Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by lanti24 on 08/07/12 - 9:02 AM

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

Posted by Tom W Clark on 08/07/12 - 9:21 AM

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.

Posted by Blake Whitney on 08/08/12 - 10:19 AM

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!

Posted by Swamp on 08/08/12 - 1:25 PM

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?

Posted by lanti24 on 08/09/12 - 3:32 AM

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!

Posted by Blake Whitney on 08/09/12 - 9:56 AM

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