I am picking up a used Alumacraft 14’ this coming week (54" wide across the top, one of the mid-sized 14’s). Has the slight mod-v front on it (ie, not a flat upswept bow).
Sometime after the first of the year I’m probably going to get either a new or used outboard for it, but I’m wanting to stay affordable and portable, so I’m looking at a 5-6hp 4-stroke (gas sipper) since most of them only weigh around 50-60 pounds. I will be tossing this boat in the back of a truck for a while, I don’t want to lug around an 80 pound 9.9 if I can avoid it.
How does the 5 or 6hp push your boat, if you have a similar size boat?
That sounds like a good hull. I think the 54 inch beam is the bigger version. I would try to go with the 10hp and above if you can. Top end is not the issue it’s being able to easily get up on plane. 10 to 15hp will allow you load it up with gear and go camping if you want.
Chris, those are so far and few between that I’m skeptical of finding one for a reasonable price. The few that I’ve seen on Craigslist are either out in Savannah or are one of those frustrating deals where someone buys it, mooches off the previous owner’s registration until it expires, then they sit on it for a year or two and then decide to sell it with an open title rather than ever having it transferred.
If you guys have used ones like that frequently enough, please let me know. I’m not able to buy it right now, but when the time comes, I’ll know who to ask.