Carolina Skiff 1965 Horse Power

[Hedda]

I just ordered a 1965 Carolina Skiff Pre Rig with a 50 Yamaha 4 Stroke - I have a friend that is going nuts telling me I am way underpowered, it will never get on plane, etc...

I do a ton of crabbing from late Spring through early Fall, then I switch to Rockfish (casting) and then Sea Ducks - We also do a few flounder trips per-year

Typically it is my wife, two kids, myself and sometimes the dog on the boat (the kids may bring a friend along)

The boat is rated for up to 9 people (but probably not very comfortably!)

Ocasionally I may end up taking a group of people on short runs to sand islands when we are on vacation - For this I am not worried about going very fast

My question - Am I underpowered with this set-up???

Thanks!

[TDAU]

I'll share 3 experiences with you. My neighbor has a 1965 with a 40 yamaha 2 stroke and has no complaints. One of my fishing buddies had a 1965 with a 50 honda 4 stroke. He usually fished with 3 adults and a 50 gallon livewell in the back and had no complaints. I myself owned a 1765 with a 50 Suzuki 4 stroke. I usually fished 2 or 3 people with a 50 gallon livewell. No problems getting on plane. More often than not you'll find that the boat is faster than the seas will allow you to go. Plus you can fish all day on 3 or 4 gallons of fuel. However more than 3 or 4 people tends to get a little cramped in that boat.

[Hedda]

Given the option would you swap out to a 70 HP 2 Stroke Yamaha? I looked at the 1980 but it went over the budget

I am mostly out in:

The upper bay (flats, rivers and Pooles)
All the creeks around Eastern Bay
Eastern Bay
The general area of the mouth of the Choptank (weather permitting)
For Sea Ducking I avoid anything > 15 knots but try to stay around 10

[TDAU]

My opinion? I would definately go with the 4 stroke. Again, I think you'll find the boat will be quicker than you'll be able to go most of the time.

[BYRD]

My father in law has a 1965 skiff with a 50 HP honda 4 stroke. It is plenty of power. He peelers in the spring and duck hunts in the winter.

[freeflow_23]

50hp should be enough to get it on plane. That's the skiff advantage.

[bigwater3]

Hedda,
I think your choice of a 70hp 2 stroke is very well done, the difference between this engine and a 50hp 4 stroke for the money is immense in terms of production and looking at what you do, the gas milage will be no problem. Congrats on your new boat and all the opportunities you have now, a long run from Calvert cliffs in 3 or 4 foot swells...the boat and crew thank you (been there, done that!) Open yourself up to a whole new salt water world!