Motor size help - rigging out 18” aluminum boat

[johnnywalkerred01]

Just picked up a 18’ long 75” wide at the bottom, 95” wide at the top, flat bottom aluminum boat. It’s Listed as a 1988 traveler but I can’t find any info on it. No inspection plate. It’s a nice bare hull I’m going to rig out to run shallow.

I feel like a 90 hp sound about right?

Would a 125 merc 2004 I may have available be too much weight? I want a jack plate as well FYI.

No flotation pods on back FYI.


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[bwguardian]

The Mercury ELPTO 90 sets the scales at 305lbs. and the 125 is only 40lbs. heavier at 348lbs., which is the same as the 115 as the only difference is the larger carburetors. You might also consider the Yamaha 90 as it's much lighter at 261lbs., just be sure and either get a commercial series or disconnect the oil injection and premix.

[Sgrem]

Those weights are for some older motors....the newer ones are a bit heavier.

I run a 90hp four stroke on a 20.5ft aluminum boat with 99" bottom with float pods and jack plate and up to 7 big biscuit heads. Motor weighs 400# I think.

If you are wanting it to run shallow I would say a 60-90hp. If more bass boat style I would say 75-115hp.

[johnnywalkerred01]

Would an OMC 70 have enough guts to push 3-4 people and gear on the hull I’m getting? Don’t need to go faster than 30ish but don’t want a bad hole shot. I love those motors just not sure it’s enough.


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[Sgrem]

It will be plenty. That boat is not hard to push. It will plane up easy and push it fine.

[johnnywalkerred01]

Thanks guys.


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[gotmuddy]

Most people overpower aluminum boats thinking they are bass boats. a 90hp yamaha would be ideal but a 70hp evinrude is a great option as well. I am a yamaha fanatic, and if you have the coin for one they won't leave you stranded.

What are your plans?? I am interested. I just finished my skiff.

[[email protected]]

I have a totally rebuilt Evinrude 70 hp for sale. Will fit perfect on that boat

Brent 832 435 1614

[Txredfish]

I have a 18 foot Alumacraft with 70 HP Yamaha. It runs just fine. Gets up on plane very quick and runs shallow.

[Bobby Hill]

We own a 18' Alumacraft w/ a tunnel and pods. We started out with a 2 stroke 70 Yamaha and upgraded to a 90 four stroke Yamaha in 2013. The 70 2 stRoke was a good bulletproof motor, it would push our boat around low 30s lightly loaded, had ok holeshot. The F90 pushes us mid-high 30s and holeshot is unbelievable. If there is water in the tunnel it will get on plane over shell or sand every time.

IMO, I understand you don't have a tunnel or pods, but if you want GOOD holeshot for the shallows, go with a newer four-stroke. If you are looking for basic scoot scoot, go with a older two stroke 70 or 90HP. I dont think you will gain all that much going up to a 115/125 besides a few more MPH.