HP choice for 1600 Alaskan

[ozarkeyes]

The 1600 is rated for 60hp tiller. I know, one should 'max out' the HP on a boat. But may have good deal for it to get rigged with 50 4strk. Will I lose much performance on this boat with a 50 rather than 60. It will not be a heavily loaded boat, on average just 2 people, and at most would be 3 guys occasionaly.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Go find yourself the current issue of BWB (Bass & Walleye Boats) magazine. They have a 6 or 7 50hp motor shoot-out. My feeling is that if the 50's and 60's are built on the same platform (# of cylinders, # of cubic inches) that the 50 tends to be a "strong" 50, the 60 not so much. I really doubt that you'll see an appreciable difference in performance, again, if they are basically the same motor. Not sure which brand you're looking at, Yamaha probably has the best tiller handle of the bunch. If you can, get yourself a tach in the deal, otherwise, you're just guessing as far as rpms and such. Again, certain motors have multi-function gauge options (like Mercry's Smartcraft) that can also give you fault codes, hours, fuel used, etc.
Happy shopping.
HRG

[Gull Lake Guy]

The 50 is more than adequate on the 16' Alaskan. I ran that exact rig for several years before going to the 18' version, and I never encountered a situation where I felt the 50 was underpowered. The Yamaha and Suzuki 4 strokes are great in this HP range, and would strongly suggest either. Mercury's new handle is a vast improvement, but the Yamaha still gets my vote. Good Luck with your new rig !

[ozarkeyes]

Go find yourself the current issue of BWB (Bass & Walleye Boats) magazine. They have a 6 or 7 50hp motor shoot-out. My feeling is that if the 50's and 60's are built on the same platform (# of cylinders, # of cubic inches) that the 50 tends to be a "strong" 50, the 60 not so much. I really doubt that you'll see an appreciable difference in performance, again, if they are basically the same motor. Not sure which brand you're looking at, Yamaha probably has the best tiller handle of the bunch. If you can, get yourself a tach in the deal, otherwise, you're just guessing as far as rpms and such. Again, certain motors have multi-function gauge options (like Mercry's Smartcraft) that can also give you fault codes, hours, fuel used, etc.
Happy shopping.
HRG

I read that BWB article and was surpised and impressed with the results. I was leaning toward the Yamaha, but the Mercury had better numbers especially noticeable in the fuel category which has caused me to ponder a little longer. The Mercury "big tiller" handle would the clencher but that is not possible yet. Are you listening Mercury? (Mark Klosser please pass this on to your teammates).

[ozarkeyes]

Oh by the way, does anyone know if the '03 Alaskans have the IPS hull?

[San Chan]

Oh by the way, does anyone know if the '03 Alaskans have the IPS hull?



2002 and 2005 Catalog showing all 1600, 1800, 2000 Alaskan all have "True Lund V". I guess the 2003 aren't IPS Hull.

[Bigfishhunter]

I have a Lund Outfitter, similar style boat, (mine just has a casting deck) and I have a 50 on it which is the max hp rated for mine. (17 ft) It moves around really well, gets up fast and cruises at anywhere from 30-33mph depending on load.
Mine is the Mercury and it is one sweet motor, yeah I would like the better style handle but the way that this motor works and performs is much more important. Like previously mentioned 50's and 60's are pretty much the same motor anyway.

[Hot Runr Guy]

The 1600 is rated for 60hp tiller. I know, one should 'max out' the HP on a boat. But may have good deal for it to get rigged with 50 4strk. Will I lose much performance on this boat with a 50 rather than 60. It will not be a heavily loaded boat, on average just 2 people, and at most would be 3 guys occasionaly.
BWB magazine now has that 50hp shoootout article available for download, in case you didn't get the print copy yet.
http://www.bwbmag.com/images/elements/1956565_50hpShootout_.pdf

HRG

[oldblue2008]

brochure lists the 2003 alaskans as having the True Lund V hull

[ozarkeyes]

H'mmm, decisions, decisions.... Thanks for the info!

[T Mac]

Over the years, we sold numerous 1600 Alaskans w/ F-50 Yamahas.
They work just fine.