Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hi Tom,
Having that high end RPM number will be key, along with the gear ratio for the motor and the Max RPM for the recommended range. With those numbers, I can help you some with it.
As far as moving the motor up, you might find your hole shot can potentially increase since the bow may not rise as much. That is what I found when I raised my motor off the transom and it was actually a nicer way to have it.
Being that you are running a fairly sizable boat with a tiller, getting up to 35 to 37 miles per hour might be as good as you will get. I have found that Alumacraft is VERY conservative with their horsepower ratings. My rig, which is just under 17 feet only takes a 90 hp, but could easily handle a 115 to 130hp. What it comes down to is if the boat is submerged, the boat must sit level in the water. Although a larger motor could be used and handled well, it may not keep the boat level if submerged, thus the lower rating.
If you get the chance, though, feel free to post your numbers. Then a starting recommendation can be made.
Steve |
