11.5 ft skiff, outboard size?

[tomsgonefishin]

I just built an Uncle John's 11.5 skiff. I'd like to put a 9.8 HP outboard
on it. The motor I am looking at is about 81 pounds. Just wonding if it will be over powered or not with the 9.8. I think the
USCG calculations come out to around 3 or 4 HP, but as long as I am carefull, (easy on the throttle, and weight distributed) couldn't I go with a bit more HP? The transom is 3/4" plywood, and the rest of the hull is 1/4 marine ply. I have glassed the hull outside and inside. I have applied a few coats of epoxy on the entire boat.


Thanks
Tom

[mackid068]

I checked with my calculator and with Ted Brewer's book: "Understanding Boat Design" (My favorite design book!) and found that you probably aren't overpowering it, especially if it's not a v-hull. If it's a v-hull, you could even go up to 15. Check your displacement, but I think your hull speed is about 4.5 kts. displacement, and a heck of a lot greater if planing.

[tomsgonefishin]

I'll do that.
Thank you.