Hey all, I need some advice on Aluminum v-haul boats. I've recently aquired a 15hp 2 stroke Mercury outboard motor. It was originally on a 14' "Lowe" v-haul boat. I'm looking at two boats made by Tracker. One model is a 14' v-haul which weighs 255 lbs. The other model is a 16' v-haul weighing 315 lbs.

My first choice is the 16' however I've gotten mixed reviews about whether or not my 15hp motor will power that much boat. I'm not expecting the boat to be the first one to the fishing hole or anything but being able to get up on plain would be nice .

 

I'd go with the smaller, I have a 17' aluminum tracker with a 40 horse Mercury 4 stroke on it. Just me, but I wouldn't put anything less than that.

 

A 15 horse will struggle on a 16' boat.

I have a 1448 jon that I hunt out of with an 18 and I wish it had a 25.

 

Yup, that 15hp motor will work real hard to move the 16'. You can try a larger pitch prop for a little more top end, but the engine will have to work even harder to get up to speed.

 

If it were me.... I'd probbaly buy the 16' and use the 15hp for now but keep my eye open for something bigger.

I've never heard anyone wish for a smaller boat!

Never heard anyone wish for a smaller motor either but that doesnt appl;y here. Your choice is in size of teh boat right now. Later you can choose an engine.

 

Thanks for all the prompt replies. I agree that the 14' would be the best option performance wise. The difference in weight between the two boats is 60 lbs so I wasn't sure how bad that would hurt the motor if I went with the 16'. I think my biggest problem with having the bigger boat would be the temptation to over load it with gear or an extra person or two. Although I do also have to agree with PSS-MAG on getting the larger and keepin an eye out for a larger motor eventually. Decisions, decisions.... Thanks again.

 

Well the 15hp will push the 16'. As mentioned you can change thr prop and get a larger diameter to get up on plane. Granted you'll lose top end, that may only be 10 mph but it would be on plane. Play around and find a happy medium so that it will get on plane and give a fair top end too.

 

There is a hp line in the sand where you will never get on plane.

I'm afraid that with the 15hp motor and a load in that 16' boat.. he may find that line. Prop swap or not.

A boat that won't plane is no fun at all in rough water... but if you can handle easing around until you can find a larger motor, by all means go with the larger boat first.