Outboard size.

[wackawalleye]

Is maximum hp as rated for the boat always the best way to go.

[iffy]

There isn't such a thing as 'always' the way to go. However maximum HP is a good idea in a boat if you plan to have a kicker or an electric trolling motor. Max HP allows for the fastest speed but thats really its only advantage.

[traveler]

General rule of thumb is don't go below 80% of rated maximum, especially for bigger boats. If I were buying new I'd shoot for max HP rating. Also, I think having a larger motor working at less than it's max is better than having a smaller motor and running it hard most of the time.

[buckfish]

yes - it is the best way to go. have you ever heard of anyone complaining they have too many hp's or that there boat gets on plane too fast. unless you plan on fishing 80 acre lakes only. Just my opinion.

[Kyle Sandberg]

At the absolute, never go below 75% of the max rating. Below that you have problem getting on plane.

[Northlander]

I would get a max power motor. I would hate to get a boat and find out I didnt like the way it performed because I skimped on power.

[dakotakid31]

just get what you are comfortably able to afford. that max HP is not always true with the 75% or 80%. i have a 17ft mr pike with a 90 yam (135 max HP) and i love everything about it ecspecially the price!! planes in a snap (it is a lund) and handels and performs just great. it all depends on the boat, friend has a 18ft G3 with a 90 and that is under powered but it can smash through the waves and still gos just fine..heavy boat. but if you want to spend the extra few thousand go for it.

[Pherris]

It really depends on the boat and if you plan on keeping it for a long time or not. In talking with boat dealers in the past the majority of people want max rated horsepower on the back. It is not necessary for great performance as some boats will will preform quite well with 80-90% of max. The issue becomes resale. Most people want max horsepower and if a boat with less then max horsepower is compared to the same boat with max even though it will probably have a higher price it will more likely sell faster then the one with the lower then max horsepower. Now this is just a generalization as there are many other aspects that will determine which boat would sell faster.

I did go with 90hp motor on a boat that was rated for 100hp and it did just fine but the question came up on almost every inquiry when I was selling the boat and only one of five I gave directions to see the boat showed up. He bought it too!! It was sold to a FM member buy advertising on the site. Just some more food for thought. Good luck with whatever you decide. Good Fishing!!

[jumboperch]

I asked a fishing guide on rainy lake that same question. He told me that he always goes with the max HP. The reason was that when driving a long distance it is better on gas if you run at 3/4 throtle. He had a 18' pro V, and at 3/4 throtle he was still running at 45 mph.

[pfluemis]

Years ago, people put motors on that fit the function of the boat. 50hp motors were put on boats rated for 80 hp, becouse they bought the package to fish, and the 50hp motor afforded them the ability to, both, get them to the fishing hole, and excellent trolling/backtrolling capabilities. Nowday's, it seems the general rule of thumb is "bigger is better". IMO, if the boat is a fishing only boat, find the size motor that has a good balance between decent speed, and yet small enough to use as a trolling motor. Another factor to consider is max size vs. motor weight. There are certain instances where you will actually get better performance out of a smaller motor, then a bigger one. As an example, if your new boat is rated for 75 hp, and your going new 4-stroke, your better off with a 60hp. The reason is, the 60hp is in the smaller chassis, and is 95lbs lighter than the 75hp. 1/3 the hp difference will be lost to the extra motor weight getting moved around. The extra weight will also effect how the boat handles rougher water and wind when trying to sit over a hole, or slow trolling. If the boat is stern heavy, and the bow sits higher out of the water, or lighter in the water, it will be harder to maintain good boat control. Cost is also a factor. Is the extra money spent on the bigger motor needed to make the boat function as required, or is it money needlessly spent?? There really is no right or wrong answer. Boat packages are a personal thing, decided by wants, needs, and $$$. Good luck in your quest for a boat package.

[GlassEyeangler]

not sure what kind of boat you are looking at purchasing, but I learned something interesting. i have a 14ft alumacraft, and the max hp depends on where i'm sitting. if steering from the transom...it's 35hp, if i had a steering console installed...it's 55hp. i got this info from the factory...who would of thunk it?!?

[united jigsticker]

With variable speed idle controls on the new 4 strokes, buying an engine that "trolls" down is no longer an issue.

75% of max HP will plane a boat...But add 2 of your buddies to the mix and a few 6 packs and suddenly you will struggle to manuever.

[primetime49]

wackawalleye,look at suggested power for any boat you are purchasing.

Some boats can run well with 150 horses but may have length width and build that lets them run as high as 250.

These equations are made by the US Coast Guard and the National Marine Manufacturers Association is set to use these as build guidlines.

One of the things that may really put a limit on a boat is flotation,I still dont know how this should be in effect for Hp .

On boats over 20 feet we are not even required to add foam for flotation,but we do.

I for years ran a 20 center console with a 300 plus horsepower Mercury Cosworth,when I got tired of going fast I switched the power on the boat to a 90 Horse Honda 4 stroke,and its a great boat.

Make sure that the factory has tested the boat for minumal hp before putting to little on it,and obviously they will not install too much horses.

Saying 15 0r 25 percent just doesnt have any trial testing in it.Ask that you get a boat motor that pushes your load,Maximum horsepower vs minumal is a long study that should be tested not just taken for granted.

good luck