Looking for a new outboard motor?

Question

ive got a 15ft fglass runabout....doin it up...wanted to get an outboard that would pull a skier or wakeboard aswell...its mainly a fishin boat but want the option, how many hp would i need....whats the minimum???

Answer 1

First, you can start with the maximum, and that should be on the USCG plate which contains all the information on weight and HP.

Without seeing the boat, knowing the weight, or your budget I am just shooting in the dark. Thinking minimum is going to be a 70 or 75, and the max would be 115.

Maybe run through some magazines, and the sales ads and see what HP they are running on boats similar to yours.

On a personal note, I am a fan of the Yamaha 4-strokes.

Have fun.

Answer 2

The other answers are correct in that you should always go by the U.S. Coast Guard plate on the boat in regards to horsepower, in that you don't want to have any more power than what it's rated for. If you're fishing, I'd definitely go for a 4-Stroke engine, preferably one that is fuel-injected. It sounds to me like a 75 or a 90 HP Yamaha or Suzuki would really hit the spot for what you want in an engine. I've been a fan of these engines for a long time, the Yamaha being the most reliable engines I've ever sold or worked on (Because I've never had to work on one, and I used to be a dealer!) and the Suzuki's for their fuel economy (and the Yamaha's aren't bad either. 2005 Parker 2510 w/ twin 200 HP Yamaha 4-Strokes = 23 GPH at 5500 RPM) and the fact that they're super quiet. Anything over 90 HP and I believe you'll be pushing it safety-wise. Good Luck!

Answer 3

you need to look at the USCG label on your boat. It will let you know what the maximum rating for HP is. On a 15 foot boat somewhere around a 90 - 115 should be enough to pull a skier. Two stroke or 4 stroke is the question. The 2 stroke will provide better response to getting the skier up and running, but will cost you more in fuel and oil. the 4 stroke if propped correctly will work well and will be cheaper on gas. The Honda 4 strokes are very dependable and long lasting.

Answer 4

I would go with a Honda engine. Check with dealer to see one would be needed on your  boat.

Answer 5

i got a 16 foot Norris craft and it has a 135 evinrude on it,and it will run about 62 miles per hour which is plenty to pull a skier with,and they aren't as bad on gas as the smaller engines are,i found this out when i changed to the 135,it uses less gas than the 115 horse power i had on it,because i don't have to run it wide open to get the speed and power from it i need,i also owned a smaller 85 horse engine before the 115 and it was horrible on gas,you,ll like the option of the horse power verses the gas mileage,with a smaller engine you have to keep it wound out to get it to plain out,not with a bigger engine,i can plain out at 20 miles per hour with this engine,good luck with it.