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Originally Posted by GTO
"...I thought the price was too steep for such an older motor. As far as the size, the tag on the boat says up to 10 hp so it should be able to handle that size engine, right? It is for a 14 year old who I'm sure will want to cruise around in it more than fishing..."
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I was 14 when I was ejected—solo—from a 10-foot boat with a 7½-HP Evinrude.
Not even while doing any fancy manuvers!
I got launched over the gunwale so there was no injury, but the boat continued doing 360°s in place. I tried to catch the bow while wearing a sodden leather jacket—and no PFD. An old white 1920's Laker cruised to the rescue of both me and my boat. That Laker, which has a plumb bow, is still on the lake today. If you're reading this,
"Thanks, old Laker!"
My dad was in Europe that summer, and my mom didn't know any better, so I later upgraded to a 15HP Johnson on the same boat!
So I'm in agreement with FLL, Bear Islander, and Pineedles.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by GTO
"...the tag on the boat says up to 10 hp so it should be able to handle that size engine, right?
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Ten horsepower is definitely marginal-to the high side. The tag should list its rated capacity. While a 10-foot boat
may be adequate for parts of this lake, have you ever carried its
rated capacity?
Three adults in a
12-footer is dicey—especially on weekends or in any strong winds—and a beamy 12-footer is going to be tag-rated for three adults.
A 12-foot aluminum boat I bought in Florida arrived with a 10-HP, which I downgraded to a 4-HP. It sipped gas, lost little in top speed, and was easier to clamp on and off while trailering and storing. Oh yes...I forgot...much easier to start.
The last 6-HP Evinrudes bought by me, my BIL, a CT friend, another friend here "across the way", and my neighbor cost less than $200 each, and are still running fine. That Merc's overpriced, even if used in fresh water only.