Conference vicki::boats

    I don;t have the number but I do have a chart in a boating book that
    describes how to calculate the max HP for a given boat.
    
    I think you need to multiply the length by the transom width or
    something like that, then go to the chart in the book and find the
    max rating.  
    
    For my 14.5' Starcraft Runabout it came out to 60-65HP.  I have a
    40 HP on it.
    
    If you e-mail me the length, beam, and transom width I may be able to
    have an answer for you on Monday.
    
    Regards, Mark

    Mark
    
     Ok Thanks for the offer I'll measure her up tonight and mail it to
     you. 
    
     The length is 16'- the rest I dont have a clue..With a 50 OLD Merc on 
     her she dont do much more then 'plow' the water.
    
     I expect (guess) that the size will be tempered with the condition of
     the transom as well?
    
     thanks for your reply
    
     The Canuck

The 50 horse should be fine. I've had 40s behind my 16.5' runabout with
a top speed of 28 and a cruise of 24. I would hope that 50 would get you around
30/26.

Either the motor is in need of some attention to get the max performance out of
her or you've got the wrong prop on it for the boat size.

A 70 would get you around 36MPH top speed.

Doug.

    My friend from California popped in un-expectedly Friday nite and we
    ended up so busy for the weekend that I forgot all about checking the
    figures for you.
    
    I made a note and will get to it tonite.
    
    My Starcraft 14.5' moves really well with the Evinrude Big Twin 40 hp.
    I have no speedo or any gauges but have roughly timed 2 miles in 4
    minutes and 30 seconds.  I think that would come out to about 26 mph
    cruising speed.
    
    Mark

    Mark
    
     OK Thanks for keeping me in mind.
    
     The Canuck 
    

    Got some numbers for you...
    
    You take the overall length multiplied by the maximum transom width,
    using that result you then look it up on the outboard HP Curve chart in
    my book.
    
    Since I did not know your transom width I used 3 different widths.
    
    OAL 	Transom		Max HP rating
    
    16.5'        5'              75 hp
    16.5'        6'             110 hp
    16.5'        7'             140 hp 
    
    Disclaimer:  These numbers are just "my calculation" using the book and 
    are not intended to be used without verification from the boat
    manufacturer.
    	
    Hope this helps!  Mark

    OK
     
    Thanks for the calculations, Mark.
    I've got the motor/boat at Owen's for
    them to look at and if they say the motor is only fit for "land-fill"
    then I'll be "taking to the store" looking for a new one-eh!
    
    The Canuck

    Canuck,
    
    I am not sure what your plans are but there are several used motors for
    sale in the WantAdvertiser.  
    
    Also I am looking to sell my 14.5' Starcraft package if you know of
    anyone in that market.  It is posted in this conferences "for sale"
    topic.
    
    Good luck with your motor and plans!  Mark
    

    Hi Mark;
    
    I've got a 14' fiberglass runabout, also with an old 50hp Mercury.
    I just finished restoring it have taken it out about 6 times.
    It goes quite well, but slows down a bit with a couple tubes
    behind it.  I was thinking of a 75hp.
    
    Am I dreaming?  The transom width is just over 5 feet.
    
    Thanks
    -(dan)

    Dan, 
    
    My Runabout is 14.5' and just over 5 foot transom (with a 40 hp).
    The max, according to the graph, falls between 60 and 65 hp. 
    
    Sounds like 75 hp would be risky.  But for a "in the know" opinion 
    verify with a dealer or manufacturer.
    
    Mark 

    Mark;
    
    Thanks for your reply.  Yah, you're probably right, does sound risky.
    I'm new to this 'boating' thing, does the need for bigger, better and
    faster ever go away 8-)

    Dan.
    
    I am also new to boating.  This was my first year with the 14.5'
    Starcraft Runabout.  Its a nice little boat and a great starter.
    It was inexpensive enough and dependable enough to see if  my family
    would really enjoy boating without investing big dollars.
    
    The whole family now wants a bigger boat.  I am looking at a 19'
    Ski boat with a 351 V8 inboard.  I hope to find out next week if I
    can get it or not.  If not, the search goes on...
    
    Oh yeah, if I get it, the plan is to keep it one year (just for the
    fun of it) and then move up again to a bigger more general purpose
    boat...
    
    Constantly learning more about boats!  Mark

    Just an FYI.....I own a Starcraft Medalist 1500. The boat is
    15 feet in length and the tag on the boat states a 90 HP max.
    I bought the boat used, and DOES have an 88 hp Johnson. I was 
    told the previous owner is one of the folks that puts on ski
    shows at Cypress Gardens in Florida. This Starcraft was traded
    in here in N.H. due to a better value than Fla.. It did have
    FL bow numbers when I bought it. BTW---The boat will do 44 mph.
    
                       Jeff (Captain)
                       Team Starcraft