View Full Version : How may HP for a 12" boat?
Whopper Stopper
03-21-2007, 09:32 AM
I just purchased a 12' 1961 fiberglass boat and I have a 3 1/2 HP Tohatsu which does OK but I wanted to know if I could upgrade to a 10 HP without any problems. I cannot find anything on the boat that gives the rating for the maximum HP. It has a V hull and relatively high sides and is about 54" wide. I would say it weighs about 200# empty. With a motor, gear and two people I would guess about 750#.
I don't want to over do it, but would like to be able to return to the boat ramp in the Willy (upstream) at faster than a fast walk!!
Thanks!
Jay
warnerww
03-21-2007, 11:53 AM
I do not see a problem with a 10 horsepower. Everbody tells me the t 8 hp yamaha is the way to go though. I am getting one in a couple of days. My 12 foot aluminum is a 1975 and it can handle up to 15 hp and weighs a lot less than 200#.
cptdarel
03-21-2007, 01:41 PM
i ran a 15hp on my 12 sears and was a-ok
Flat Lander
03-21-2007, 02:13 PM
If you don't have a boaters card I think you have to stay under 10 hp. I had a 9.9 on my 12 alum boat and it worked fine. I did need to have some weight in the front though. I used to take it to Clackamette and with 2 people it went fine.
We had a 12'6" fiberglas that had an 18 HP, so I think the 15 would be about right. I'm assuming it has no hp rating plate. A lot has to do with how stiff the hull is.
Draggin' Bait
03-21-2007, 09:47 PM
My old Sears 12' boat came with a 7.5 two-stroke. It was a little underpowered. When I went to a 9.9 it was a tremendous difference. I don't think I'd go beyond that, particularly in a four-stroke, because of the weight and portability issues. Also, there are lakes with a 10 hp limit on them.
Good News Tuna
03-22-2007, 04:58 PM
I have used a 10 hp on a 12' Mirrocraft since I was 8. Its a very light aluminum boat, had no problems. I think you need a 9.9 for the kids to use it.
Riverkeeper
04-02-2007, 08:39 PM
Keep in mind that if you get a bigger motor, you may not be able to go slow enough to troll...so consider getting drag bags or a trolling plate or something to slow you down when you want to go slow.
Snowwolfe
04-03-2007, 09:37 PM
Also keep in mind if you get a bigger motor you DO NOT have to run it wide open all the with a light load. Bigger motors often get better mileage than smaller ones because they run at more relaxed rpm's
But if you need the extra power cause of more weight in your boat then you have it.
Enjoy