hp question

[captain ray]

I am looking at a MT 34 sedan with 80 HP F/L. Will that engine be enough to provide enough for unexpected "need for speed" situations? It seems underpowered! Had a 80hp driving one of my generators on previous boat. Would appreciate any comment as I need to GO/NOGO on this purchase.
Thanks in advance--Captain Ray

[Kokanee]

Most MT 34's came with the 120hp Lehman, but 80 hp is plenty enough to travel at displacement speed (7.5 - 8 knots). It might struggle to get over the bow wave though.

The MT 34 has a semi-displacement hull, so more hp can give you an extra couple of knots knots or so, but at 2 or 3X the fuel usage. 7.5 knots vs 9 or 10 knots - really it doesn't matter once you get used to it.

I'd be more concerned about the window frames and flybridge floor structure.

[djmarchand]

Semi displacement hulls require about 20-25 hp per 10,000 lbs of displacement to move at hull speed. Your boat probably weighs 20,000 lbs loaded. So at the most you need 50 hp. You can run that Lehman all day putting out 50 hp with not a problem.

You can probably get a knot more at wot, but don't bother. Plus wot isn't good for any engine.

David

[captain ray]

Thanks David--will put everything in the mix----Capt.Ray