Outboard Motor Suggestions

[beaconhill]

I'm going to be buying a new 50 hp outboard motor. Any suggestions/opinions regarding manufacturers as to reliability/durability, etc. Or any websites with objective information or reviews?

I'll be using it around Block Island for fly fishing, as well as running the kids around.

Thanks, guys.

[Bob Parsons]

I had a suziki 4stroke which I really liked. Quiet, fuel efficient.
New boat was a package deal which came with a yamaha 2-stroke.

When I repower down the road I will be given the Evinrude serious consideration.

Hondas while reliable are not as quiet and are heavier.

[Sagebrush]

Beacon Hill,

I have a 2002 Honda 50. Honda's are generally heavier with the exception of the 50. I believe they advertise it as the lightest in class.

I have a 19 gallon tank and can literally fish four days without filling up (your experience may vary).

Mine is exceptionally quiet with the exception of the top end, at high rpms they compare to most other 4 strokes. Honda accomplishes it with a balancing system, suzuki uses an offset design that reduces noise.

The only complaint I would have is that a 50hp in general it is great for powering my 17ft whaler with me and someone else in the boat, when I add more people I notice a drop in performance.

[Chap]

Hello,
You may be able to draw some insight from this site. This is a reference article etc. on repowering a 17' Whaler.

http://www.continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/16-17/repower.html

The Suzi is getting rave reviews.
Thanks
Chap

[beaconhill]

Thanks for the input, guys. One other question: How do I best determine the appropriate level of power for my boat - the boat I'm restoring and powering is an old, beamy, open lobster skiff that'll be great for casting. I'm guessing 50 h.p. would work well, but I'm by no means certain.

Thanks for the input - I'm looking forward to casting off of a boat next year.

[Sagebrush]

chap,

That's a good link thanks. I actually found that site when I was restoring my boat. I didn't remember this section though. Small world with the Internet.

Beacon Hill,

Here is a basic guideline assuming you have a planing hull , one that gets on top of the water versus a displacement type hull, which rides between its bow and stern wave. Displacement hulls have diminishing performance gains with increases in horsepower.

Ratio of LB/HP

75 = 19.6 knots

50 = 24 knots

40 = 26.8 knots

30 = 30 knots

20 = 38 knots

15 = 43.8 knots

This does not take into account the prop you use which can give you more power or speed.

Using my boat for example

1,100 pounds hull weight
150 pounds of equipment, fuel etc.
350 pounds for two passengers
250 for motor and battery and oil


1850pds/50hp =37 using the chart I would get about 27 mph with this weight which is very close to real results for me.

By myself I get around 30 mph. 33-34 under optimum conditions.