maximum outboard sizes on smaller cedar strip boats?

[shoestringmariner]

Hey guys, I’m wondering how many of you know old cedar strip boats. (1950′ s era)

I’m trying to determine what the maximum size motor I can put on my 12′ and what I could put on a 14′
(small closed bow, bench seats throughout)

The boats I am referring to usually have a 1/4" or 5/16" thick cedar hull (1" or 1.5" ship-lap edges) on a 3/4" half-round ribs spaced every 3 " apart. Solid oak transoms roughly – 1-1/4" thick with bracing to the gunnels.

For instance, I have a 12′ boat that I am putting a 7.5 hp on. I think that a 10 hp would be too heavy and powerful, but I don’t know how to calculate it.

[chris-p]

They typical 14′ or 15′ boats from that era generally run a 25/30/35hp on them

The 12′ boat would depend, but I cannot see why a 10hp would not be ideal? Any pics?

[marty-a]

My 1957 14 ft Penn Yan is rated for 33 HP. It has a center and rear deck so I think that is why it was rated for 33 HP. 20 to 25 HP should be ok for an open and well made boat.

[mr-asa]

I have a 12′ Delhi aluminum boat, I tried to use a 7.5HP Evinrude on it and it would never get on plane. I think the best I ever got was 10 or 11MPH, and that was with a very flimsy tiller handle and sitting in the middle seat. When I felt safe using the stock handle I had to sit on the back seat and was only able to get 8MPH and I think that was with a tailwind.

I wanted to try a 10HP on it, but I ended up skipping to a ’56 15HP Evinrude. With two people I’ll hit 20ish MPH? A cedar boat is going to be a little heavier than my aluminum, so I’d expect about that with a similar motor?
I will say that getting it on plane is a bit scary at times. Bow climbs up enough to cut off pretty much all of the waterway.

[richardg]

I think it depends a lot on the transom bracing on your boat. Some had small wooden knees or braces on the deck and one on the transom below the motor. Others had metal supports.

I have a 13 foot and I beefed up the transom braces a bit and added a 1"X3" stiffener across the back below the motor thumb screw area. It now can use an 18HP but I have been using a 10HP.

Watch out when shifting, try to baby it a little, do not shift hard.

I try to avoid beating mine up in rough water.

[shoestringmariner]

Thanks everyone
here it is before I started restoring it
http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag3 … q3mmuc.jpg

[shoestringmariner]

and another few shots
http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag3 … tr28hk.jpg
http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag3 … aiwdez.jpg

I was told that the hull was considered semi-planing

I’m likely going to build seats on either side at the back, and maybe a u shape for strength and storage unless I need clearance for motor tilt

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 8 months ago by Tubs.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by Tubs.

[shoestringmariner]

That’s a pretty PY…

Thanks guys, and for those who sent me PM’s…for some reason I can’t respond. (Sits in my outbox)

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 8 months ago by Tubs.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 4 months ago by Tubs.

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