1756/1860 Performance Inquiry

Been looking with a friend at boats in this class. He is stepping up from a 1448 as I hope to in a year or two. I’m familiar with HP ratings on fiberglass boats and what happens if you underpower them. Looking at new boat specs I see that they are rated at 90/115 hp, seems like a lot. Most of the used ones we see have 60-75hp motors. For those that own or have used boats this size with these 60-75 hp’s on them how do they perform? Usually be used with 3 people and normal gear.

Thanks for input.


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I would really consider going with a little bigger motor because of weight and getting the boat to plain out more quickly. This will be much better on fuel because of less drag on the boat. Most boat dealers will put a less HP motor because of price savings to them. If the boat is is rated for a 115 hp they will put a 75 on it most times. Trust me I used to commercial fish at the outer banks for 20 yrs and the worst thing to ever do to a boat is under power it. Spend the extra money for the maximum hp allowed on the boat even for an aluminum boat. Imo


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Forgot to tell you also the prop will make big difference on the hp also make sure you have the right pitch


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I have an 1860 War Eagle with a 70 hp Yamaha four stroke. It would do 38 mph on glass before I put Power Pole paddles on it.
They slowed it down 5 mph. 90 percent of the time, I run it twenty to twenty five mph. I could turn them side ways and
eliminate the air drag, but I never do.

I have a 1860 Duracraft with a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke. Top end is 44 with no gear. When loaded with tackle & 3 people, I usually run around 35 to 38. Probally could get by with a 90. Boat planes off very quick. Since I don't run wide open very often, it does not use a lot of gas.

1860 F and F , .125 gauge , heavy boat . 60 hp johnson 4-stroke. Motor is large for a 60 , probably more compatible to a 70 on power/torque. Loaded with all my trolling gear, and 2 people=32 mph. Nothing wrong with having more horsepower than you need. However I wouldn't pass up a nice 18/60 wth a 75 hp 4 stroke. My boat had a 125 on it once upon a time . Saw 45 mph loaded w/3 people once . I never want to go that fast in a aluminum boat again. I'm into fishing , not boat racing. I mostly cruise from spot to spot around 20 mph. If your a boat racer go max hp rating, or you wont be satisfied. If you spend most of your time on the lake fishing, find a well maintained boat with a 4 stroke motor . Matched within reason of course, and enjoy. Good luck with your search!!

Geez.... I didn't mean to kill the thread. Hope I didn't make all the boat racers mad.

most boats if any size wont stay on plane at 20mph, i say the faster u get to your spot the more time u get to fish, but we all have our theories, my first boat was a 12' yazoo with a 4hp johnson, there is no telling the fish that have came over the side of that boat, i "upgraded to a 17' aluminum with a 75hp evenrude, caught a pile out of that boat as well, then i truly upgraded ti a 18' ranger with a 150 merc, and there have been a few fish swung over the side of it as well, and it currently suits my needs and im satisfied with her, but with fishing its all about what u as the individual want to make it, it can be as simple or as expensive and as complicated as u want, the boat doesnt catch the fish but it can help

Not looking for racing boat, have done 74 on a Waverunner and 58 in a 32’ Regulator, strangely the mph and gph matched on Regulator. Just wanna take 2-3 folks and make 20-25 mph without running motor wide open.
Thanks for all the input, 35+ mph on a winters day is too much wind chill!!


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