Boat question, Engine in 34ft Nelson?

Question

Hi there, whats the smallest size engine (hp) that you could fit in a Nelson 34 single s***w motorboat, and whats the largest? Want a top speed of around 15 knots thats all, but dont want to fit a great lump! Any thoughts appreciated, thanks.

Answer 1

You sure its single s***w, Most Nelson 34's were twin s***w with 2 x 145 hp Perkins 6.354 diesels.

To be a single s***w, it would probably have been built for ditch crawling, in which case a single 30-50 hp would suffice.

Answer 2

Any of the incarnations of a 6 cyl. Ford should suit.  I have ,currently, a 135h.p. (which would not be enough for you), but have ,in the past,had the same base engine,at 300 h.p. (giving 31kn. in a 26ft. boat) Both engines had the same footprint.  Perkins or Cummins engines might also suit.

Answer 3

200-250hp.