SUPER SPORT 13: Effect of Additional Engine Weight

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Author Topic:   SUPER SPORT 13: Effect of Additional Engine Weight

SurfingDog posted 02-23-2009 08:50 PM ET (US)
I am repowering my 13' Super Sport. Considering a 40HP 4-stroke but my mechanic tells me that engine weighs 50 lbs more than the 40HP 2-stroke on the boat (when filled with oil, etc. not just referring to spec sheets). He is concerned how this extra weight hanging off the transom will affect the ride. Does anyone have experience or advice on how extra weigh will affect the boat?
macfam posted 02-24-2009 07:37 AM ET (US)
Dog,
Facing the same situation if I re-power.
There is a 13 SS for sale right now in Marketplace (last week or two)and on www.boats.com with a 40 Merc 4-stroke. He says no problem.
I've seen 40 E-TEC's, to me the best choice but too heavy.
40 TLDI Tohatsu is much lighter. Dealer near you?
40 Yamaha 4 stroke (non-DFI) is the lightest 4-stroke.
I think Yammie is moveing to a 40 4-stroke DFI too.
Honda's new 40 with DFI is heavy too.
30 E-TEC might prove ideal, when they become available.
In any 40 4-stroke installation, the battery should probably be moved forward, and an under-the-thwart-seat fuel tank to help balance.
If you get better answers, please post.
Thanks.
Tohsgib posted 02-24-2009 11:16 AM ET (US)
I have just recently repowered my 81 sport with a 240lb Johnson/Suzuki 4 stroke and am tickled pink. Yes it is heavy but moving a little weight forward more than compensates for it. Unfortunately due to the weight I did not use a jackplate which I am strong believer in. I would not buy any motor w/o EFI due to ethanol.
Tadpole posted 02-24-2009 11:31 AM ET (US)
I see the "weight" issue come up SO much, and it is certainly a valid point. Three years ago I took the near new battery ($29.95 too), out of my Snapper lawn tractor and put it in my 13' Whaler 30 Yami 2 stroke 2 cyl w/pt-35 trim.
I don't try to run an electric trolling motor, but not only have I never had a lick of trouble, that motor cranks fast and fires up first time every time.
Also, at 16 some-odd pounds, the battery is easy to carry one hand to the garage where it goes on a float charger to stay fresh, which I also do with seldom used motorcycle and collector car.
Anyway, no need for a big heavy battery - unless run a trolling motor.
Bringsfire posted 03-05-2009 07:34 PM ET (US)
I re-powered last spring from a 40hp Johnson 2 stroke to a 40hp Merc 4 stroke. I forget what the exact difference in weight is, but it was significant enough to change the way the boat sits. So much so that I couldn't pull a tow-able with kids in it without taking some water over the transom. Pretty scary when it happened. The addition of power trim, which I did not previously have, can compensate some while under way, but the bottom line is I ended up with a complete overhaul of the interior set up in order to transfer as much weight up front as I could. I sit a little bit lower in the water over all I suppose, but nothing too noticeable once I balanced the weight out properly.
The biggest issue is having the batteries up front (yes I run the little 13 with two batteries on board when fishing, there is good reason with my set up and use). The battery boxes are mounted as far up front as I can get away with, with one to each side. I did not find the need to level them out, even though the floor is of course not level in that area. I have not got around to it yet, but plan to use 3M to secure an aluminum "L" bracket for the base of the boxes. They are in the way up there, and I don't really like it, but it was necessary. Lets face it, there wasn't much room up there to begin with. If you still have the front bench seat up there you could probably mount underneath it.
I replaced the front bench with an ice chest that has a seat cushion. I also have a seat mount attached to the (what would you call it?) vertical side of the front deck. I drilled through to the storage area on the fore deck and attached it that way. This leaves space on the floor. I can pull the whole seat out if I'm "boating" with the fam (as opposed to fishing). This allows someone to sit up there with their feet on the front deck when installed for fishing and move down to the ice chest/seat when underway. Or I pull the seat and put in a pad kit I bought off of e-bay for my girls if we are just goofing off. There is enough room on the floor between the batteries for feet if someone (or two kids) is sitting on the ice chest or the front deck (when seat post is not installed). Okay I need to post some pics, most of that probably doesn't make much sense without a visual.
The bottom line is it is well worth it, the 4 stroke is super quiet at low speeds, nearly odorless, and hasn't missed a beat. The power trim is also a must. You will need to move weight forward to compensate and in a boat that is limited on space to begin with, may find yourself doing some half crazy stuff. Seriously I'll try to post some pics.
johnhenry posted 03-19-2009 09:44 AM ET (US)
I just traded my 1976 13(not a sport) for a 08 170 montauk. I got the 13 several years ago with the original 25hp seahorse. I repowered it with a 08 suzuki 40 4stroke. The extra weight is a concern, as well as the oe cable steering. The old steering could not handle the 40 4 stroke-to much engine for sloppy steering. I moved the gas tank up in front(port side)of the front seat, ran ethanol compatible fuel lines up the port side lip between mahogony rails and side of boat. I moved the battery from behind the side console(starboard) to the port side to compensate for my fat ass. All wiring was tucked and wire tied under bench seat over to the battery. I secured the battery as far away from the transom as I could.
Minuses: With just myself in the boat it still sat pretty low aft. The tilt/trim has to be all the way down on take off or the front of the boat will go straight up in the air and then when you back off quickly water comes poring over the transom. Wake you up quick! Because the bow sits a little higher, just a light chop will beat the hell out of you. You have to use a transom saver when towing and have to find a way to increase tongue weight when trailering or the rattle, clunking coming from the ball/tongue will drive you nuts.
Pluses: The boat hauls balls and screams over calm water. Trimming is ultra important. Thank god for power tilt. Super quiet. Rides much better with a full load, focusing on adding weight to the frt half of the boat. The boat will snatch a grown man on a slalom right out of the water. Great gas mileage, no smoke, and no worries about ethanol.
wtdoggett posted 03-19-2009 09:40 PM ET (US)
Bringsfire & JohnHenry - Best darn post I've seen on this topic ever! Thanks for the solid feedback! I posted on this same re-powering topic recently, and have been researching this topic for a year. Your description of the problems and solutions of/for additional weight of the newer engines have helped me finalize my decision to go with a 30HP 4 stroke EFI. It seems to make the most sense for someone looking to... #1 Restore a 1978 Sport to factory condition (without having to move stuff forward, etc...), #2 Minimize water coming in over the stern, #3 Get up and go (quickly), and #4 maybe pull a 100 lbs skier??? Thanks for your help!
garet930 posted 03-20-2009 08:16 PM ET (US)
Interesting reading. I just purchased an 81 Sport with no motor. In addition to the sticker shock I'm suffering from after pricing several options I'm still unsure which size and make to purchase. I would like to avoid moving the battery and fuel tank forward if possible. I'm leaning toward the 30 horse E-TEC with PTT. The weight is right and I think the performance would be acceptable. The incentives seem to expire at the end of March so I better get with the program.
Don

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Author	Topic: SUPER SPORT 13: Effect of Additional Engine Weight
SurfingDog	posted 02-23-2009 08:50 PM ET (US) I am repowering my 13' Super Sport. Considering a 40HP 4-stroke but my mechanic tells me that engine weighs 50 lbs more than the 40HP 2-stroke on the boat (when filled with oil, etc. not just referring to spec sheets). He is concerned how this extra weight hanging off the transom will affect the ride. Does anyone have experience or advice on how extra weigh will affect the boat?
macfam	posted 02-24-2009 07:37 AM ET (US) Dog, Facing the same situation if I re-power. There is a 13 SS for sale right now in Marketplace (last week or two)and on www.boats.com with a 40 Merc 4-stroke. He says no problem. I've seen 40 E-TEC's, to me the best choice but too heavy. 40 TLDI Tohatsu is much lighter. Dealer near you? 40 Yamaha 4 stroke (non-DFI) is the lightest 4-stroke. I think Yammie is moveing to a 40 4-stroke DFI too. Honda's new 40 with DFI is heavy too. 30 E-TEC might prove ideal, when they become available. In any 40 4-stroke installation, the battery should probably be moved forward, and an under-the-thwart-seat fuel tank to help balance. If you get better answers, please post. Thanks.
Tohsgib	posted 02-24-2009 11:16 AM ET (US) I have just recently repowered my 81 sport with a 240lb Johnson/Suzuki 4 stroke and am tickled pink. Yes it is heavy but moving a little weight forward more than compensates for it. Unfortunately due to the weight I did not use a jackplate which I am strong believer in. I would not buy any motor w/o EFI due to ethanol.
Tadpole	posted 02-24-2009 11:31 AM ET (US) I see the "weight" issue come up SO much, and it is certainly a valid point. Three years ago I took the near new battery ($29.95 too), out of my Snapper lawn tractor and put it in my 13' Whaler 30 Yami 2 stroke 2 cyl w/pt-35 trim. I don't try to run an electric trolling motor, but not only have I never had a lick of trouble, that motor cranks fast and fires up first time every time. Also, at 16 some-odd pounds, the battery is easy to carry one hand to the garage where it goes on a float charger to stay fresh, which I also do with seldom used motorcycle and collector car. Anyway, no need for a big heavy battery - unless run a trolling motor.
Bringsfire	posted 03-05-2009 07:34 PM ET (US) I re-powered last spring from a 40hp Johnson 2 stroke to a 40hp Merc 4 stroke. I forget what the exact difference in weight is, but it was significant enough to change the way the boat sits. So much so that I couldn't pull a tow-able with kids in it without taking some water over the transom. Pretty scary when it happened. The addition of power trim, which I did not previously have, can compensate some while under way, but the bottom line is I ended up with a complete overhaul of the interior set up in order to transfer as much weight up front as I could. I sit a little bit lower in the water over all I suppose, but nothing too noticeable once I balanced the weight out properly. The biggest issue is having the batteries up front (yes I run the little 13 with two batteries on board when fishing, there is good reason with my set up and use). The battery boxes are mounted as far up front as I can get away with, with one to each side. I did not find the need to level them out, even though the floor is of course not level in that area. I have not got around to it yet, but plan to use 3M to secure an aluminum "L" bracket for the base of the boxes. They are in the way up there, and I don't really like it, but it was necessary. Lets face it, there wasn't much room up there to begin with. If you still have the front bench seat up there you could probably mount underneath it. I replaced the front bench with an ice chest that has a seat cushion. I also have a seat mount attached to the (what would you call it?) vertical side of the front deck. I drilled through to the storage area on the fore deck and attached it that way. This leaves space on the floor. I can pull the whole seat out if I'm "boating" with the fam (as opposed to fishing). This allows someone to sit up there with their feet on the front deck when installed for fishing and move down to the ice chest/seat when underway. Or I pull the seat and put in a pad kit I bought off of e-bay for my girls if we are just goofing off. There is enough room on the floor between the batteries for feet if someone (or two kids) is sitting on the ice chest or the front deck (when seat post is not installed). Okay I need to post some pics, most of that probably doesn't make much sense without a visual. The bottom line is it is well worth it, the 4 stroke is super quiet at low speeds, nearly odorless, and hasn't missed a beat. The power trim is also a must. You will need to move weight forward to compensate and in a boat that is limited on space to begin with, may find yourself doing some half crazy stuff. Seriously I'll try to post some pics.
johnhenry	posted 03-19-2009 09:44 AM ET (US) I just traded my 1976 13(not a sport) for a 08 170 montauk. I got the 13 several years ago with the original 25hp seahorse. I repowered it with a 08 suzuki 40 4stroke. The extra weight is a concern, as well as the oe cable steering. The old steering could not handle the 40 4 stroke-to much engine for sloppy steering. I moved the gas tank up in front(port side)of the front seat, ran ethanol compatible fuel lines up the port side lip between mahogony rails and side of boat. I moved the battery from behind the side console(starboard) to the port side to compensate for my fat ass. All wiring was tucked and wire tied under bench seat over to the battery. I secured the battery as far away from the transom as I could. Minuses: With just myself in the boat it still sat pretty low aft. The tilt/trim has to be all the way down on take off or the front of the boat will go straight up in the air and then when you back off quickly water comes poring over the transom. Wake you up quick! Because the bow sits a little higher, just a light chop will beat the hell out of you. You have to use a transom saver when towing and have to find a way to increase tongue weight when trailering or the rattle, clunking coming from the ball/tongue will drive you nuts. Pluses: The boat hauls balls and screams over calm water. Trimming is ultra important. Thank god for power tilt. Super quiet. Rides much better with a full load, focusing on adding weight to the frt half of the boat. The boat will snatch a grown man on a slalom right out of the water. Great gas mileage, no smoke, and no worries about ethanol.
wtdoggett	posted 03-19-2009 09:40 PM ET (US) Bringsfire & JohnHenry - Best darn post I've seen on this topic ever! Thanks for the solid feedback! I posted on this same re-powering topic recently, and have been researching this topic for a year. Your description of the problems and solutions of/for additional weight of the newer engines have helped me finalize my decision to go with a 30HP 4 stroke EFI. It seems to make the most sense for someone looking to... #1 Restore a 1978 Sport to factory condition (without having to move stuff forward, etc...), #2 Minimize water coming in over the stern, #3 Get up and go (quickly), and #4 maybe pull a 100 lbs skier??? Thanks for your help!
garet930	posted 03-20-2009 08:16 PM ET (US) Interesting reading. I just purchased an 81 Sport with no motor. In addition to the sticker shock I'm suffering from after pricing several options I'm still unsure which size and make to purchase. I would like to avoid moving the battery and fuel tank forward if possible. I'm leaning toward the 30 horse E-TEC with PTT. The weight is right and I think the performance would be acceptable. The incentives seem to expire at the end of March so I better get with the program. Don