Motor size for 12-14’ aluminum boat

[lokidog]

There is a huge range of boats 12-14'. A lot of it depends on what you have.  I have a 12' Starcraft that works great with a 15 hp engine on it.  I had a 14' Sylvan that worked fine with same 15 hp two stroke when only two people a dog and light fishing gear were in it. But, if you put same two people, dog, fishing and camping gear in it, it was a scow. A 25 would have been much better. An old 1940's five horse pushed the 12' along fine with one person, but any gear in it and it would have plowed.

[Caseyd]

[Crunchy]

To give a better opinion we would need to see a pic of the boat.  For just fishing lakes I would guess an 8-9 hp would do just fine. 

[PA BEN]

I have a 25 hp on my 60's model 14ft aluminum. When your running 5 miles to get to your fishing spot it doesn't take all day to get there with a 10hp. Less gas to. My will do 27 mph.

[Bullkllr]

Years ago. my friend and I got a 12ft sears roebuck 12ft alum.  We scored on a 15hp Evinrude 4 stroke for it.  First time in water he cranked full throttle and we almost buried it.   35mph skipping like a crazy idiot was no problem.   I think a 5-9.9 would do job easy....

  Been there. Put a 25 Johnson on a light 14ft Klamath and it was way too much motor. Was much happier when I went to a 9.9.

As stated by Loki and Crunchy, there is huge variance in 12-14 foot aluminum hull designs and the motors that work best on them.  In that size range an only slightly beefier hull makes a big difference in HP rating.

If its a "standard"light boat and use is mostly on smaller lakes, Mudman's idea of 5-9.9hp is plenty.

[Blacklab]

Had a 15’ smoker craft rated for a 35hp. Had a 30hp 2 stroke 25-26 mph depending on water. Get the most power your boat can handle you won’t regret it. Have fun