Hey ya'll, got a question i knows gonna sound real stupid but what the hell i just dont know the answer. Here goes...me and my dad have a 15 foot fiberglass boat in my backyard, it's been there for 4 or 5 years and finally we are all about fixing up the boat for some serious fishing. The boat itself is in really good condition my question is what horsepower outboard do we need for the boat? I've done research online for all this stuff even asked most everybody ive seen surfcasting at plum island but most of them dont have a boat nor do they want one. I think theyre crazy but anyway in all that research I haven't found out anything except that some boats have 5 hp some have twin 250hp which leaves a huge gap in between. My dad and I dont care about speed we just want to be able to go out 2-3 miles durin the summer for some striper and blues fishing and to just be out there relaxing on the water. Oh ya were not looking for anything brand new or expensive. We have a 35 hp mercury somethin or other in our garage but I have no idea if that's enough. Any help at all is REALLY appreciated. Think about it this way im only 20, how bout all you fishin veterans out there give out a little of your knowledge to the interested future of the sport. Sorry if this is long didnt know how to say it shorter. Thanks again, Mike from Boston

Try and be more specific on the type of fiberglass boat. I had a 15 ft tri-hull (old & heavy) that was motored by a 50hp, and then a 60hp. I never tried twin 250's:p

I would trailer it down to my local boat dealer and have him take a look at it. There are a lot of variables as Goose said and I think an expert opinion is what you need. It can be danderous putting the wrong engine on the wrong boat. And don't forget to grease the wheel bearings on the trailer....Good luck!

Generally, there is a data plate somewhere around the inside of the transom that will state the recommended horsepower range for the boat. Some only state the maximum horsepower.
My 17' for instance, is rated for 150 max. and I get around very well and economically, with a 60.
"It's been there for 4or 5 years"........
While your at the transom, make sure it is still firmly attached.
ANY cracks and/or weeping fluids are not a good sign.
Have fun, be safe.
Dave

Welcome to S-B guys...

CapnDave is right, there should be a plaque near the transom stateing max HP for the hull. But you really can't stop there. If it is an older boat chances are good that there is some transom rot which can cause even greater problems... So good idea to have someone check that. Even if it looks good, you wouldn't be able to easily tell if it's rotted on the inside or not...

What kind of hull is it? What make?

WalkerpierceC,

Theses guys are right on many points. Check the transom, then check it again. My father had a boat that was getting on in age and we realized at the beginning of a season that the transom was soft and about fail completely. You want to be sure that your not going to have a massive failure when you are out 2-3 miles.

A professional opinion is really a good idea.
If there was one thing about boating my father ever did teach it is that bigger and faster is not always better.

Mike

Hey mike check that 35 merc in your garage have a mechanic check it out might have alittle gem there. The info on the hull integraty is very important. I don't know what you or your dads level of experiance is but I connot stress safety enough. If I'm preaching to the choir I apolagize. Make sure you have all C.G. required equipment on board. Safe boating courses are great if you are new or need to polish up on skills. If you do it right out there theirs no better place to be. good luck ofshore