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Hi Folks, I have a perfectly restored 1966 Nauset.
I am in the process of selecting an outboard engine and have narrowed my search to both Honda and Yamaha 4 stroke engines.
I am in South West Florida so will most likely select Yamaha because the dealer network is the largest here.

I am looking at a modest engine; 50-60 hp...that is it.

I plan to se the boat for joy ridding, fishing in the bay and going to the beach.

I don't want to pay a lot for an engine that you thow away after 5 years and I don't need to go very fast, I also don't want to suck down the fuel......I'm happy if I can get up on a solid plane with 2 people on board and clip along at about 25-30mph.

The Whaler specs say that it recommends as a minimum 35hp for this boat.

Why?

Is that the magic HP number to get up on a plane with 2 people on board?
Does anyone have any experience with running the smaller engine sizes?

When I was a kid the biggest thing on the block was a 40-50hp and that is what I used to see on this boat back in the mid 1960's.....why is everyone pushing 100hp plus????

Is this just the same problem we have with the big V-8 pick-up truck craze and SUV craze?

Anyone running a smaller engine out there????