Many people have asked me what size motor for 16 foot fiberglass boat to use.
First of all, if you have this type of boat, congrats! This should help elevate your fishing game and snag better catches.
Moreover, installing a motor and adding some customizations should be pretty much easy-peasy on this type of boat. But it is all about making sure you have the perfect motor to use.
With the best motor, this boosts the performance of your boat while making sure it lasts a long time. On the other hand, the wrong one can end up becoming an expensive mistake.
So, if you need a definitive answer to this question, keep reading. We got you covered to make sure your boat performs to its maximum capability!
Contents
What Size Motor For 16 Foot Fiberglass Boat
Some people recommend a 60 HP motor to use on a 16 foot fiberglass boat.
But then again, this question is a bit more complex than you think. The size of the motor also depends on various factors such as the number of passengers, fuel efficiency level, boat use, and what the manufacturer’s requirements are.
So, if you want to make sure that you get the absolute best motor for your 16 foot fiberglass boat, then you need to consider these aspects to achieve the result you want.
This type of boat is excellent for small fishing trips, hunting excursions, and for exploring the lake or river. It should be able to carry up to 4 adults without any problem at all, as long as they do not exceed 990 lbs in total.
As for the top speed, it should be around 25 to 30 mph. But at the same time, the speed depends on the passengers’ total weight and other gear on the boat.
You will also like the fact that they are affordable and easy to customize. But it is all a matter of making sure that motor size is perfect. By doing so, your boat can last longer and will be easier to maintain.
Determining The Best Motor Size For A 16-Foot Boat
For the most part, manufacturers indicate the maximum horsepower recommended for a particular boat. But if you have lost your manual, or the boat is old and the motor size recommended is no longer found, then you can do your own calculations while adhering to the federal laws.
With 16-foot boats, you need to multiply the length of your boat by the transom width. What this means is that you should measure it by hand (the width). Then, you can match the number you have gotten to the Outboard Boat Horsepower Capacity required, so this helps you learn more about the maximum HP of the motor to use.
Typically, many 16-foot fiberglass boats use motors with a horsepower range of 50 to as much as 300. However, you cannot simply get any HP you want since you should think about the usage and size of your vessel.
But with a 60 HP motor, this should allow you to achieve a speed of 25 to 30 mph. It is a pretty decent speed for such a good motor size.
Important Considerations When Deciding On The Motor Size
When buying a motor for your boat, you should pay attention to the following factors:
1. Manufacturer Requirements
Your boat can only handle a certain amount of weight. This is why you should adhere to the recommended weight capacity by your manufacturer. Do not overload it with many appliances and people. For instance, the average weight limit for a 16-foot fiberglass boat is 990 lbs.
Do take note that this number includes a combination of passengers, fuel, motor, and appliances on the boat. When you exceed the maximum weight limit, this is considered as a violation of the law, which is subject to penalties.
2. Passengers
As we have mentioned earlier, you should consider the number of people on the boat to determine the motor size to get. For the most part, you can only fit a maximum of 4 people on the boat, but it also depends on their combined total weight.
With more people, the larger your engine needs to be. Moreover, even if you only plan on riding the boat alone, you should consider buying a suitable motor for at least a couple of people. This way, you do not have to worry about having less horsepower in case you carry with you several supplies and gears.
3. Boat Usage
Typically, 16-foot fiberglass boats are quite versatile. You can use these for a number of things, and even for transporting heavy appliances. This is why your engine should be plenty powerful for your needs.
If you only intend to use it for solo fishing, however, then you do not need to have a motor that packs a serious punch. An oversized engine only negatively impacts your ability to control it. The boat may also end up leaning to the stern or swamping by the wake, which means bad news for you and your vehicle.
Also, consider how often you plan on using the boat. For boats that are only used occasionally, then there is no need to buy a very expensive and greatly powerful engine. But at the same time, make sure it is reliable enough and will not break easily.
4. Fuel Efficiency Level
Last but not least, you need to think about getting a motor that is fuel efficient. In the case of 16-foot fiberglass boats, this is not always a matter of bigger means better. You simply would want a fuel-efficient and reasonably-priced motor that can serve its purpose for a long time.
Thus, you should not go way beyond or below the required motor size. Choosing the latter may be fuel-efficient, but as long as your motor can specifically suit your needs.
Read More: What Size Outboard For A 14 Aluminum Boat?
Final Words
There are several sizes of motor available, and it can be overwhelming picking out just the right one for you. This is why you should consider important factors such as the boat’s capacity, usage, and material. The number of passengers expected to ride the boat, as well as their total weight, also need to be factor in.
We hope that after reading this post, you were able to gain insights on the best size of motor to use for a 16-foot fiberglass boat. By doing so, you can prevent common issues with the wrong motor size such as uneven distribution of the boat’s weight, instability, and even serious accidents.
Thus, you can expect a smoother and more efficient ride while getting the best value for your dollar.
