I'm getting a 12 foot aluminum boat and I am getting a 20hp motor but theres one thing i need help with?

Question

Its a 20 hp 2 stroke short shaft and im wondering if it's over powering for the boat, i havent checked the tag on the back yet to see the rating but i need to kno about the motor quick, and i wont get the chance to check the tag. Thanks

Answer 1

20hp is probably too much for a 12ft boat

Answer 2

That's a bit too much thrust and too much weight on the transom of the boat. A 12 foot boat is probably rated for a 6 or 8 HP engine rather than your 20 HP. Even a 9.9 would be better than the 20...You might be able to get by with the big engine but you definitely don't want to put very much weight near the stern, and you don't want to be using full throttle on that thing either, whether it be for top speed or getting on plane.

Answer 3

At first blush it sounds like it may be too much power.

Make sure to check the USCG plate for max HP.

My thought would be a 9.9 might be max.

Answer 4

If it was a four stroke, I'd say it's too big but it is a 2 stroke, which are much lighter. I have a 9.5' boat with an 8 Hp 4 stroke that weighs in at 85 lb and it was fine. your 20 Hp 2 stroke probably weighs about the same. I'd just be careful throttling on the start, expect it to be PDQ and handle it sensibly. Should be fun.

Answer 5

It depends on the manufacturer of the boat .  Some 12 ft boats can handle this much power, others will not.  Look for the manufacturer's Capacity plate mounted on the top inside of the transom.  It will list the maximum weight and horsepower that the boat was designed for.  Overpowering  a boat like this can be dangerous and is illegal.  You can rip off the transom or pop rivets.  If  there is no capacity plate on this boat,  I would not recommed  using more than 7.5 to 9.9 hp.

Answer 6

That will be plenty of power for your boat . Just stay off the throttle a little and you will be fine.

Answer 7

you can use up to a 25 hp motor on that boat the boat will go pretty fast so dont let kids use it and put the gas tank and anker in the front of the boat to keep the front down so u can see where u are going

Answer 8

You should be okay.  Just try it first before you open the engine throtle.

Answer 9

a little off target here, but on you tube some guys put a 45 on a 12 foot...the results where insane. check it out.  By the way a 9.9 would be better choice if you have to pack and carry the outboard everytime you launch... just my thoughts... the 20 if lite enough will probally be a bit scarey on plane...it will take off with the nose in the air for sure .