[mattman]

I bought this big wide and beefy 15' dory. Last owner painted everything duck hunter green including the BIA TAG. Trying to read it for the maximum recommended HP. The first three letters on the TITLE are ENS. Its a 1989. It does have a HIN # imprinted on the transom. From what I can partially make out on the BIA tag, it says something about Ensign Boats , possibly RYE NY. Anybody have info on this company or are familiar with the boat? The original gelcoat color was yellow and has a wood rubrail that was originally stained I believe. Very pointed bow,high sheer,flat bottom. 15" transom. Tiller controlled with foam filled seats. Its a dog with a 9.9 and better with a 20. But it takes that 20 wide open for decent performance. I'm thinking at least a 35 on this.

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

We had a 16' jon dory for 18 years that pushed close to 35-mph with a 30-horse Envinrude on it, and later a 30-hp Yamaha. Going that fast in a boat with no keel or strakes could be scary if you hit a wave unexpectedly, or dug in on a turn. A 25-30-hp motor on your 15' dory should be more than sufficient.

Chris

This post edited by Hunt n' Fish 12:41 PM 05/07/2008

 

[SORTIE]

Mattman, you'd be wise to heed Chris' sage advice. Those 16' John Dories can be a handful in a chop, especially at speed.

Make sure your outboard's cavitation plate is in line with the boat's bottom.

 

[MakoMike]

How about trying some paint remover on the BIA tag?

 

[STRIKERTHREE]

I have a 16' Amesbury Dory and max rated HP is 25

 

[mattman]

Appreciate the help. Was in a rush and tried wet sanding it. Can make out some thing like 4 persons or 550lbs. Can't make out the hp. Previous owner had a 25 Merc on it and said it could use a 40. It looks like someone fiberglassed a piece of wood on each side of the aft section hull bottom. I suspect this was to keep it from sliding out on turns.
The 25 and 35 Evinrude 2 stroke I believe both use the same powerhead so weight won't be a factor. I would like to use about 75% of the throttle so there is reserve if I need it. Like I said the 20hp needs to run at full throttle for decent performance.