I am looking at several small 16 foot aluminum "package" fishing boats. The boat will primarily be used on a small river lake in central texas. Any recommendation on size of outboard motor? One boat has a maximum HP recommendation of 40 (Bass Pro), another a 50 (Lowe) and another 60 (Alumacraft). My current thought is to upgrade at least to the 40HP, but trying to decide whether the extra 10 HP of the 50 is needed (obviously not considering the 50 on the one max rated for 40).

Most recommend going close to or at what it is rated for.

I ran a 16ft aluminum boat on a 40hp. with two guys and gear, it would top out at about 27mph gps. It was fine for us. I run a 18ft tracker now with a 90hp...same guys, same gear, and it will top out at 37 mph gps.

Just like trolling motors "Bigger is better" meaning an undersize outboard will have to work harder to push the load, same with your tow vechicle small motor has harder time pulling a heavy load compaired to a large engine..........Go with the NMMA rating on the boat for max HP. a few hundred dollars now compared to "wishing I had gone bigger" will relate directly to satisfaction of ownership

Not to steal this Thread.
If an older-Model. 12' Fiberglass-Boat.
Is rated: for a 12HP. 2-Stroke.
What would you folks. Recommend; with new-transom.
The weight of 2. vs. 4. stroke.
H.P.
Thank you.

Bittercreek old 2 strokes were HEAVY I would safely feel a 15 would do the trick

Thanks. If I go with the Lowes, then want about an extra grand for the extra 10 hp on their little Stryker fishing boat, so just trying to do the cost/benefit/happiness balance.

you will never be sorry you got the biggest motor, and generally that works out better all the way around, power, gas, longevity, satisfaction etc

Go as big as you can. The gas consumption will be almost the same, and there will be times that you are out on the water and need a little more HP

My choice would be the Alumacraft with the 60 hp.