What size motor should i put on my boat

Speak to your dealer about the largest motor possible and go with that. Bigger motors and higher horsepower have a long list of benefits when it comes to boating. Bigger motors provide better handling, especially at midrange speeds. In rough weather, larger motors can prove particularly useful, giving you more control and security in choppy conditions.

Another perk of a larger motor is, counterintuitively, the fact that it uses less fuel, according to Discover Boating. A motor that is too small will struggle to power the boat and will, therefore, eat up significantly more fuel. Most engines in this range feature 2-cylinders for greatly improved planning time and performance, as well as reduced vibration that is typical of 1-cylinder outboards. Outboards in this hp range have separate fuel tanks ranging from 10 litres common with 4-strokes to 24 litres common with 2-strokes.

Powerful workhorses that are still considered a part of the small outboard hp class. Outboard engines in this hp range are available primarily in 4-stroke configurations but may limited availability in 2-stroke configurations. Due to EPA regulations, outboard manufacturers are now required to build cleaner more efficient engines that meet strict emission standards. This hp range is quite popular for use with inflatable boats ft, aluminium fishing boats ft, jon boats ft in length, fibreglass boats ft in length.

Electric start and 12v charging capabilities are usually offered on optional models in this hp range. Engines in this range feature 2-cylinders reducing vibration and providing smoother operation.

All Rights Reserved. Parsun Outboards Motor Size Guide. For example, a 2,lb. Who needs to go faster than that? If your lake is small, perhaps an even lower horsepower engine would serve the purpose.

In that case, your major consideration would be finding a like-minded angler come re-sale time. Traditionally, bass boats have been the domain of 2-stroke outboard engines. They are light-weight and have a lot of low-end torque which makes for fast hole shots.

Like bass boats, bay boats are designed for a very specific application — saltwater fishing in skinny, protected conditions. And, like the bass boat, their bottoms are relatively flat, like that of a skiff, and if powered by large outboards they can go lickity-split.

You must ask yourself, how fast and how far do you need to go on an average fishing trip? On the other hand, if you will be fishing just a few miles from home or the launch ramp, why do you need all of that horsepower?

Perhaps hp or hp is all you need. Unlike bass boat owners, bay boat owners do not care so much about hole shot speed so they are open to both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, so long as they are competitive in fuel economy.

But remember, 4-stroke engines have weak low-rpm torque. They will not be as quick to plane as will be a 2-stroke engine. However, in the last five years or so there has been a resurgence of interest in outboard power for sportboats as more and more builders have made these models available. This development is giving consumers a good option that they largely did not have 10 years ago. When selecting power for a sportboat perhaps the most important thing to avoid is under-powering the boat.

Some boat builders and dealers typically will install 3. This package might be sufficient for a youngster just starting out or for a newbie couple, but for slalom skiing and hauling a boat full of guests it is simply not enough.

A single to hp engine can produce a reasonable performance for an entry-level fiberglass sportboat from 17'', depending on the load. With it, a powerboat in this range can have a top speed from 40 to 45 mph, with cruising speeds in the mids.

Consumer Caveat: Be careful not to overpower a small boat of any type. Always follow the USCG max hp rating that appears on the plate on every boat.

Over-powering a boat can make them hard to control and dangerous. Larger fiberglass boats will need larger engines and today we are seeing 22' to 25' sportboats powered by hp to hp engines. For Towing Sports: Boat owners wanting to tow waterskiers and wakeboarders should consider engines with strong torque in the lower RPM ranges because it takes lots of power to get participants up on their boards.

And even more, power is required when there is a boatload of guests. Anglers going long distances will want to carefully balance fuel consumption, best cruise speed, and range. After a long day of fishing, it is no fun coming back at night to an island, or even a poorly marked inlet at low speed because of low fuel. It is always wise in a small boat to get back before sundown, and that means you have to know how fast you can go with the fuel you have left onboard, and what time to bring the lines in.

Center console boats from 20'' can usually perform well with a single outboard from to hp, depending on load and top speed expectations. Over 25'', twin engines are typically recommended. Consumer Caveat: Buyers should remember that most boat tests are done with just two people aboard.