Question regarding a 57′ Feathercraft 12′ Cartopper

[Fred Hickman]

I need to know from the members that KNOW; Will a Feathercraft 12′ Cartopper (in very good condition) handle my Evinrude Fastwin? Yes, I realize that the12′ Cartopper is rated for a 10 HP motor. But, one of you people have “Been there and done that”. What say ye, people ??

[need2fish]

I have a 12′ Starcraft — it normally has a Merc 110 on it, which will put 3 people on a smart plane. Occasionally, for test purposes, I’ll put a Johnson 20 or Evinrude Fastwin on it and it becomes downright dangerous. Going in in a straight line is fine, but the issue comes on a turn where it ceases to be a full craft turn and instead throws the stern into a vicious swing. That swing is accellerated when centripetal force kicks in and tries to tighten the turn . I have to be very sensitive to when that’s about to happen so I can put a lot of force on the tiller to ease straighten the craft before it rolls over. That doesn’t work so well when there are passengers are on board — they could lean in the wrong direction. The bigger motor moves the center of gravity of the entire boat much higher.

The first time it happened to me, the boat rolled and dumped me — I lost my glasses, coffee cup and a good deal of my dignity. My brother had to jump in another boat and force my empty boat to shore so it wouldn’t run me over.

If you want some occasional thrills, the bigger motor will do it, but in my experience it comes at a price. I used to run my ’56 Mark 25 on it. It was sexy and oh-so-fast, but it also damaged the transom — started elongating the rivet holes and shortening the life of the boat and possibly me.

Not sure what state you’re in, but in NY, where I am, the DEC will confiscate your boat if it has a motor over the manufacturers rating.

[crosbyman]

accidents may not be covered by certain insurance Co. ask them if you want life insurance…. get yourself a nice 5.5 hp or 7.5hp J/E

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[opposedtwin]

Try it, be careful and see what happens. Use common sense. But that IS a very good point regarding the legal ramifications of ignoring the the OBC rating.

[PM T2]

I have run a 1930 Lockwood Chief on a Feathercraft Cartopper. The Chief is rated as 11 HP @ 4000 RPM. I used to run the guts out of that motor, and both I and the boat survived quite nicely. It did ride better with a little kid in the bow, but I could get by with loading my tool box and extra fuel up as far forward as possible. You guessed it, porpoising will be your worst enemy. Structurally, the boat will probably handle the Fastwin. Can’t vouch for the quality of your ride tho. Hope this helps.

Best,
PM T2

He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...

[wbeaton]

A few of my friends have them. I know one member who swears his 1953-54 Super Fastwin is a perfect match for his Feather Craft cartopper. Having done some motor testing on a cartopper I found 10 hp to be about the safe maximum unless it’s a flat water kind of day. It’s not a particularly nice riding boat. Needs lots of weight up front and has more roll than i like.

Wayne
Upper Canada Chapter

uccaomci.com

[JOHN HOLBIK]

I believe the 53 Fastwin weighs less than the later 10hps but a lot more power and speed.

[BRUCE REINHART]

I have found the Feather Craft cartoppers to be a bit tippy and with a Fastwin you will need to be a bit carful , the perfect Feather Craft for. Hat motor is a Ranger l or ll. . I run up to Mk30s and KG-9 on my Ranger l

[JOHN HOLBIK]

Need2fish is your Starcraft the model with only a center keel or does it have the the two sister keels.We had two 14 footers with only the center keel but they were unsuitable for rental at the resort because they were so easy to tip over.Ask me how I know?

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