What size motor should I put on this BOAT?

Question

I have a 13 foot fiberglass hull Bayliner. My husband and I bought the boat and we're fixing it up. :)

When the boat was purchased, it was in sad shape and without a motor.

Although the boat looks great now, I have to start looking into getting an outboard if we want to go fishing with it in late Spring.

The boat is rated for up to a 50 horsepower, but I don't want to push it, and I'm also trying to stick to my budget! :). I've been looking on craigslist and people are selling 16 foot aluminum boats with 5 horsepower motors!

My question is, what horsepower motor is best for the boat that I've described? I'm not looking to make a speed boat out of it, but I'd like it to have some "get up and go" if you know what I mean.

All opinions are appreciated.

Thanks in advnace!

Answer 1

My son has a similar sized fiberglass boat which is rated up to 50 HP also. It only has a 25 Mercury, which runs great, but is not really enough power. I would suggest 35 or more, even 50. You can throttle down to stay at safe speeds.

5 hp is useless unless it is a very lightweight aluminum boat.

Answer 2

At least 50. If you don't have enough power when you need it, ie at sea, it can be down right dangerous. You need to have get up and go when you want it. Try get a 4 stroke if you can, then you can idle around, 2strokes are made to be wound out, not good for trolling, bad to be idling around with a 2 stroke. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

First off what is the condition of the Transom, if it is good and solid i,d go with a 40 to 50 HP. if their is any spongyness or soft spot,s I wouldnt go any Larger then A Troling Motor

Answer 4

I had a 12 foot fiberglass trihull and a 35 HP motor and it was just fine. Wasn't a speed demon but it would get us there quick enough for fishing.

Answer 5

i agree with the capt. 40 to 50 sounds about right. i would venture about 35 mph with a 40

Answer 6

Get as close to 50hp as you can. I have never heard anyone complain about having too much horsepower, but when you don't have enough you will kick yourself. And the longer you have the boat the heavier it will get because you will put things onboard and leave them there. And if you want to ski or tube or take a couple of guests out you want the extra power, or as you say get up and go.

Answer 7

As long as you're getting a 2 cyl outboard , you might as well get as much horsepower as possible ( 50 ) since it'll be roughly the same weight anyway.

Answer 8

no more than 25hp. or else you will be doing wheelies! Like scoobie doo!

Answer 9

40 & 50 hp are the same weight not much difference> under that and you will have problems plaining with a load> Make sure you get the correct shaft lenth>& controls & harness gauges< As these cost quite a lot to buy seperate>Ele start only>Jerk start is a backbreaker>