[Mike McAvoy]

I have an older 16' Westcoaster w/40 hp Yamaha. I may need to re-power and wonder if something in the 25-30 hp range might work as well and be more affordable-$?

My fishing is done in the Columbia River, estuaries and maybe in the future in the Sound/Hood canal area.

For you in the know, what are the pros and cons of the larger vs smaller outboards?
MikeMc

 

[Mark Walker]

Always better to have more power and not need it , than need more power and not have it.:thumb:

 

[Kim Hampton]

Always better to have more power and not need it , than need more power and not have it.:thumb:

Yep

 

[Steelheader69]

Mike, it really depends on the boat it's on (not all 16' boats are the same) and how much weight you'll have on it. I had a 14' jetboat that was almost UNDERPOWERED with my 75hp converted jet. But was a wide heavy aluminum boat. With just 2 people in it, the 75 was perfect. If I put a third (which how it was designed would fish 3 perfectly) was underpowered with a 75hp jet. I don't know what a westcoaster is (or I may, but just don't recall the name itself but may have seen the boats). How does it handle now with the 40hp you have on it with the style of fishing you do? Do you feel like you could use more power at times? If you've had ZERO problems with power, then keep it like it is. But it is true, you can never have too much. BUT, you can have a maximum rating on your transom that you should try to stick with.

 

[Trout Master]

also if you do repower and go with a 4 stroke in the same horse power you have alot of added weight over the 2 stroke.

 

[Peter Pancho]

Get the maximum what your boat is rated for, you won't regret it. In lakes not so important, but the salt more IS better..

 

[Mike McAvoy]

Thanks Guys, sounds like the jury all agree that downsizing does not make sense. Brings up another question and that would be sources to watch, inquire at for people who are re-powering and have a good used motor for sale? Or is that a bag of snakes and I would be $ ahead to step up to the plate and buy a new outboard?
MikeMc

 

[Steelheader69]

Funny you ask. So far Ebay and Craigslist have been great arenas to buy used motors. My buddy loves buying boats and rebuilding them. He's bought several on both. BUT, he's a boat nut, so knows what to look for in a motor to see if it's bad or not. I think he's paid a fraction of the price for all his Yamahas. Hell, he bought a 150hp Yamaha pump with tiller controls for $1100. Fired right up. Just did a tune up on it and it was golden. He had to drive to Portland to get it (he lives in Sequim). But for that price, was worth it.

 

[yellowlab]

Not a good idea... I'd rather have more HP and be confident than go wimpy and save a buck or two. Keep in mind the weight of the boat, passengers, gear, and fuel. This doesn't even factor weather, and or foul seas.