I've asked several times and places over the past year or two, and had surprisingly little response. But I know some of you have outboards on your houseboats. What brand? What horsepower? What fuel consumption are you getting, how does the boat handle in current, tide, close quarters, etc? What about maintenance? (This boat will probably never be hauled out of the water.) Longevity?


We'd decided on two 60hp Merc BigFoots with the largest prop they'd swing to power this homemade catamaran-hulled, somewhat heavy, displacement boat, but then started hearing grumbles from unhappy Merc owners. Another expert recommended eTecs, but the Evinrude factory CS guy wasn't so positive about their product's use in this case. The nearest dealers are all at least 30 miles away, and we'll have to mount the motors without taking the boat out of the water, which frightens some dealers. (It'll be relatively easy to back it up to a ramp or dock, though, and the holes are already drilled.)
So, thoughts, anybody? Particularly from voices of experience? We're pretty well set on the outboard route, rather than inboards.

I do not think 60 Hp mercs will have the prop size to handle that boat as it should be. I of course am not a big fan of outboards on a houseboat for that reason. You could get two 140 merc engines with outdrives in used boats for a lot less $$$ and you would handle much better. you could completly rebuild them and still save $$$. they would not burn as much fuel as the outboard.

Thanks, Pirate, for your thoughts. I know you have extensive experience with both inboards and outboards. My only experience with outdrives was watching three brothers up to their necks in very cold water one winter daybreak, trying to repair the outdrive (the only one on this 38-foot houseboat) with a coathanger and dental floss. Heard some words I didn't know these perfect gentlemen even knew. Two of the three HAD to be at work in two hours and we were miles from the dock. Somehow they managed, the day was (barely)saved, and the third gentleman in question has oddly enough, lost his taste for that sort of engine. Since it's his boat that needs powering, I suspect we're stuck with outboards, taking some comfort that many rental fleets seem to use them.

We were figuring to start with a couple of whoever's high-thrust outboards, and try 14"/11 props and see how that goes. We've heard 14/9s can be special ordered, if flatter is necessary. Hull speed is likely to be about 9 knots. Go-fast planer, it ain't. This is to be a nice pokey shantyboat for use on NC's western (and usually calmer) Albemarle Sound and its swampy tributaries, and if we get that figured out, on to the ICW, maybe. Photos of progress so far at http://reiheld.home.mchsi.com/boat.htm

As you can see, the transom is already set up for the (admittedly awfully expensive) outboards, although I suppose if we found outboards totally inadequate, he could somehow rebuild those stern hull sections.

So, of the outboards you've seen, repaired, and used for this purpose, do you have a favorite, or do they ALL fall way short of adequate?

Hondas Are hard to beat. A Commercial operation in Tarpon Springs has 2 Hondas on a 40 foot tour boat for 3 years with minimal maintenance, good performance, and good fuel economy. I have ridden on this boat and it performs very well.

Hello,
I would have no trouble going with the outboards 60 hp is fine up to 115 hp. The key is that you have two motors for docking and you have a spare in case one dies. 14x 11 prop is about right, however you might end up with a 14x13 but for 60hp 14x11 will work. You really never know on props till you try them out just make sure your prop can not over rev the engine. This boat will not plane so 60's will get maybe 10 mph tops but thats good enough.

Some real world gas milage

46 ft myacht alum pontoon inland lake
towing a 21 ft ski boat 2 60 bigfoot mercs 4 stroke
2 mpg 8 people on board.


What do you estimate your boat to weigh when finished?

You can install the outboards in the water all you need is a way to hoist it onto the transom plate, 4 bolts and its secured. Maybe an engine hoist on the back deck?

Look at all the houseboats that use outboards they will work fine don't let anyone tell you different. Look at destinationyacht.com that's about all they use (just one of many examples) good luck.

Oh yeah and I enjoyed your project page keep up the good work and keep us up dated.
Bob