A 14' aluminun V hull, seaking was given to me. It came with a trolling motor, two marine batteries, paddles, & life vests. Yea, it's registered in my name finally. I prayed for a boat and it came. Now for my question, what size outboard is the largest can i use. I'm going to add seats, remove the center seat, and install a floor, lights, you know some comforts. Right now i'd like to know what's the largest size outboard i can use for it.
pastor Lupe Gallardo

I would try to find a good 20-25 hp motor for it, that should be about right!

That's great I'd like a 25 hp, I thikn it'd scoot along pretty good. Thanks I really looking forward to going fishing.
pastor lupe gallardo

sorry for the mispelling, just excited I guess. Been waiting for a boat for a long time.

Is there a capacity plate on the boat? If there is, that will list a max horsepower. I wouldn't go less than 75% of that number.

If there is no plate on the boat, then there are a lot of things to consider when deciding how big to go. Transom construction, freeboard (how much of the boat is above the water), weight capacity & distrubution, tiller or helm steering, and a whole bunch more. Any chance you could post a pic of the boat?

Without actually seeing the boat, I would have to guess no more than 40 to 50 hp. I had a 40 horse on a 14" fiberglass runabout and it scooted up the lake at about 26 or so miles an hour.

hope this works, this is just like my boat.

To me, a 25 hp would be perfect.

Yep, a 25 would be ideal on that boat.

With the added weight of flooring and seats, you may want to consider a larger engine than the 25hp. I'd recommend a 40hp.
I've seen too many guys that put too small of an engine on a boat only to regret it later.
It's not just the top end performance. it's the holeshot and power you'll miss from not having the larger engine. Not to mention the propeller choices for a 25hp are limited. The 40hp will have larger diameter props to help you push the boat better.

good luck with your new boat. it looks like a nice one.

steve.


update: sorry i may have missed something very important when looking at the picture. The current boat looks to be a tiller model engine. If your's is the same then you will need to stay with a 25hp tiller engine. Unless you install a console with gauges and a steering wheel, you won't be able to put a 40hp engine on that boat.
hope that makes sense to you.

Hey, thanks to everybody for all the good advise. Never thought about installing a console w/steering and guages. That'd be neat. Would it be practical to install console/steering/guages. I'd like that if the boat is'nt to small. Thanks again.
pastor lupe

It can be done. I've done if before. Along time ago. It took awhile. But the boat came out really nice.
You may want to visit with your local dealer that handles those types of boats. Not sure if it'd be worth the money. But, it will make for a nicer driving boat.

good luck to ya pastor.

You know? thinking about it, I'll probably just get a 25hp and go fishing instead of spending a lot of time remodeling the boat. I'll stick to seats, lights, and a floor to make it a little more comfortable. thanks.
pastor lupe

good idea. fishing is much funner than working on a boat.

If you wanted to put steering on the boat I would probably put stick steering on it that would probably be a do-it-yourself type deal. Just a thought.

Jarrett Riggs

Pastor, again, my advice is to find you a sweet running 25 hp motor & go to the lake fishing! That would be the ideal motor for you, you don't want a speed boat do you? the 25 is the answer!