I have a 17' valco riveted sled, came with a broken 90 hp johnson....I am looking to repower my sled and was wondering how low of horse power i should be looking at.....I can get a deal on a yamaha 40/30 but dont know if it will be to little horse power.......any input?

How low you should be looking at?

More like how high should I be looking at.

A 90/65 was probably a good match for your sled.

A 40/30 is WAY too small IMO.

thats what i thought, but just not finding much within my buget right now in that HP range.....I might just get a new powerhead for my 90 HP and test out my mechanical skills......Im an electrician , but have never been really mechanically inclined....how hard can it be to pull of this powerhead, remove carbs and re-install a new powerhead.......LOL

Chongo, I tried to pm you a while back about a jet outboard that I had seen on the Portland craiglist. I was trying from another site, but could not get it to send. Probably gone by now though. What year is that motor, I know of a guy that has a 110 johnson for sale, maybe you could swap the jet on it. Give me a pm on this site if you would, I would like to discuss that 40-30 with you.

Thanks Steve Ng
FishNg1@aol.com

Always max out your H.P. rating on a sled.What was said above seems to be a good choice 90/65 or even a 115/80 if it can handle the H.P. & extra weight.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Don't just stick it in a little way's / Hammer it home with H.P.

Hey Chongo,

Is your boat a flat bottom?? If so, you ~might~ be able to get by with a 60/45hp, but IMO a 40/30 wouldn't cut it.

If you have a semi-V bottom (6 -14 degree) you'd best look at a 90/65 minimum.

Also - the power/weight ratio is really important . Mine is tiller operated and anymore weight in the stern and I'd be running around with the bow up in the air (not a good thing).

later,

Brian

New to this board. but having repowerd my sled I went to the max HP This way I never run the top end But have the extra power if needed. Iwould rather have more power than needed than getin a bind without enough power

It has a 6 degree V i believe........slight V but not a true flat bottom......I think i have decided to replace the powerhead......that way i have a true 90/65........and i dont have to go through the B.S. of pulling the motor off and bolting another on.........