How much difference in speed for higher HP outboard

[motorman]

Well I finally got a 1997 Crest II Deluxe 22' with 23" toons. It has a 1996 40 hp Mercury Force. It does 17 mph with 4 adults aboard. The boat is rated for 90 hp. Would a 60 hp make a lot of difference? Thanks for the input.

[gkckak]

maybe 6 more mph. Bigger would be even better tho.

[mike]

Go big, try to find a 90 if you can!

[motorman]

Thanks for the response guys. Mike I used to sail at Lucky Peak when I lived there.

[wed]

This comment may be a little late but here is the lesson I learned.
Go for as much HP as you can afford & is within the limits of your boat. I bought my toon with a 60 merc 4 stroke. I was satisfied with 22 mph gps with two people on board. The problem became apparant when we had five adults on board. The 60 was good for about 13 MPH gps at that load.

The salesman had tried to sell me a 90 but I had talked myself out of it (thinking about fuel economy & $$). I went back and traded up to a 90 Merc 4 stroke (max rating for my toon). It will run over 30 mph gps with 4 adults on board. The bigger motor doesn't seem to work as hard and I can cruise at a lower rpm. I am not a speed freak but want to be able to cross big water when I need to. Hopefully I will know more about fuel economy and overall performance after Labor Day Weekend.

[mike]

Thanks for the response guys. Mike I used to sail at Lucky Peak when I lived there.

I was just up there last weekend!! I always go to the marina to launch, its not usually as busy... Small world, did you ever sail on the Cascade or Payette lake?

[mikeherb]

If you're going to spend the money and time to upgrade, go with the 90. You'll never second guess your decision and never have to consider it again. Plus you're boat with haul the mail with that size motor and cruise with ease.

[motorman]

Mike I lived in Boise for 11 years. We mainly sailed at Lucky Peak. I did sail at Lake Coeur d'Alene for a week. We got caught in a 50 mph squall. That was exciting!

[fishmor]

Go 90