---

Today when I went to the marina to get some grease the owner was asking me about my boat (went by boat). He told me he has a 2001 40 h.p. Honda four stroke with all the controls and the price was nice. My motor is a '92 Johnson 50h.p. and it is powering an '89 15' Sport. My question is this, is it enough power? the price is right around $1,800, I think this sounds good is it? Should I consider? This sight has been a huge help to me that is why I am asking.

---

As you well know the 15' is rated for a max of 70 hp...

Is 50 hp enough for you now?
Do you think you could live with 10 hp less?

40 hp seems small for a 15' unless all you do is cruise around with only 2 people on board and don't do any water sports at all.

See this chart for weights:
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=77
Not sure what your engine weighs as compared to a 4 stroke.

---

does your current engine no longer work? The minimum HP for the 15 foot hulls is 40HP and the max is 70HP. Depending on how you use your boat, the 40 may or may not be enough power for you.
For me personally, I would drop that 1800 in the bank and start saving for a new engine. I prefer to know where the engine has been, how it has been treated. I also believe in running something until it dies. I did that we my last engine, then bought a new one.

---

You will not be happy with a 40 stroke on that boat unless your just putting around. Plus they are heavy.

---

The Honda 40 should be only 15-20 lbs. heavier than current 50 with close to same WOT speed and much improved fuel burn. If it's a good clean motor with controls that's a very good price. If you're satisfied with your current set up performance wise I'd recommend going for it. The norm here is to put max rated heavy HP motors on the transom of Whalers so as to enable their owners need for speed of 40-50 mph on the water or for water sports purposes.

---

Davis -

As Joe and others have said, while the Honda is a good motor, what are your expectations for performance?

If you are cruising down the Kennebec and the bays at moderate speed with one or two people (light load), the 40 hp will be fine.

With 3 or 4 people, fishing gear or picnic stuff going down and over to Boothbay, it will not be too quick.

I rarely get to WOT in Casco Bay but when I have many people and/or freight, I need the horsepower. During the NYC gathering in June I had 4 passengers, full gas + 10 gallons and 100 lbs of personal gear. I needed all the ponies I had to keep up with Scrimshaw.

---

Thank you all for responding and the insight was great but I have decided not to get the motor. I will stick with what I have because it does run great. I will start to save for a new one in a few years.

Thanks all Rick.