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Optimum outboard for Playmate GT?

P

Playmate-GTguy

New member
Hello to all,

I am wondering if I might get some feedback regarding the best size/type of outboard for my 1987 Playmate GT. Before anyone answers - I know what it is supposed to have! That is just so not me, though. That being said, I am not looking to kill myself just yet either, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, I am on the fence between going for the 240 lb. E-TEC 60hp, the 320lb. E-TEC 75/90hp, or perhaps a racing-type (if I could even find a good one) outboard, or.....perhaps another type outboard of your suggestion. I am fairly techno-conscious and therefore would heavily lean toward efi, dfi, etc. over the carb option (but who knows?). I already know that I do definitely want a two-stroke model though.

My primary concerns would be outboard weight (considering this is only a 350lb. boat and I don't want it to sink at the boat ramp) and chine walking, etc. (although I wouldn't necessarily have to use all of the power - always).

I should mention that I am planning on a set of lenco 9x9 trim tabs and already have the CMC 5'' set-back motor jack plate to be installed on her.

Your thoughts would all be greatly appreciated on this matter ~ Thanks!:)
 
cooperider said:
Mine is going to have an 80hp Merc on the back thats around 250pds.
Click to expand...

Do you think that 320 lbs. off of the jack plate would have a noticable effect on the boats stance, performance, etc. Also, do you think a 75hp 3 cylinder e-tec would be much faster (or more worthwhile) than a 60hp 2 cyl. at 80lbs. less would be??
 
If it were me (and I wish it was!) I'd take a strong look at one of the old 1980's 60 HP 2 Stroke JohnnyRudes. :thumb:
 
Good idea thinking about the e-tec. My just got one and it is awesome.

The next motor on my predictor is going to be an e-tec.
 
I'd like to have an e'tec for mine. Maybe next year. I am looking for one of the older ones like Chris was talking about.

I've been kicking up so much dust over the past couple of days in the garage. That I may just have a nice Christmas present out of it.
 
Keep in mind, a Playmate only weighs in at around 300 pounds.

So I'd have to wonder about putting a motor on it, that weighs almost, or as much as the entire boat.

I certainly doubt you'd want any setback with a setup like that.

So I'd be looking for something lighter rather than heavier.

Also, ETEC's are fairly expensive, does it make sense to stick a brand new, or almost new motor on a 20 year old boat?

That's why I'd be looking for one of those old 2 stroke, 2 cylinder, 50-60 HP Johnnyrudes with powertrim. And I hate 'Rudes. But to me, it's the motah that makes the most sense. ;)
 
The Tohatsu guy said he would give me a good deal on some motors when I was ready. I should ask him for a sample.
 
good motor

This Yamaha is a great motor for the GT.
90.jpg
I also like the old faithfull OMC 88spl. I always wanted that motor for my old mx-13
 
What kind of speed are you getting from that 90 Yammi, BP? How is the chine walk and has "anyone" on the lake ever bothered you for having that monster motor on the little 'mate - or were they not quite sure what caused that big wind gust? :devil:

As it turns out, I also have that very same motor on a RIB and so.....hmmm, I ponder!

Thanks for everyone else's feedback so far too!
 
That boat is a members boat it Florida. I haven't seen him on here in a few. But he has a whole thread on that boat.
 
I still like this combo. I know they was jokeing with us, but still. I think it could be done.

1988Playmate115hp.jpg
 
My vote would be for the carb 90 Yamaha too. It's about the most power per pound you'll find........................
 
I'm with JW on the Yammies.

If I was going to go bigger than a two cylinder OMC 60 than next up would be one of the Yammy 3 cylinder models.

Keep in mind you are effectively overpowering this boat though!

So I'd be checking on what effect that might have on your insurance, liability etc.

So buyer, rigger and owner beware! :devil:

Assuming you can get all that stuff sorted, here's a link to the three, 3 cylinder models Yammy make.

The 70 looks enticing at 228 LBS and a redline of 6K :drool:

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/products/subcatspecs/10/specs.aspx
 
I must agree with you Chris and JW that, just looking at the numbers, the Yammi 70 & 90 seem like good tickets in terms of horses per pound. I guess the real variable here is: just how much weight IS too much for this boat anyway? And...does anyone know if Checkmate ever did publish any data on this particular scenario. Namely: maximum acceptable outboard weight rating? It would be very interesting to see how one with a 320lb. 90 E-TEC would fair in a race with the same boat equipped with a 261lb. Yammi 90. Hmmm.....???? ;) ~ I'd probably lose!!!!!

Then again, I am probably just admitting that I should just forget about all of this and go out and get myself a hydro, right? .......NA'AHH!!!

Further, has anyone ever heard at what speed these things are likely to blow over on their backs?? Obviously, water conditions have alot to do with it, but at what speed range are they otherwise known to start getting "squirly" and light up at the bow? For me, the mission here would be to have enough HP to move two adults along at the maximum, realistic, attainable speed for this hull, while still being able to maintain, at least, some measure of control.

Hope I don't wear you folks out all at once, but to me, it is a very interesting topic and I want to at least try to nail it right in the bullseye, if I can. :surf:
 
Well, its a great thread, and all info that I would like to know also. I'm going to have to break out my math book and figure this out soon anyway. Not just what its rated for, but the theoretical. The boat had a rigged capacity of 295 pounds. With the rated hp motor (50) So if your not running 2 people, and only weigh 200, this gives you an extra 95pounds for the motor.

One of the things I need to do soon is figure out how much and where to put the foam flotation in this boat. I've been told that it will never meet the regs as far as level floatation. I think it can, but I'll have to sink one to test it.

Weight is your biggest concern with this boat.
 
The horsepower rating comes from the length/width coast guard formula unfortunately. I dont know of anyone that's run one with over 60 horse besides the one here with a 90.
 
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