What type of engine should i use on this boat

[leest]

HI,

A few months ago i purchased this boat as a project for my dad, when we bought the boat, it had a small engine, but it didn't work and I was told it wasn't big enough either. The boat is 18ft long and the person we bought it off didn't really know to much about it and so i was hoping that somebody may know what type of boat it is and what type/size of engine it would need, But in general any information or advice would be very welcome.

Thanks

 

[PCUK]

8hp would be about right.

 

[leest]

Is that all? wow, i honestly thought it would have been much more than that. Thank you

 

[Tranona]

That is a Vire 7hp 2 stroke. Popular 30 or 40 years ago for the type of boat you have. Not really powerful enough, but the alternatives at the time would have been big, heavy and expensive. The speed of the boat is limited by its length, but 10-15hp would be more than enough. The problem you will find is getting a suitable engine and running gear at a sensible price. New, you are looking at the thick end of £5k, but you might be able to find a used Yanmar 1GM which would fit the space easily and install it for somewhere between £1000-1500.

 

[prv]

...or hang an outboard off the back

Pete

 

[PCUK]

. . . or an ancient 8hp Stuart Turner - all you need is hull speed!

 

[gordmac]

I think you can get pod things for outboards that can be fitted to the stern.
If you want an inboard you are looking for an engine that would be fitted to a small sailing boat.

 

[ProDave]

An 18ft boat will have a maximum hull speed of about 5 knots, not much more.

A 4HP O/B comfortably pushes my 18ft (sail) boat at hull speed.

A larger engine may get you a little more speed but will use a lot more fuel.