New boat size

[Casey6]

I'm looking at getting a new fishing boat and I'm wanting to power it with a new tohatsu 40hp tldi because I heard it's easy to bump it up to a 50hp. It will have console steering. My question is what would be the biggest boat I could power with this and still get good performance out of it? I want to stay with a 40hp because I fish lacassine reserve quite a bit.

[CajunChristian]

Boat size is a matter of personal preference. That motor will push almost any aluminum boat from the low to high 30's. The heavier the boat, the slower you go. That motor on a 1548, 400 pound boat will run upper 30's. Same motor on a 1752 will run low to mid 30's. It's YOUR decision. What fits you best.
Danny

[keakar]

yep, I have a 1752 alweld with 40 hp 4 stroke Nissan (same as tohatsu) and side console and it does 34 mph when trimmed just right with the restrictor plate removed and a 15 pitch Yamaha ss prop, if I use the restrictor plate I would need a 14 pitch prop but to be honest I never tested the speed with the restrictor in it.

[jpd0144]

Lacassine ...
I wouldn't worry as much about top end as I would bottom end. Sometimes ya need to get on step quick due to vegitation or being super shallow and sometimes both !
I know tabs, jack plate, weight distribution, hull design, hull weight, and prop all factor in but even if ya could push a 1752 mph at 35 it wouldn't do ya any good if ya can't get out the hole ... Especially if ya add another person, their gear, full fuel / live well and or ice chest.

Lacassine can be brutal on a motor in some places ... Especially if ya go exploring ! LoL

I'd say 1548 and hold on ! Or a 1650 max and have both bottom and top end when set up correctly.

At the end of the day as already mentioned it's personal preference.

Good luck on your purchase ...