What would be the smallest engine that would work decent on a lowe 1648? Would a 16 hp duro max push it fine stock or would I need to mod it out?

How fast is decent??

Idk what would be realistic speeds that I could get if I removed the governer and did minor mods like air filter, header and re jetting

I would say 14mph with the 16

Brock, if you have the 1648 flat bottom riveted the 23 gdlt would put you around 20 empty. Full hunt load with two men should be around 17. That is the motor you want for that boat. IF you have the heavier modified v I would not go less than the 27. Save up your money and forget about the 16, you will be disappointed.

Should you take that 16 HP motor that you have and leave it stock but build it up with a 1 1/2 to 1 reduction to the drive shaft, it would need a 10 x 8 prop and give you something around 20 + MPH and be way more reliable than a modded motor.Parts for the reduction can be around 100 to 150 dollars. You need 2 BX pulleys and a BX belt, and 2 mounted bearings to mount a jack shaft before the UJ and drive shaft. Good luck!

Mark F. Cheney

Mark
Do you have any info on where to get the pulleys, belts and jackshaft? I have a 11hp honda, Homebuilt LT, on a 1648 and it pushes me along 14mph empty. I would love to beable to hit anything near 20mph. Was thinking about a bigger motor but gear reduction would be cheaper.

Thanks
Scott