Boat Planing Question

[JayDub]

  I understand that it depends on the shape, size, and weight of the boat, but I would like to know an approximate HP that would get my boat on plane.  I know it takes a bit of Hp to finally "push" the boat out of the water and then the boat will gain more and more speed.  So what would y'all say it takes:  The boat is a 14' Vhull with a max weight capacity of 785 lbs and a max Hp rating of 25.  Let's just say it is FULLY loaded... I'm guessing atleast 10 hp maybe 12 so I'm looking for a used 15 Hp.  What do you think?

[cart7t]

That depends on how much weight you're talking about. If you're talking about 2 guys, their gear, a trolling motor, TM battery, 6 gallon gas tank and a cooler you're talking quite a bit of weight.  You also need to be more clear as to getting the boat on plane.  I think a 15hp will push you're boat around quite adequately but if you're talking about getting all you can out of that boat speedwise you need to put a motor on it that reaches the maximum horsepower recommended for the boat.

[JayDub]

I'm talking the actual point where the boat lifts out and on top of the water instead of dragging through it.  I said "FULLY" loaded with a max capacity of 785 lbs.

[cart7t]

I'm afraid you're not going to get there with a 15 hp.  A 25hp would probably due the trick.

[Nick_Barr]

A 25 is HIGHLY preffered, dont go lower than %75-80 of MAx horspower on smaller boats, they will not get you on plane. if you have to get  20 horse, good Luck!

[Mo_Tick]

here are my thoughts. i bought a new tracker a few years back and to save Money i got a 40 hp. it was ok with 2 guys and gear, add a 3rd person, and holy cow whata  dog. the max was 75hp.

my current boat is a 14" 830 cap with a 30 hp rating. and you can bet you butt im looking for a 30. if you can afford it and the boat will take it, use the Max HP allowed.

my .02 worth

[K_Mac]

I fished out of a 14' V hull for years. I had an 18 HP on it that was just not quite enough.  A 25 HP would be a much better choice IMO. Good luck.

[Flatfish]

You can always twist the handle to slow down, get the biggest motor allowed. If uncomfortable with the speed slow down and save fuel.

[flechero]

I had a 15' modified V for years.  Even with just me and the gas tank, 10 hp wasn't even close to getting it to plane.  A good friend has had 5 or 6 little boats (all 14'-15' aluminum) over the years and the only ones he had that would plane with 2 people and gear, both had 25hp.

You should be able to find reasonable priced used motor... I personally wouldn't buy a new one in that size due to new price.  And the little motors are easy to work on and not too expensive to have worked on.  That's just my opinion... of course, if I have plenty of money, I'd buy new.  ...lol  

[Team_Dougherty]

I agree, Go with the 25 HP. you can never have to much power. I have a 16' Crestliner, rated for 50HP, with a 25 HP mariner and with three people it will plane nicely and go 20 MPH.

Paul

[JayDub]

So... Let me get this straight... If I we're to have say a 9.9 hp motor and an 18hp motor and neither we're strong enough to get my fully loaded boat onto plane... then I would be going the same speed (Hull speed) with both of them?  :-?  Can a boat only go about 5-6 mph before getting onto plane???

[cart7t]

There are no set answers to your question.  First there's the question of the amount of lift that's designed into the boat hull.  On a standard old semi-V that's not much.  There's also the question of prop pitch of the motor. A lower pitch prop shoots you out of the hole faster but will lag for top end speed. A higher pitch prop, vise versa.  Neither the 9 or 18hp motor can get your boat on plane so they're reduced to pushing it through the water vs. keeping on top.  Even at that, the 18 will make the boat go faster than the 9 but you still won't get on plane.  Basically, with the 18 you'll be plowing water faster than with the 9.9.

When you're boat reaches plane it because the motor was able to lift the front of the boat up out of the water while propelling it forward.  Considering the weight factor with the setup you're talking about, you'll need all the power you can get to overcome the weight and drag.  

[Madhouse27]

My first boat was an ancient Appleby 14 ft aluminum with a 4.5 horse Mercury outboard. While no speed demon by any stretch that boat always got up on plane and buzzed down the lake just fine. At the time I was a teenager working at McDonalds so it was all I could afford. In your situation I would certainly be looking for a used 25 horse. If finances or availablility of a 25 are a problem you can certainly get by with less.

[worm]

I currently have a 14' 1959 Richline semi V with a '62 9.9 Johnson and it pushes that little boat around all day long with no problems. Have 2 people and all the gear.

Worm