Outboard Horsepower for 13-footer

Optimizing the performance of Boston Whaler boats
Sailor536
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2016 12:10 am
Location: Grosse Pointe, Mi

Outboard Horsepower for 13-footer

Postby Sailor536 » Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:12 pm

I purchased a 1964 standard 13 hull about a 6 months ago to restore and I'm nearly finished and am ready to purchase a two stroke, tiller steered short shaft engine.

What motor size should I be considering for fishing on an inland lake? I want a light motor due the low transom and tiller steering.

The boat would typically have 2 adults plus fishing gear.

I'm considering a 1999 15 hp Evinrude engine (pull start) which weighs about 80 lbs , but am concerned that this might be underpowered and not attractive to a buyer when I resell it. The hull is light, and would be used for day trips and stored on a trailer.
13 Boston Whaler Hull 14379 - 1964

macfam
Posts: 180
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2015 9:24 pm

Re: Outboard Horsepower for 13-footer

Postby macfam » Sun Sep 24, 2017 8:48 pm

A 15 or 20-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine is adequate for a 13-foot Boston Whaler. If in doubt, go with the 20-HP engine. A 20-HP engine was the MAXIMUM horsepower for tiller steering for early 13-foot Boston Whaler boats.

User avatar
dg22
Posts: 92
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 4:06 pm

Re: Outboard Horsepower for 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Tue Sep 26, 2017 9:26 am

I noticed that the 1992 Evinrude or Johnson 20, 25, 30, and 35-HP engines all weigh the same. They are 115-lbs for a rope-start short-shaft model. The Mercury 18, 20, or 25-HP of that vintage similarly weigh 112-lbs. [These many engine models] give you lots of options when looking for an older two-stroke.

david s
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2015 2:23 pm

Re: Outboard Horsepower for 13-footer

Postby david s » Fri Oct 13, 2017 2:14 pm

Is it possible to try the engine and hull on the water before buying?

We had a 1966 13-foot Boston Whaler Standard (the tiller operated model) with a strong, low-hour, manual start (so no battery weight),1996 Mercury 15-HP short-shaft engine for a number of years. With two adults, a six-gallon fuel tank and a little gear (like tackle box, rods, cooler), the 15-HP engine gave what I considered to be great performance. I can't recall exact top end speed as measured by handheld GPS, but it was in the mid-20-MPH range. We only ran it at wide open throttle in very calm wind conditions. Once it became choppy, kidney preservation meant throttling down.

It seems there are far more 13-footers with remote steering and controls, but that tiller hull was simple, nicely rowable, and incredibly cheap to run: just a lotta fun.

As far as selling in the future, get the prospective buyer out on the water for a short trial run. That ought to answer any performance questions.