what size hp engine

mick stafford

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hi all, i have a 15 ft fishing boat with a 10 hp evinrude outboard im going to use it on a lake to start with , if i were to do some mackrell fishing in the sea what engine hp would be suitable
cheers
 
10 hp probably quite sufficient for a non planing displacement boat. ( 6hp pushes my 19 ft sailing boat along adequately) and more than enough for trolling.

For planing anything up to the recommended max for the type of boat ( 25, 30 hp ???)but you might need a small secondary engine for trolling.
 
It depends on the hull type and perormance with the 10hp.
If you find yourself pushing into a 6knot tide with a full load would 10hp be enough?
Also always a good idea to have a 2nd small outboard as back-up I reckon if you have no sails.

If its a diplacement hull then its max speed is only going to be around 4.5 knots or less. A 6 knot foul tide will mean you go backwards, whatever the hp .
 
I would think a 10hp engine would be more than adequate. With a boat of that kind a large heavy outboard can trim the stern down to the extent that stability and safety is compromised so there are some risks associated with larger engines.
 
Does not look like a planing hull to me!

I'd even wonder if a 10 hp engine will be bit on the heavy side for it

Do you know what make/class of boat it is? The makers website should have some info on suitable engine sizes
 
So its a Trusty 15.

They appear on the market with 10 to 20 hp engines

Trusty do not seem to make anything that small now but Id suggset contacting them and asking for advice on suitable engines sizes in particular what would be the maximum hp

http://trusty-motor-boats.co.uk/contact-us.html

If you go over the max recommended size it could invalidate your insurance!

At £600 including engine and trailer I reckon you got a good deal if its all in good nick.

You'll get a feel for how it performs with the present engine on the lake. Youll know if it'll need anything bigger.
 
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Might be an idea to get the motor checked out . Certainly sounds big enough for that boat.
Also re: balance, if there is no steering system at the bulkhead, it might be an idea to extend the tiller so you can get further forward. Bit more protection for you and less weight at the back. Bit of PVC pipe over the tiller could work for this. Have fun.
 
What size hp engine

Nice wee boat - lots of fun to be had with her I am sure. I second the argument for getting a second engine. For that round bilge to flat bottomed hull, 10 hp is more than adequate; 6hp would be ideal, you are not gong to get any benefit from extra hp on a displacement hull. A second engine (ideally about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hp) on an auxiliary bracket would be ideal for trolling along fishing at a knot or so - the 10 hp may not take to going that slow for long periods and it would easily get you home (or at least to safety) if the main engine goes kaput. Being able to use the same fuel would be a distinct advantage - so if its a 2 stroke 50/1 mix Evinrude then your auxiliary should also be 50/1 to save having to do difficult sums to add more oil or more petrol if you need more fuel. Would be worthwhile checking the transom height to make sure that the leg length actually matches the hull. From the pickie it looks like a cut down transom which requires a short shaft - don't assume what you have is the right one unless the previous owner can vouch for it. Have seen plenty of boats with totally mismatched outboards- such as a 25hp short shaft stuck on a displacement hull which requires a long shaft - a dangerous commbination - far too much power for the hull, engine not getting the necessary cooling water, scary cavitation when the engine is opened up etc. If the local sea area has fast tides then good seamanship is the answer with a displacement hull - ie, go out with the ebb and come back in on the flood, adding more hp will not compensate. Oh and get a paddle and a couple of long oars with a set of rollocks - that boat could easily be rowed.

Happy pottering.

Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5
 
hi thanks all for the replies ,the transform is 20 inch, i think ive measured right ,from top of transform to bottom centre of hull wich maches the engine long shaft . i have some oars (lol)
 
hi thanks all for the replies ,the transform is 20 inch, i think ive measured right ,from top of transform to bottom centre of hull wich maches the engine long shaft . i have some oars (lol)

Yep thats right with a 20" transom a longshaft engine is correct!

Some notes in the iBoats forums HERE that will be well worth working through ( although not all may apply) as an owner of an outboard which is new to you.
 
Safety gear

Around here the law requires you carry for coastal cruising
Radio
Anchor
Flares
Lifejackets
Bucket
All good requirements plus you should carry a HH GPS engine spares and oars.
Yes the engine size should be fine.
good luck and be careful olewill
 
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