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Author Topic:   Max HP for 13 foot Sport

tdiehl posted 04-06-2004 05:49 PM ET (US)
I am considering installing a 50 HP , 2 stroke , Johnson on my 1977, 13 foot Sport. I have been told it has been done but I have not been able to talk directly with anyone who has done it. The engine weighs in at 195 pounds. I am looking for some first hand experience and advice.
JBCornwell posted 04-06-2004 06:19 PM ET (US)
Bad idea, TDiehl.
I had a OMC 50 on one of my 13s for a while.
It is true, and many here will say, you don't have to open it up all the way, but you will do it anyway.
I did. Scared hell out of me. Doubled my insurance, too. I went back to a 25HP. WOT of 25mph is enough for me in a 13' boat.
A 13 is very fast (about 40 mph) for a 13 with 40hp. Settle for that.
Red sky at night. . .
JB
macfam posted 04-06-2004 07:13 PM ET (US)
I had a next door neighbor when I was a kid, back in 1966 (I think) who had a 13 Whaler with a 50 hp 4 cylinder, 2 stroke Merc. What a sweet rig. F-A-S-T !!!
Not much could keep up with it in those days....but it was too fast in the wrong hands.....
Be careful........
Mumbo Jumbo posted 04-06-2004 08:05 PM ET (US)
Too big, too much weight, and too much power. if you are a speed freak, then you need a tunnel hull. A 13' Whaler is wasted on all this +40mph top end and big-time hole shots.
dlmenius posted 04-07-2004 01:51 AM ET (US)
I've been mulling over this one for a while, too. After asking around, I've been told that the 25 and the 40 is the best option. Hands down. Oh, and the 50 is the best otion, too (because it is just a 40 with a carb kit).
Sounds to me like a toss up. The 40 is too heavy, the 25 won't push 4 men with a cooler, and the 50 has insurance issues.
Good luck deciding, and by the way, if you've got a deal on a 50, new stickers are cheap!

Over the LINE posted 04-07-2004 08:29 AM ET (US)
I run a 50 hp on a 13'. I haul a lot of stuff back and forth to a water access only camp. I duck hunt with it and often need to get up on a plane, fully loaded, in a short (several boatlengths) period of time (shallow water with small deeper holes).
I had a 13' with a 25 hp. Sold it when I bought the above. It sipped gas, motor was considerably cheaper and performed fine until I needed to do one of the above.
What do you want out of the boat and with how many friends? How much do you want to spend? My choice was made by what I need out of the boat, yours should be also.
Good Luck
PS Flat out, lightly loaded, a 13' with a 50 hp can be down right dangerous.
lucky 13 posted 04-07-2004 03:17 PM ET (US)
The 13 with a 50 HP is not as scary as some will have you think. The way to make it safe is to put a dole-fin (sp?or some other brand ) on the cavitation plate and select the correct prop. The prop can be pitched to give you the correct RPM and still not make the boat a rocket. A 15 pitch prop in a smaller diameter along with the fin transforms the boat into a very stable craft if you have power trim. Additionally, Moving weight forward in the boat helps as well. All of these things tend to rob a little speed, but the extra HP will correct it. The end result is a stable boat that handles chop much better as you can plow the nose down. If you take a bare bones 13 and put 50 hp with the most efficient prop, you will need to hold on real tight and you could flip the boat pretty easily as it will sart to behave a little wierd as you approach 35 mph. My 13 (now have a 15) was real stable and would max out at around 35. Nearly the same speed (32) was acheived with a fully loaded boat too.
keltonkrew posted 04-07-2004 03:25 PM ET (US)
I have a 35 on mine. If I ever had to re-power, I'd go with one of the Tohatsu 40hp. I can do a little over 30 mph with a 1986 Merc 35.
I personally think 50 would be too much. I have no proof of that, but knowing how the 35 handles the boat, I could go 5 more, but not 15...
Good Luck
-----------------------------------------------------
http://www.keltonkrew.com/whaler-restore.htm
BQUICK posted 04-07-2004 03:48 PM ET (US)
It will be quieter and last longer since you won't have to run the motor as hard at cruise. And if you load it with 4 adults you can still get decent speed
My 4 cyl 50 Merc is downright relaxing at 3000 rpm, can carry on a normal conversation. As opposed to a 25 grinding away at 5000 rpm at the same speed.
Bruce
BQUICK posted 04-07-2004 04:07 PM ET (US)
lucky- does the fin help with the chinewalk?
rbruce posted 04-11-2004 12:45 PM ET (US)
To me the issue about repowering your 13' would be the intended usage. Will you be loading the boat to the gills with fishing equipment and buddies, then you would need all the higher horsepower available? Will you be embarquing in coastal exploration (in such a small craft) such needs would definetively sacrifice horsepower for fuel economy.
In a 1980 Chrysler Outboard motor ad, they claimed that most of the boat and motor manufacturers recommended all but the highest horsepower for their motor and boat configurations. This was almost always the most expensive combination in terms of out of pocket costs and later in operational costs.
What would be de safest combination of power and the least expensive one in terms of initial investment and operating costs is the craft of the boaters enthusiast-dealer. He will put owner satisfaction and return business over a one time killing. I would ask around and make a list of the usages you are doing with your boat.
I use my 11 Sport for fishing, however, I enjoy taking the boat to remote areas in 3 to 5 hour trips with two tanks of gasoline one 6 1/2 gallon and one 3 1/2 gallon as a reserve. My motor is a Chrysler 20 HP from the 1969 when a gallon of gas was probably 50�. It has proved an inseparable companion but not a thrifty one being a two stroke.
Will my boating needs evolve? Probably yes and will my current boat suffice, probably not, therefore, I think that the way to go is the economical way so not to sacrifice your leisure dollars in overpowering a boat that could end up making zig zags in the water with your money.
greg7445 posted 04-11-2004 03:29 PM ET (US)
I had a merc 50 on my 73 13' whaler before i restored it. it was to heavy and to fast i thought. then i repowered with a new 40hp 2 stroke and i never go full thottle on that. 50 hp i think is to much.
lucky 13 posted 04-13-2004 09:59 AM ET (US)
Bquick,
The fin does help to prevent the chine walk. However, the boat will gain speed and eventually become unstable as you trim the motor up. The combination of the fin and proper trim position will give you a stable ride at a pretty good speed. As I stated earlier, the fin robs some speed and makes a more stable ride at the same time. The additional Hp allows for more stability at the same speed as a non-finned lower HP motor. Add power trim and the boat can be forced to stay glued to the water surface. Add a little more throttle and you now have a fair speed, a safe stable planinng hull and some water spray in your face when you hit a wave. There is always a trade-off.
I don't know why some are so concerned about the 50 hp on a 13 and not the 70 on a 15 (which is max rated not over rated HP)as it is enough HP to make the boat do near 50 and scare the pants off of you.
ML SC posted 04-14-2004 12:47 AM ET (US)
I JUST REPOWERED MY 77-13' WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT ,IT HAD A EVENRUDE 55 HP W/ NO POWER T/T--THAT WAS FAST AND SCARY-I PUT AN 2004 40 HP 2 STROKE YAMAHA W/ T/T IT WEIGHS APROX 188# - IT CAN BE SCARY BUT YOU CAN FIX THAT WITH THE POWER T/T -THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. I AM NOT SURE OF THE TOP END I AM STILL ON THE FIRST 20 HR BREAK IN- BUT I THINK IT IS APROX 40MPH AND THAT IS PLENTY FAST ENOUGH..WHEN YOU ARE SITTING 1 1/2 FEET OFF THE WATER
simbo posted 04-16-2004 03:11 PM ET (US)
I have Whailer 13 -25hp Mariner 1995 short shaft 0g265091serial . What is the combination of the propeller to reach 15-30mph in this boat, If possible? blades x diam. x pitch , thanks .

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Author	Topic: Max HP for 13 foot Sport
tdiehl	posted 04-06-2004 05:49 PM ET (US) I am considering installing a 50 HP , 2 stroke , Johnson on my 1977, 13 foot Sport. I have been told it has been done but I have not been able to talk directly with anyone who has done it. The engine weighs in at 195 pounds. I am looking for some first hand experience and advice.
JBCornwell	posted 04-06-2004 06:19 PM ET (US) Bad idea, TDiehl. I had a OMC 50 on one of my 13s for a while. It is true, and many here will say, you don't have to open it up all the way, but you will do it anyway. I did. Scared hell out of me. Doubled my insurance, too. I went back to a 25HP. WOT of 25mph is enough for me in a 13' boat. A 13 is very fast (about 40 mph) for a 13 with 40hp. Settle for that. Red sky at night. . . JB
macfam	posted 04-06-2004 07:13 PM ET (US) I had a next door neighbor when I was a kid, back in 1966 (I think) who had a 13 Whaler with a 50 hp 4 cylinder, 2 stroke Merc. What a sweet rig. F-A-S-T !!! Not much could keep up with it in those days....but it was too fast in the wrong hands..... Be careful........
Mumbo Jumbo	posted 04-06-2004 08:05 PM ET (US) Too big, too much weight, and too much power. if you are a speed freak, then you need a tunnel hull. A 13' Whaler is wasted on all this +40mph top end and big-time hole shots.
dlmenius	posted 04-07-2004 01:51 AM ET (US) I've been mulling over this one for a while, too. After asking around, I've been told that the 25 and the 40 is the best option. Hands down. Oh, and the 50 is the best otion, too (because it is just a 40 with a carb kit). Sounds to me like a toss up. The 40 is too heavy, the 25 won't push 4 men with a cooler, and the 50 has insurance issues. Good luck deciding, and by the way, if you've got a deal on a 50, new stickers are cheap!
Over the LINE	posted 04-07-2004 08:29 AM ET (US) I run a 50 hp on a 13'. I haul a lot of stuff back and forth to a water access only camp. I duck hunt with it and often need to get up on a plane, fully loaded, in a short (several boatlengths) period of time (shallow water with small deeper holes). I had a 13' with a 25 hp. Sold it when I bought the above. It sipped gas, motor was considerably cheaper and performed fine until I needed to do one of the above. What do you want out of the boat and with how many friends? How much do you want to spend? My choice was made by what I need out of the boat, yours should be also. Good Luck PS Flat out, lightly loaded, a 13' with a 50 hp can be down right dangerous.
lucky 13	posted 04-07-2004 03:17 PM ET (US) The 13 with a 50 HP is not as scary as some will have you think. The way to make it safe is to put a dole-fin (sp?or some other brand ) on the cavitation plate and select the correct prop. The prop can be pitched to give you the correct RPM and still not make the boat a rocket. A 15 pitch prop in a smaller diameter along with the fin transforms the boat into a very stable craft if you have power trim. Additionally, Moving weight forward in the boat helps as well. All of these things tend to rob a little speed, but the extra HP will correct it. The end result is a stable boat that handles chop much better as you can plow the nose down. If you take a bare bones 13 and put 50 hp with the most efficient prop, you will need to hold on real tight and you could flip the boat pretty easily as it will sart to behave a little wierd as you approach 35 mph. My 13 (now have a 15) was real stable and would max out at around 35. Nearly the same speed (32) was acheived with a fully loaded boat too.
keltonkrew	posted 04-07-2004 03:25 PM ET (US) I have a 35 on mine. If I ever had to re-power, I'd go with one of the Tohatsu 40hp. I can do a little over 30 mph with a 1986 Merc 35. I personally think 50 would be too much. I have no proof of that, but knowing how the 35 handles the boat, I could go 5 more, but not 15... Good Luck ----------------------------------------------------- http://www.keltonkrew.com/whaler-restore.htm
BQUICK	posted 04-07-2004 03:48 PM ET (US) It will be quieter and last longer since you won't have to run the motor as hard at cruise. And if you load it with 4 adults you can still get decent speed My 4 cyl 50 Merc is downright relaxing at 3000 rpm, can carry on a normal conversation. As opposed to a 25 grinding away at 5000 rpm at the same speed. Bruce
BQUICK	posted 04-07-2004 04:07 PM ET (US) lucky- does the fin help with the chinewalk?
rbruce	posted 04-11-2004 12:45 PM ET (US) To me the issue about repowering your 13' would be the intended usage. Will you be loading the boat to the gills with fishing equipment and buddies, then you would need all the higher horsepower available? Will you be embarquing in coastal exploration (in such a small craft) such needs would definetively sacrifice horsepower for fuel economy. In a 1980 Chrysler Outboard motor ad, they claimed that most of the boat and motor manufacturers recommended all but the highest horsepower for their motor and boat configurations. This was almost always the most expensive combination in terms of out of pocket costs and later in operational costs. What would be de safest combination of power and the least expensive one in terms of initial investment and operating costs is the craft of the boaters enthusiast-dealer. He will put owner satisfaction and return business over a one time killing. I would ask around and make a list of the usages you are doing with your boat. I use my 11 Sport for fishing, however, I enjoy taking the boat to remote areas in 3 to 5 hour trips with two tanks of gasoline one 6 1/2 gallon and one 3 1/2 gallon as a reserve. My motor is a Chrysler 20 HP from the 1969 when a gallon of gas was probably 50�. It has proved an inseparable companion but not a thrifty one being a two stroke. Will my boating needs evolve? Probably yes and will my current boat suffice, probably not, therefore, I think that the way to go is the economical way so not to sacrifice your leisure dollars in overpowering a boat that could end up making zig zags in the water with your money.
greg7445	posted 04-11-2004 03:29 PM ET (US) I had a merc 50 on my 73 13' whaler before i restored it. it was to heavy and to fast i thought. then i repowered with a new 40hp 2 stroke and i never go full thottle on that. 50 hp i think is to much.
lucky 13	posted 04-13-2004 09:59 AM ET (US) Bquick, The fin does help to prevent the chine walk. However, the boat will gain speed and eventually become unstable as you trim the motor up. The combination of the fin and proper trim position will give you a stable ride at a pretty good speed. As I stated earlier, the fin robs some speed and makes a more stable ride at the same time. The additional Hp allows for more stability at the same speed as a non-finned lower HP motor. Add power trim and the boat can be forced to stay glued to the water surface. Add a little more throttle and you now have a fair speed, a safe stable planinng hull and some water spray in your face when you hit a wave. There is always a trade-off. I don't know why some are so concerned about the 50 hp on a 13 and not the 70 on a 15 (which is max rated not over rated HP)as it is enough HP to make the boat do near 50 and scare the pants off of you.
ML SC	posted 04-14-2004 12:47 AM ET (US) I JUST REPOWERED MY 77-13' WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT ,IT HAD A EVENRUDE 55 HP W/ NO POWER T/T--THAT WAS FAST AND SCARY-I PUT AN 2004 40 HP 2 STROKE YAMAHA W/ T/T IT WEIGHS APROX 188# - IT CAN BE SCARY BUT YOU CAN FIX THAT WITH THE POWER T/T -THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. I AM NOT SURE OF THE TOP END I AM STILL ON THE FIRST 20 HR BREAK IN- BUT I THINK IT IS APROX 40MPH AND THAT IS PLENTY FAST ENOUGH..WHEN YOU ARE SITTING 1 1/2 FEET OFF THE WATER
simbo	posted 04-16-2004 03:11 PM ET (US) I have Whailer 13 -25hp Mariner 1995 short shaft 0g265091serial . What is the combination of the propeller to reach 15-30mph in this boat, If possible? blades x diam. x pitch , thanks .