generally use a 10hp as a kicker.

-dm

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

I got the kicker covered no prob I was just wondering about the main engine HP. The boat did come with a 140 Merc but the #3 cylinder has no compression and the mechanics are teling me to rebuild it will cost around 2K plus just for labor.So much for a free boat.

 

[Hoss 350]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

My Dad always used to tell me that when you go to buy a boat, get the biggest motor that you can get on that particular model. It has never steered me wrong. You don't have to use it if you don't want to, but if you need it, it's there. Often times a big motor run easy will get better fuel economy than a small motor tapped out, will also last longer, and if you need to run hard and fast or need a burst of power to save your butt, it's there.

However, if you really want to buy the smallest motor you can to save money, for the boat you describe, I would go 115 for a bare minimum. I'd be really surprised if a 70 horse would even reliably plane a boat that big, especially with a couple guys, a kicker, and fishing gear on board. My .02.

 

[JB]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

Minimum of 100HP. 115 would be a bit better. After that every little bit of added speed costs a ton.

 

[BonairII]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

The boat did come with a 140 Merc but the #3 cylinder has no compression and the mechanics are teling me to rebuild it will cost around 2K plus just for labor.So much for a free boat.

Part the motor out during the offseason and make some money toward your 'new' motor.

 

[Nathan k]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

Get the closest to 150 you can afford IMHO.


Nathan

 

[zopperman]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

No interest in doing the rebuild yourself?

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

I thought about rebuilding it myself but wasnt sure about spending time and money on the parts,special ring compressers,ect ,(there are no heads on this engine so I cant just pull 1 piston) just to have it take a crap again because I installed something wrong.Not saying I wont try later but I would like to get the boat I have going first.Then later when I have more time and space I could crack into it.The thought of selling it to help pay for a new one is also appealing.I figured I can always look on CL and find another motor with a dead cylinder later if feel the need to rebuild a motor just for the experience.

 

[bassman284]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

...I can always look on CL and find another motor with a dead cylinder later if feel the need to rebuild a motor just for the experience.

Good one, woodsy. You'll do well here.

Anyway, I agree with JB, 100 absolute minimum. 70 is just going to annoy you.

 

[zopperman]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

Yep thats a good idea. ^^ I've always wanted to rebuild an OB myself.

 

[Solittle]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

If you go with a 100/115 you ave going to get a V-4. A 150 will bring you a V-6 which while more powerful is a lot heavier.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: What would be the minimum sized outboard for my boat

I'm looking to do something similar with my 18ft Starcraft. It has the original 100hp Evinrude that pushes me to a best of 32-34mph (gps) with the whole family and all of our ski gear and food. Fully loaded, we're still under 2000lbs. I'm looking to push 45mph when necessary, so a modern 115 is on my shopping list for next spring. I have family in Port Orchard and Gig Harbor, so we're up there often. If interested, I'd make you a deal on my motor/controls and deliver it.

I would be nervous with something smaller on the back of my boat if I were up in those waters. I took my 14ft Crestliner w/25hp out off the coast of Anacortes once. Got out into the shipping channels and ferry lanes when the pucker-factor got real high. Boy, did I ever get an earfull from the Mrs on that one!