Can my boat handle 15 hp?

Hello,

I wanted to tune my 8 HP, but i think that isn't a good idea.
This is my boat:

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/10258108_10201026589865276_5069802081499273939_o.jpg

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10304628_10201045642101570_391591230073711312_n.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHdMWl7dlL8

The engine on the boat is a: Yamaha 8A long shaft.
I want to replace it with a Yamaha 15HP 2 stroke short shaft.

Can the boat handle that.

Greets Jelte.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic2SLzVwTZA

Here is the boat passing by.. the engine isnt trimmed correctly btw.

As long as the transom is in good shape it looks like it will handle it. You should be able to get that thing up over 20mph no problem.

First thought is never use a longshaft engine on a shortshaft boat. It adds a large amount of drag, endangers the lower unit in shallow water, and gives the engine lots of leverage to tip the boat in turns.

Second, you didn't state the max hp on the safety sticker. That said, I agree that if the transom is structurally sound, it might be fun to try a 15.

I never seem to guess right about how a particular hull will handle big horsepower. There is such a wide variety of circumstances that can apply. Only careful testing will determine if the extra power was a wise decision. Some boats do awful things when pushed beyond reason. Others are adequate in some areas. Occasionally you stumble on a boat that flies nice and straight...seems to love power.

Try the 15 cautiously, at different trim settings, preferably with a tach handy. Give yourself enough seat-time to learn the boat.

According to the video and what it written at the bottom the boat is 14'. That should do well with a 15. As has been said....watch your shaft length and get the right one.

It should be fine

should be fine.

[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=351737#p351737 said:

Pappy » Thu May 08, 2014 7:38 pm[/url]"]....watch your shaft length...

Click to expand...

HA!!

Okay, I'm done now. :mrgreen:

You sure that boat is 14ft? My 76' lund was 14ft, had 3 benches and the front triangle bench, 20 inch transom and was rated for 20hp. Yours looks smaller to me, in any case, seems like it is going pretty fast with the 8hp on it. Even if it is a long shaft. Which btw means you have a 15 inch transom, easier to get swamped when backing down or in a "following sea", just another thing to consider.
Tim