50 hp. No replacement for displacement. Anything less would be foolish.
HaHa: 0
I'm about to buy a new outboard and wanted some opinions on how many horsepower to buy. I have a 1648 Xpress flatbottom and typically fish wish two other guys. We all way a little over 200 pounds. We fish mainly lakes but get in a few smaller rivers. I just want to make sure I have something that's strong enough to push us around 25-30mps.. I was leaning towards a 30hp but wanted opinion. Would a 25hp work? Thanks.
50 hp. No replacement for displacement. Anything less would be foolish.
I have a 50 four stroke on a war eagle 1548 wouldn't have anything less.
50 hp is the way to go. Never can have to much power.
One thing you want to look at first is the hp rating on your boat. Their is a Coast Guard rating decal on the inside of your boat. You need to stay within the limitations of that rating. Stay Safe.
My 16.5 ft Tracker had a 25HP Merc on it. Ran good and planed off easy, but top end was 22MPH with 2 in the boat. I just upgraded to a 55hp which runs about 35 top end, but cruises easily around 30.
Mark 1:17 ...I will make you fishers of men
Defiantly a 50
A 50 Merc or Yamaha should get it done for ya. That is the Max HP I would put on a 16 foot boat, but I am not sure that a 40hp would not be a better option for optimal performance in that light of boat. Make sure you check with the boat manufacture and see what they advise also. Good luck with what ever option you decide.
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Call Bill at BigRiverMarine or send him a PM at BRM. He sells Express and steer you right on what size and probably give you a better deal on the motor in the process.
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Charlie Weaver USN/ENC 1965-1979