Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: horse power for a 15' sport center console

Posted by rafa on 04/28/10 - 7:13 PM
#1

I currently have a 35hp johnson and I am looking for a 50hp or larger. Could any one tell me what is ideal for this 15' sport. Would a 70hp be too much. The hp rating onthe plate is not legible .

thanks

Posted by davis422 on 04/28/10 - 7:26 PM
#2

Rafa, I have a 15' Sport. My boat is powered with a 50 hp Johnson and it does pretty well. The plate does say you can put a 70 hp motor on it. I have had four grown men in mine and at 4000 rpm's we go at a nice pace.

Posted by CES on 04/28/10 - 8:15 PM
#3

I'd certainly go with the 70hp motor. You don't always need the power but it sure is nice to have when you do need it. Besides, the 15' is a hot rod anyway. ;-))

Posted by GIjaywhaler on 04/28/10 - 8:53 PM
#4

On our Family 15 we have a 70HP on it. My dad use to have a 90hp johnson on it back in the day. Then when I started taking it out by self my dad got rid of the 90 and bought the 70.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 04/28/10 - 9:12 PM
#5

See this article:
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=77

Posted by number9 on 04/28/10 - 9:57 PM
#6

The main disadvantage to a 70 hp versus 50 or 60 is the extra 100+ pounds most add to the transom.

Posted by MW on 04/29/10 - 1:33 AM
#7

You might have some trouble finding a 2 stroke 70 hp engine (I did). I run a Johnson 50 hp (last of the 2-smokers), It work's out well for me. I follow the re-power rule of 75 to 80% of "Max. rated H.P.". This gives good fuel economy, good balance, and enough "Oats" to get out of the way of trouble quickly !

Posted by dgoodhue on 04/29/10 - 4:21 AM
#8

The plate says 70hp. As for what motor to use, it depends somewhta on your usage.

Obviuosly your used to 35hp, so 50hp will probably feel much faster. A 50 hp motor setup properly will do upper 30's , 60 hp low 40's, 70Hp mid 40's. The bigger the motor that better it will handle passenger laods or watersports. It will also cruise along at high speed and/or lower rpm.

Posted by ioptfm on 04/29/10 - 7:46 AM
#9

Look at the ETECs. I have a 60 on mine and I honestly wouldn't want any more power or speed than I have now.