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40 HP Johnson 737 enough for a 16' - 7" Sport?
lanti24	#1  Posted on 08/07/12 - 9:02 AM
Member Posts: 12 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/01/12	Is a 40 HP Johnson 737 enough for a 16' - 7" Sport? I've found a vintage 16' - 7" Sport (16' - 7" barehull with wooden low console) but I'm afraid my engine (1993 Johnson 737 GT, 40 hp ) would be too weak to make this boat plane. What do you think? Thank you very much Edited by Tom W Clark on 08/07/12 - 9:17 AM
Tom W Clark	#2  Posted on 08/07/12 - 9:21 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 4280 Comments: 7 Joined: 09/30/05	The minimum HP to plane a classic 16' - 7" Whaler satisfactorily is 35 HP so I would think your 40 HP Johnson would be fine. Top speed should be about 26-27 MPH assuming the hull is not waterlogged and the motor is set up and propped correctly.
lanti24	#3  Posted on 08/07/12 - 10:46 AM
Member Posts: 12 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/01/12	Thank you Tom
contender250	#4  Posted on 08/07/12 - 7:21 PM
Member Posts: 363 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/09/11	You will be sorry, do not put anything less than a 70 hp engine on a 17....
Blake Whitney	#5  Posted on 08/08/12 - 10:19 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 113 Comments: 3 Joined: 12/19/06	Hmmmm I am rebuilding a 1966 16-7 for our Scout Seabase and it has a tired Honda 50 on it that needs a facelift but plenty of future life left in it. I agree that a 70 or 90 would be sweet with plenty of reserve power but the early hulls ( like my 13) are real slappers and WOT only good on near glass. Dealer states a 50 is a good fit for our camp use...not too much power and economical to run. She has been to Catalina several times (flat water again) but never with me. i am hoping I won't regret reinstalling the 50! Anyone else with a 50 would love to hear your comments!
Swamp	#6  Posted on 08/08/12 - 1:25 PM
Member Posts: 162 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/28/11	I have a 60hp on my smirkless 16. I get 35mph under perfect sea conditions, and am not even perfectly set up (motor too low, slightly over-propped). I spend a lot of time in choppy water and often cannot run at WOT. I would be satisfied with a 50hp for my use. I have no idea what I would do with all the power a 90 would offer. I doubt I would be satisfied with a 40hp, however. Max of 26-27mph just wouldn't cut it. I'm happy as long as I can make 30-31mph. I run light loads most of the time. Will your camp boat be heavily laden with scouts most of the time?
lanti24	#7  Posted on 08/09/12 - 3:32 AM
Member Posts: 12 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/01/12	I've asked the same question to Boston Whaler directly thru facebook: Here is their kind reply, hope will help you too: Official Boston Whaler Owner's Club: Hi Giovanni - The minimum HP for a Vintage 17 is 35 HP. Your 40 HP engine will work, but, it may be a bit of a struggle for the boat to plane with two people. Hope this helps!
Blake Whitney	#8  Posted on 08/09/12 - 9:56 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 113 Comments: 3 Joined: 12/19/06	The 16-7 serves severral purposes at our camp....a sabot chase boat, MB merit badge and fishing to the oil islands. in the harbor a 50 will prove to be the sweet set-up. For a run to the oil islands with an adult and ~4 kids...i think it will be working hard. to go to catalina i figure 2 only and 05:00 deparure. thanks for the comments