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Message board > Engines > Hardy Pilot 20 (which engine to plane a family of 5)
Message 4 of 4
Posted by member Stephen Pickthall on Tuesday 25 September 2007
My two pennorth's worth.......well I am afraid i would have to go with Dominic and say that if you are regularly cruising with 5 adults then perhaps you should consider something a little bigger than the Pilot.
My old Pilot SE I think would plane with 5 adults on the 70hp suzuki with tabs and correct prop ( If Steve Streets is viewing perhaps he can confirm as he bought my old boat ) but if yopu are going to stick with the Pilot then I would go for the 90, or seriously look to the Mariner or a fishing 24 , if you wish to remain in the Hardy stable .
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Message 3 of 4
Posted by member Gavin Brown on Monday 24 September 2007
I have a 1991 Hardy Pilot 20 with a new (07) Honda BF75.
With 5 adults on board, I have found that she will plane at about 5000 revs, but if all are near the stern, trim tabs are almost fully deployed to bring the nose down.
Once on the plane however there is plent power to keep her up.
I struggled with the issue of the 90 or 75, but opted for the 75 due to the new 07 model (more torque & power according to Honda), and potential insurance issues....
I suppose if you were planning to use the boat with 5 adults on a regular basis, you would be looking for a bigger engine.
Good luck
Gavin
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Message 2 of 4
Posted by member Neil Scott on Sunday 23 September 2007
Hi, I am looking to buy a 1991 Hardy Pilot 20. I have a family of 5 adults and was wondering if anyone has any advice on which engine would enable this boat to plane (all 5 on board), if it is at all possible to begin with. Any comments on past experiences or just general advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Neil Scott
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Message 1 of 4
Posted by member Dominic And Nicola Gribbin on Sunday 23 September 2007
I would imagine you are looking at 90hp.
5 adults will be a challenge and presents boat handling issues I would imagine at planing speeds. I would be wary.
The Pilot is only (in my humble opinion) a maximum 4 adult in comfort boat. I can only speak for sea use....But I am sure many would disagree.
We have a Honda 75hp outboard set up and a while ago, when carrying two of my inlaws and ourselves (i.e 4 in total) up the Sound Of Mull we were full throttle-flat out, with tide etc but only getting 12 knots max!
That really made us think about the Honda 90 as a future upgrade.
May make the difference when under load.
Dom.
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