I'm Looking at a 32 with an 18 hp Volvo. Is this boat under powered? I've seen many 32's with 25 - 30 hp engines.
Paul
Paul
Engine hp recommended for 32 cc
- Thread starter Pdale
- Start date
- Status
I can't specifically answer except to say I have a 31, which is about 1,000 pounds less displacement, with a Universal M-18 rated at 14 horsepower. That has always been enough but I think it is on the conservative side. Based on that I would think 18 horsepower in the 32 would probably be enough but on the lower side of that. Hopefully an owner of a 32 with the Volvo will chime in with an opinion.
My 35 is 21 HP at 11,500 pounds displacement. I have seen a few times when I wished I had a little more oomph trying to pound into a steep chop but for 95% of the time it is plenty of power and I cruise at a steady 5.3 to 5.6 knots without pushing the engine at all.
I have a 32 with a Westerbeke 30 which I believe is rated 27 hp and max RPM is 2500 and I never go above 1500 and I'll be doing 6+ knots easy and most of the time its just to get out of the marina before hoisting sail except when I'm ready to go on vacation then there's either no wind or its right on the nose and I'll be motoring for 12 hrs. I think the biggest issue is the Volvo engine ....parts available, reliable?
- Status