I have a 16 ft fiberglass boat with a 65 hp motor. i need a new motor , what size can i go with?

Question

would a 50 hp Mariner be enough. It's rated for no more than 110 for 6 people 150lbs

Answer 1

Well it might depending on how your using it. How did the 65 do on it? You will quite a bit dropping 15 hp. If anything it would go for a 90hp. You will have good performance  and plenty of speed when you need it

Answer 2

if it's rated for that much (on the hull somewhere is a tag) then it'll be fine.

Keep in mind your going down in HP so if your heavily loaded, it may be a little sluggish at take off. and be poor for skiing.

If it came with the 65hp, I would stay close to that.

Answer 3

The problem is the old 65hp is a lot light than a newer 1>If it ran good and was safe with the 65 than going smaller will only make it hard to plain out with a load>And use more fuel as you will have to push it harder to keep the boat going>>

Answer 4

there are too many variables to answer with those facts

but generally speaking i dont think a fiberglass boat in that length would be safe with much over 85 to 90 hp but it will vary so much with hull design and weight, width and depth.

There should be a maximum rating on the boat somewhere, usually on the transom, if it is gone, a dealer will have a good idea.