Are there any guides to assist one with selecting the correct hoursepower
outboard motor based on boat size and intended use?

The boat is a 16.5 ft Chapparrel that is rated for 140hp. Powering the boat
at that rating is over my budget and was trying to find what I can expect
with smaller hp motors. Trying to attain a compromise between speed and WOT.

SP

Find *specificly* a used, inspected, 1985-1988 Merc 115. It makes 140hp at
the crankshaft and about 115-125 at the prop. It will mount to any standard
NMMA transom drill holes. It weighs about 320 pounds - not bad for that
hull. You'll have all the power you ever wanted.

There may be other choices - but that's the very best you'll ever find - of
any year outboard.

-W (who put one on a brand new boat - because they just rock)


"Splitpair" wrote in message
.. .
Are there any guides to assist one with selecting the correct hoursepower
outboard motor based on boat size and intended use?

The boat is a 16.5 ft Chapparrel that is rated for 140hp. Powering the
boat
at that rating is over my budget and was trying to find what I can expect
with smaller hp motors. Trying to attain a compromise between speed and
WOT.

SP

Oh ... and it's worth hunting the country for one - I did. Take your time.

-W

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
news:YcRpb.77155$275.205683@attbi_s53...
Find *specificly* a used, inspected, 1985-1988 Merc 115. It makes 140hp
at
the crankshaft and about 115-125 at the prop. It will mount to any
standard
NMMA transom drill holes. It weighs about 320 pounds - not bad for that
hull. You'll have all the power you ever wanted.

There may be other choices - but that's the very best you'll ever find -
of
any year outboard.

-W (who put one on a brand new boat - because they just rock)


"Splitpair" wrote in message
.. .
Are there any guides to assist one with selecting the correct
hoursepower
outboard motor based on boat size and intended use?

The boat is a 16.5 ft Chapparrel that is rated for 140hp. Powering the
boat
at that rating is over my budget and was trying to find what I can
expect
with smaller hp motors. Trying to attain a compromise between speed and
WOT.

SP

Bottom line is you never have too much power. You can always back off but
you cannot add. You want the 140 or 135 depending on manufacturer. Contact
all the local dealers you can find about a used motor. Also search the web.
I would rather have a good used 135 or 140 instead of a new 115 that is not
going to be enough power in the long run. You have to remember this is a
heavy 16.5 boat.

--
Tony
My boats and autos - http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"Splitpair" wrote in message
.. .
Are there any guides to assist one with selecting the correct hoursepower
outboard motor based on boat size and intended use?

The boat is a 16.5 ft Chapparrel that is rated for 140hp. Powering the
boat
at that rating is over my budget and was trying to find what I can expect
with smaller hp motors. Trying to attain a compromise between speed and
WOT.

SP