Outboard motor advice for 3.6m Valiant Lodestar

[rib_trees91]

Hi there,

I have to choose between a new 25 and 20 HP 4 stroke Mercury for a 3.6m Valiant Lodestar model AA360002N (max weight 700 kg, max HP rated at 25 HP).

Ideally, I want to go with the 20 HP since this does not require a license to boat, and it's cheaper and less weight. My only concern is that it won't be enough for our use case which is wakeboarding with 2 people onboard or smaller trips with 3 people.

Looking to ride comfortably at around 24 mph.

Any advice?

Cheers!

[kippax69]

Hi Rib trees,
Personally I wouldn't go above the recommended HP rating, if something 'untoward' were to happen
you may find that your insurers will not pay out as you have gone 'out of spec'.