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I have a 13' Super Sport with a new 30 HP ETEC. Love the motor, wonder if I could use it on a 15' Whaler. I typically fish by myself or with one other. The weight difference between the ETEC and 40 HP and above motors are significant, that coupled with small fuel tank, etc.. Would a 15' with the 30 HP be significantly under powered?
Compare boat weights and you'll have you answer. My 15ft weighs more than an old 17ft Whaler so you must determine what weight model 15 you are looking at, with and without power.
The 30 ETEC will probably suffice but you must move weight around(including crew) in the 15 to get her on plane.
True answer yes significantly under powered.
Hi Phil, your comments are exactly why I rely on these forums - the value of the experience of many can not be denied.
I would be using the 15' on the Island Sound, mostly solo, gear and fuel weight nearly nothing as the ETEC will run on a 2 and 1/2 or 6 gallon tank (at most) for a long time. I am considering a slightly larger hull (older style preferred for less hull weight) because when the wind blows from the northwest( which seems often) the 13' is a bit small.
EJO, thank you for your response as now I have homework to do in finding the lightest 15' made within the last 20 years. I agree that the hull in probably be underpowered. I will have to consider a larger engine hull configuration.
Boston Whaler produced 3 versions of what is called the 15 open model.
From 1976 - 1990 it was called the 15' Sport or Super Sport (SS) or SS limited or Striper. The hull was the same but the interior was different for each model
From 2003 -2008, the 150 Sport was offered but it is a different hull and design
Starting in 2009 a new generation 150 Super Sport was offered with a new hull and interior design.
The lightest model is the "classic 15 Sport, Super Sport, etc model. These also have the most panache.
TK - I recall seeing a video on youtube posted by Jeff from MI about a year ago showing his classic 15 footer Boston Whaler with a 6 hp outboard tiller almost on plane. His son was piloting the boat. Then Jeff rigged another OMC 25 HP tiller two stroke outboard motor. The boat definitely got on plane; Jeff displayed his GPS values in the corner of the video that showed @ 25-27 MPH. To your question, will an Evinrude E-Tec 30 propel a classic 15 hull to plane: Yes, for sure. Will you win any races with it? No, probably not but if you are thinking about moving up to a Classic 15 hull and using your E-Tec 30 hp outboard, it will work fine under the light load conditions your specify. The minimium hp rating for the 15 classic hull is 20hp (see specs). Maybe you could reach out directly to Jeff and ask him to share with you the videos; I think he has since removed them from public view.
