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Message Subject: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

4JawChuck

Posted 7/31/2008 1:06 AM (#72028)
Subject: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

Hi Gents,

Kinda new to this forum and having recently purchased a 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman with console and 1988 Pro 50 Yamaha outboard I have more than a few questions that you might be able to help me with.

This rig will get to about 30mph with a 10.25" X 14" pitch prop but will only get to about 5250RPM (4500-5500 max rpm) with only me in it. I have purchased a "Hustler" 10.5" X 13" pitch prop to try and improve the holeshot and planing ability to get a little closer to the max rpm rating. The boat will be used mostly loaded with young kids and gear for camping fishing expeditions so speed is far down the list of importance for me. There will usually be 5 people in the boat (Max rating is 5 people) plus fuel and gear.

However...more speed and a little extra power can never hurt but I have no idea what the maximum HP rating is for this boat as the original sticker has faded long ago. IBoats.com lists a max HP of 80 for this boat but little else about this model so I am not sure I can trust this info.

Since there are no engines available at 80HP can I safely put a 90HP motor on this unit or will I be causing problems with insurance etc?

Also, the 50HP Yamaha sits tight against the transom in the top hole and at WOT fully loaded she runs with the anti-cav plate under about 1.5" of water. I am thinking it could go up at least one more hole (hole spacing is 3/4") to reduce the drag a little but I am concerned I will lose some rough water capability with the motor higher on the transom. Is there any advantage to running the motor this deep or is this just typical original install screwup that never got fixed?

There are slots below a second plate above the anticav plate that appears to be exhaust outlets but I have not been able to find out their purpose, these slots are submerged when running and am concerned I am losing some performance as a result. Water is splashing just below this second plate which causes spray out the sides but not on the motor or into the boat.

This is my first boat but I have been on the water for many years with friends etc., I just really would like to get it fine tuned until I can procure a bigger motor as the boat is kinda sluggish fully loaded with people but acceptable considering my skill level and experience. I really like the Tuffy line of boats and have only heard good things about them from old Guiding friends, I have had a lot of fun with the rig so far!

Any help or recommendations you can make would be appreciated.

Thanks, "Catfish" Chuck.

sworrall

Posted 7/31/2008 6:56 AM (#72030 - in reply to #72028)
Subject: Re: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

Location: Rhinelander

A 90 HP Motor would overpower that rig. If you are looking to repower, I'd suggest a 75 in a Mercury Opti Max or 4 stroke. The motor should be mounted one hole up, that will help quite a bit. The new prop will improve hole shot and get you max RPM range, but will probably run a bit slower.

4JawChuck

Posted 7/31/2008 6:31 PM (#72050 - in reply to #72028)
Subject: RE: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

Thanks Sworrall,

I am hoping to get a chance to try her out with the new prop this weekend, I think the motor can go up at least one hole also.

Anyone else have any recommendations?

empty net

Posted 7/31/2008 6:58 PM (#72051 - in reply to #72028)
Subject: RE: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

suzuki is coming out this month with a 80 hp 4 stroke that is even lighter than most 2 strokes on the market. should be a heck of a ride for that boat!
congrats on your boat purchase, the kids will love going fishing with you, isn't that what it's all about...

4JawChuck

Posted 7/31/2008 10:59 PM (#72055 - in reply to #72028)
Subject: RE: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

Hmmm...lighter than a 2 stroke, have to check that out. I was at the Yamaha dealer today and picked up a outboard sales brochure and they don't make anything between 30-90 HP in two stroke anymore. Guess there won't be much choice in the near future. Having some more torque off the bottom end has to be better anyway.

Kinda hard to stomach the prices though, sheesh...gotta get a second mortage to afford one of those. I guess the good thing is there should be some nice low hours two strokes on the market to pick over.

The 50 HP motor I got with the boat has only got 150 HRs on it and is in mint condition, runs real well and starts like a top. Almost a shame to get rid of it for more power because its a fine example of the old days. Since it won't be worth much to sell maybe daddy has to build a little 12 ft plywood one seater runabout for kicks on the lake...I have those old Popular mechanics plans somewhere in the basement I think he-he!

I sent an e-mail to Tuffy boats yesterday trying to get a power rating for this boat but no answer yet, anyone who is familiar with this boat or knows someone who has one if they could find out it would greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Chuck.

TJ DeVoe

Posted 8/1/2008 6:52 AM (#72056 - in reply to #72055)
Subject: Re: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

Member

Posts: 1040

Location: Stevens Point, WI

Yup, your going to have to stay either with a Mercury Optimax or an Evinrude E-tech if your wanting a two-stroke motor. As you found out, Yammie does not make anything in a two-stroke in that size range anymore.

4JawChuck

Posted 8/9/2008 2:38 PM (#72339 - in reply to #72056)
Subject: Re: 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman 2 Stroke Outboard max HP

New User

Posts: 2

Finally had a chance to test out the new 10.75" X 13" prop this week, WOW what a difference! Pops out of the hole at least 3 seconds faster to top speed at WOT and cruises on plane at a much lower rpm as well.

Hard to believe such a small change in prop characteristics could affect the performance so significantly but I am pleasantly surprised. I also experimented with raising the motor 2 holes, this seriously affected the aeration of the prop during even minor turns which prompted me to lower it one hole. RPM at two holes up went from 5250 rpm to 5500 and didn't change when I went one hole back down.

At one hole up on the transom the performance is exceptional and out of the hole is even better with the less drag. With one person in the boat WOT rpm sits right at 5500 rpm and corners the same as before raising the motor. Seems the "Turning Point" Hustler Mid Range Series prop is a very good match for this boat/motor combination and top speed has increased slightly with way better low rpm/on plane performance.

I would guess the cupping on the prop blades makes up for the 1" less pitch since the top speed is better than before, for a prop I payed $80 CDN for I have to say I am very impressed. I may buy the 10.75" X 12" prop just for pulling the kids around in the tube and pulling a full load of passengers and camping gear.

I got a reply e-mail from Steve Worrall of Tuffy Boats regarding the max HP for the 1988 Tuffy 160 Sportsman and he verified a max rating of 80HP for this boat, nice to get a personal reply from the company for a product long out of production. Thats what I call customer service! With the performance of the boat so much improved I may just keep the 50 HP Yamaha, the 2 gallon/hr fuel usage is certainly easy on the pocket book.

I just returned from a 3000 Km round trip with the boat to Cold Lake Alberta to visit friends and took some pics while I was there, I've attached one of the nicer sundown pics for all to enjoy.

Thanks for all your help with my issues.

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