Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Engine for 15 Sport

Posted by Superaquarama on 09/13/13 - 5:15 PM
#1

Hi Guys,

Newbie to Boston Whalers and the forum; location Wales, UK.

Just acquired a 15 Sport, seems a nice little boat with only revarnishing to do over the winter. However, it has no engine (it did have a Yamaha 70, a piston had gone so the yard has kept it to rebuild) so I was wondering what engine to look for.

The boat will be used mainly in a tidal estuary, with some inshore coastal waters use as well. Won't be towing anybody or anything, nor usually carrying more than 2 or 3 people.

I'd like to have as small, light and economical an engine as practicable, commensurate with a decent speed of say 25 kts or so. At what speed do these get onto the plane ?

I had in mind a 25 or 30 hp, would this be enough power, or does anyone have any advice ?

Thanks,

Anthony

Posted by RossP on 09/13/13 - 10:47 PM
#2

I have a 40 on my 15 Sport Custom, with two in it we do 26. Now also I have a custom Stainless console, seat and a 20 gal fuel tank. Between me and my 30 year old son we weigh in at about 475lbs. A 40 is the smallest I would go, and it is fairly good on fuel.

Ross

Posted by dgoodhue on 09/14/13 - 6:46 AM
#3

20hp is the minimum rated hp for a light load. My guess is that 25hp and 3 people will not have satisfactory performance. My boat planes off at 21/22 mph and doesn't stay on plane much below 20mph. I don't know if a lighter motor will help. I would say the absolute minimum you would want is 30hp but I would recommend a 40hp. A 40hp with power trim should do ~30mph with a light load.

Make sure that you the motor 2 holes or 3 holes up depending the prop.

Posted by firebrand1 on 09/14/13 - 11:11 AM
#4

We've got a Honda 4s-50hp unit on our 1988 SuperSport 15 and it does yeoman service running back and forth from mainland to our family island cottage. Wouldn't recommend less than 50 if you plan to carry a load of more than three (3) people of various sizes.

Posted by Superaquarama on 09/14/13 - 2:09 PM
#5

Many thanks for the very helpful replies, everyone.

Looks as though I'd better go for a 40 or 50, then, to be on the safe side.

Edited by Superaquarama on 09/14/13 - 2:10 PM

Posted by huckelberry145 on 09/14/13 - 2:52 PM
#6

Price the 40 and the 50. If there's not much difference in the cost, I would go with the 50. There can't be much difference in the fuel consumption between the two.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/14/13 - 3:13 PM
#7

Take a look at this chart we have for "Current Engine Choices and Weights".
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=77

The E-Tec 40,50, 60 all weigh the same @240 pounds.

The Honda 50 4 stroke weighs 205 pounds which looks like one of the best bangs for the weight along with the Tohatsu 50 2 stroke @206 pounds.

The lighter the better for all the Classic models.




Posted by dgoodhue on 09/15/13 - 4:26 PM
#8

Superaquarama wrote:
Many thanks for the very helpful replies, everyone.

Looks as though I'd better go for a 40 or 50, then, to be on the safe side.


A couple more post and we will have you looking at 60 & 70's :D

Posted by Superaquarama on 09/17/13 - 2:43 AM
#9



A couple more post and we will have you looking at 60 & 70's :D


Yeah, well, if they're in the same weight band..............!!

Thanks again, everyone, and for that useful link to weights etc.

Edited by Superaquarama on 09/17/13 - 2:45 AM

Posted by blacksmithdog on 09/18/13 - 4:36 PM
#10

I had a Yamaha 50 4 stroke on my 15', I was quite pleased with the performance and economy.

Posted by jamesgt727 on 09/19/13 - 8:27 AM
#11

I find a 90 inadequate and wishing/searching for more...