Looking for advice...

**CyCleZ2004** · 07-16-2020, 07:30 PM

So I wasn't sure where else to post this, but when running a smaller boat let's say Sub 18 feet, is there anything that needs to be done to the transom for running 150+hp motor on something designed for max rating of 90 to 150?

**SS Minnow** · 07-16-2020, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by CyCleZ2004

So I wasn't sure where else to post this, but when running a smaller boat let's say Sub 18 feet, is there anything that needs to be done to the transom for running 150+hp motor on something designed for max rating of 90 to 150?

Maybe. Depends on a few things. What condition is the transom in? How much horsepower do you plant to bolt onto it? Which motor in particular and how much does it weigh? Any set-back or just straight to transom?

Will never hurt to add a knee or two to the transom. Not that much work, but only effective if the transom and core are in good shape. The faster you want to go, the more work you are looking at. In the end it is worth it though.

**CyCleZ2004** · 07-16-2020, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by SS Minnow

Maybe. Depends on a few things. What condition is the transom in? How much horsepower do you plant to bolt onto it? Which motor in particular and how much does it weigh? Any set-back or just straight to transom?

Will never hurt to add a knee or two to the transom. Not that much work, but only effective if the transom and core are in good shape. The faster you want to go, the more work you are looking at. In the end it is worth it though.

Well the work I'm not afraid of. As I am looking for a project boat as well as a fishing boat. Dont get me wrong i like going fast but my daughter and i like to go fishing more so.

My ideal target motor is probably a 200efi or direct injection. As far as set back goes I know enough that I want adjust on fly height but finding the smallest set back as possible.

A target speed I have in mind is around 80 to 85 and the boats that keep coming to mind are Skeeter Starfire's. It just a process of finding one.

**moparbarn** · 07-17-2020, 09:13 PM

There's a Starfire for sale on Craigslist in Winchester, VA.

**rgsauger** · 07-19-2020, 10:34 PM

Might know of one here in Houston if interested

**loop** · 07-23-2020, 08:11 AM

Do you have a reason that you need to stay under 18ft? Just asking because if you can go 19-20 ft there a lot more options that would get you closer to your goal of 80-85mph.
That speed range is a tall order for any boat with 200hp and the best way by far would be to start out with the most efficient(fast)hull available for your budget.

**CyCleZ2004** · 07-23-2020, 09:18 AM

The reason is to stay in the bass boat family, I'm okay with finding a older mod v bass boat but finding an 18'+ gets harder to find.

**loop** · 07-25-2020, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by CyCleZ2004

The reason is to stay in the bass boat family, I'm okay with finding a older mod v bass boat but finding an 18'+ gets harder to find.

Actually an under 20' boat bass boat that will run those speeds is gonna be much harder to find than something over 20'.
There are only a few truly fast bass boats under 20'. Allison XST's, and Lasers come to mind. I'm sure there are others but I dont think the Skeeter Starfire is on that list.
Over 20' theres several Allison models, Bullet's, Gamblers and more that would do exactly what you want.
Another question,How is Missouri about using a motor larger than the boat is rated for? Here in Texas you dont hear much about it but in some other states i'm told its a pretty stiff fine.
Most hi performance bass boats these days are over 20' and dont have a maximum HP rating to worry about.

Overpowering a boat isnt gonna guarantee it to be fast. Its all about the bottom design then setup.