Silly Question

[Elkhunter]

My buddy purchased an outboard Thunder Jet (I tried to talk him into a SJET like mine) It's a 19 footer, the biggest engine they would give him was a 130. That's as big as they could go. How can they put a 150hp or a 250hp on these little Ranger Bass Boats? They are not as long or as heavy as your typical Aluminum boat. What gives?

[Fish Hawg]

If Im buying a new boat and I want a 300hp Yamaha; they should build the boat to handle it or I would take my money some were else.

A 130 would be way under powered IMO.....Ross

[boater]

its probly not a horse power issue but is a weight issue, a 130 is probly a honda that weighs around 500 pounds and maybe thats all the weight they want on the back of the boat.

[Elkhunter]

Just seems wierd that those very light fiber boats can handle it. When those things fly by me it looks like only the "Prop" is in the water.

[Fish Hawg]

My cousin Bass fishes in texas, and does alot of tournaments. He has a 22' skeeter with a 225 yamaha V Max and a power Jacking plate. He can get arourd 81-83 mph on good water. That is with a GPS :shocked: Although he said the boat starts to chine walk some times.

He was at on tournament when a boat was running all out and came aroun a point and hit a wind guest. The boat went air born. Yes you right they only have about the last 18" of the boat in the water(less drag = a faster baot)....Ross

[drhall99]

Thunderjet probably mounts the outboard to an offshore bracket. I'll bet it had to do with the weight of the motor and the strength of the bracket when it's sitting on the trailer. Actually, I applaud Thunderjet for not cramming the biggest motor on it and not disregarding safe engineering practices. Ask the Coastguard what they think of those high powered bass boats. They have a much different story to tell. Bad idea, bad design. Only fools and experts would run boats like those flat out. But then, what do you expect from someone who buys a boat named "Skeeter" [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] .

[Mojo]

Prop or jet? Makes a big difference. My buddy just got a new Wooldrige, with a 225 jet (165hp). It's only 19 feet. If it's a 4 stroke, the added weight very well may be the issue.