thompsondockside.com

I need to know if a Evinrude 75hp Starflite weighing 220lbs is to much engine for my 15' Thompson Runabout? I'm thinking it might be a bit too big but I want to be sure before buying it.

Who made the boat and at what location and what year is she?

The 1961 Thompson Bros. Boat Mfg. Co., Peshtigo, WI Sea Coaster has a centerline length of 15'-10" and is rated for up to 75 HP. The Sea Skiff at 13'-10" centerline length in 1961 is rated for up to 40 HP.

There is no model at 15'-0" centerline length.

Andreas

It is a Thompson Boat made in Cortland, NY. The small metal plate on the transom has a serial number of 54776, manufactured in Cortland, NY. I see no numbers burned into the transom. It has a 15' overall length and a 67" beam. The title says 1959 but the serial number seems to indicate 1954. Looking at pictures on this site I think it may be a Sea Coaster. I went to the "What do I have" page and sent an email with pics to TDockside@aol.com on 6/21, but did not receive a reply. Thanks for any help.

I have had a 16' Cruisers Inc with a 75 Evinrude and it seemed a little heavy in the rear at rest, it was fast and it was a gas hog. I currently have another 16' with a 40 hp Johnson and I think I prefer it, it sips gas and runs about 25+. It is probably a little underpowered for 4 people but works great for 2. It all depends upon what you want to do with your boat. I think a 40 to 60hp is plenty for a 15'.

I agree with Dan.. My '60 Seacoaster is just under 16'... like 15' 6 or 10", I don't remember...

My 1961 75Hp Johnson runs nice, and you can cruise quite a while @ 25-28 on 6 gal. at partial throttle, but it is really heavy. Given the old transom, I would get a lighter motor, like a 40-60 as Dan suggested. I have a metal brace, and don't expect my engine to rip off the transom, nor would I want to switch now that everything is reworked and working great. But if I was w/o an engine, I would look at a lighter model.

John.

Dan and John thanks for the input. You confirmed what I was thinking and besides I won't be doing any major runs nor will I have a need for speed. My wife and I will primarily be cruising the two small rivers that border the peninsula I live on. I'll forgo the 61 Evinrude Starlite 70hp in excellent condition with controls and gas tanks for $450. I think I'll go with another motor I found. It's a 58 Evindrude Big Twin 35hp, for $400, which is in very good condition also.