Is a 30hp motor strong enough

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cbircham

cbircham

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Joined
Oct 14, 2013
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Hey guys. Looking for some knowledge. I am looking for a new boat and have come across a 16 foot aluminum boat that has a 30hp merc 4 stroke on it. I am not sure if it is or will be strong enough. Mostly I am fishing by myself or maybe with 1 other person. The boat has a dry weight of around 600 lbs.
Just looking for some advice.
Thanks.
 
thats more than enough power. the 12ft aluminum boats at the marina rental area run 9.9hp. just pay close attention to what the HP rating is on the transom. if its a wooden transom, consider getting it replaced or going with fibreglass
 
30 4 stroke should be fine I would think...my father has a 16 foot bass boat with a 40 4 stroke and it does pretty well.....personally...I probably would have stepped it up to a 50 4 stroke just to get on plane a bit quicker...but the 40 works pretty well...and his boat is way more than 600 lbs...lol...and is definitely good on gas!
 
cbircham said:
Hey guys. Looking for some knowledge. I am looking for a new boat and have come across a 16 foot aluminum boat that has a 30hp merc 4 stroke on it. I am not sure if it is or will be strong enough. Mostly I am fishing by myself or maybe with 1 other person. The boat has a dry weight of around 600 lbs.
Just looking for some advice.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have a 15 foot aluminum with a 15hp 4 stroke that I use on smaller lakes. I put a whale tail on the motor and it gets up really well- even with two guys, a trolling motor, and a ton of fishing gear. If the motor is in good shape it should be more than enough, just check the transom and HP rating on the boat. If its a wide beam it should work well.
 
Its a bass tracker pro 16 is that makes a difference. Anyone know how stable this boat is.
Thanks.
 
It will good enough to putter around with. And I say putter because your not going to be zooming anywhere fast. As methioned it's going to take a little more time to get on plain and it's not really a big water boat. Inland lakes no problem with getting to spots slowly. I have a Lund and switched the motor from 50 to 60 just for a little more speed plus the 50 was a 2 stroke and the fumes were not pleasant.
 
Go with a 40 or even better a 50. My buddy has the same boat 16' 2" dry weight 700 LB and change. 10 horses make a big difference , plane faster and getting from point A to B with no stress on the motor.
 

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