Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
I just bought a 15' hull and need to power it. I intend to flats fish with it and want the best choice between weight and performance. I have been told a 70hp 2 stroke has the best resale value. I am looking at a rebuilt 1996 Johnson 70hp 2 stroke or a new Tohatsu 50hp? Thoughts?
Anyone have experience with jackplates on these boats? Are they worth it and how does it effect performance? How about SS props?
The 90 yamaha carbed 2 stroke is still being sold and is the same weight or less than a lot of the 70/75 hp motors out there. A 4-6" jackplate along with a nice SS prop will help that boat to run skinnier. You might need a doel fin type device to help it launch right up onto plane and stop any porpoising issues though.
I have a 79 Sport and put a 60 hp Evinrude ETEC on it and I could not be more pleased. It pops out of the hole like a slingshot, runs about 35, is steady and controlable, sips gas and oil and best of all has a warranty that is unbelievable! I would explore that before investing in a heavier and higher hp motor, especially the difference in the wt compared to a 4 stroke. I have a SOLAS stainless steel prop 13 1/2 x 15. With the weight of the ETEC the boat sits pretty level in the water, although I did have to put a Doal Fin on it to keep the bow down at very slow speed. See my personal page for photos.
I have a '76 15' sport, I re-powered in '05 with a new '04 Johnson 50 H.P., NON-VRO (they had to remove it, or set it up for non-vro at my request) left over. So far the engine is very dependable, I have only changed out the spark plugs, and properly winterized it since it's purchase (water pump is due this haul). I was contemplating a 60-65 H.P. but, I could only swing the 50, their was not a 70 available, only 75, and the dealer would sell me the motor but, NOT install it because, it was over rated for the hull. I did see the "E-tec", info. on the counter, and asked "Am I getting an "E-tec" ? I was told "NO" ! The 50 H.P. works well for me, great on fuel, and it's pretty fast, fast enough to get scary in the chop, and grab some "AIR", which is I guess why I love it so much, over all, I'm VERY pleased with it's performance, I don't see how anyone would not be. I sure love those "E-tec's" though, it's a smart outboard. The proper way to determine an engine size for a hull, is to take the max. H.P., and figure out 75%-80% of that. This will give good fuel economy, be well balanced, and still leave enough H.P. to get the Hell out of the way of "Danger" fast enough, if it comes your way.
Example: Max. H.P. for the Hull is 100 H.P....A 75-80 H.P. is right for the Hull, if speed is your thing, then max. out the H.P. but, you should not exceed it (even though whalers can easily handle it). If you get into a collision, the first thing the Coast Guard or marine enforcement is going to do is point to the over powered Hull.
I run a 90 Merc on my 15 hull and the 90 yamaha is a little weaker, nothing crazy or out of control and you don't have to hold it WOT all the time. Although it's more fun to do so Using the USCG formula the hull is rated for a 83 hp, probably right where the 90 yamaha actually falls IMO. All depends what you want I guess. Some peopel are happy with a 50-60 hp on that hull, I wouldn't be at all. Good luck whichever way you go
It pops out of the hole like a slingshot, runs about 35, is steady and controlable, sips gas and oil and best of all has a warranty that is unbelievable! I would explore that before investing in a heavier and higher hp motor, especially the difference in the wt compared to a 4 stroke. I have a SOLAS stainless steel prop 13 1/2 x 15. With the weight of the ETEC the boat sits pretty level in the water, although I did have to put a Doal Fin on it to keep the bow down at very slow speed. See my personal page for photos. 
