TOPIC: 1958 Fleetform Too much power?

Picked up this little beauty about 3 months ago. I'm on the lookout for a period correct engine for it but in the meantime do you guys think a mid 70's 50 hp Merc would be too much for it?

Mungo03,

You really should NOT exceed the recommended HP for that hull (OR any other boat). = The builder KNOWS what their hull SHOULD have to operate SAFELY.
Also game wardens, lake patrols & the USCG may fine you for exceeding the recommended HP.
(The lake patrol in my home county is VERY efficient at "ticketing" violators. - The MINIMUM penalty is a 300.oo fine plus 170.oo accessment for court costs.)

yours, satx

50 is not enough.If it was mine I would have two knee braces on the transom with a 115-150 hp in line 6 pushing it. Looks to be a solid and big enough hull with plenty of lines that scream I'm fast.If you want to top out in the low 30's with a load and 2-3 people then a 75-100 hp in that period would do.There is not much difference in weight in all of the above,so I would not be concerned in that issue.Bigger is always better....

my old fleetform i had as a kid ( 1965) had a 45 hp scott atwater and it could have used more power. the design of the transom is very strong, a 50 merc should work great. frog

The only time I've ever had TOO much power was a Mark 75 on a Feather Craft 14. Oh, and a 375 fuelie 327 in an MG-TF, oh and a Porsche Super 90 in a Checkmate 13.... and a Corvair 140 in a Porsche B Roadster, oh and a Triumph engine and drive train in a Whizzer Sportsman,...oh and a .... naaaah.... NONE of them were overpowered and the Suzuki 140 four stroke on my Sefair is JUST RIGHT!

That's what I'm talkin' about!!!!!! You go Gary!!!!!!!!!!

Bob