Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

I want to update, so I hope this is the way on this thread. The Bearcat 55 restoration is progressing well. Big question. What's the big difference in resins. I know that West system is good. What about just regular resin. Regular resin is about $35.00 around town. West System is about $100.00! Couldn't I just use regular resin for my boat?

Not gonna be a problem. People overpower these boats all the time, but JM designs them light and strong and then under-rates them so you're fine

If you're worried about it just put an extra layer of biax on the transom or a little stronger knees, but I'd think it will be fine just as designed

I think you'll find AdamG is running a 70 hp on his OB15, I'd say the weight would be the thing to look at... if you think it is not too heavy, go for it.

Well, it's really only a 60, but it would be a 70 with the 70 carb on it, more or less. Still, it can take the HP so long as you beef up the transom and the transom braces a bit. Just don't get crazy with radical turns while under full throttle.

I'm wondering, with a restored Bearcat 55 with WOT, on the back of an OB 15, what would be top speed at WOT would be. Some say 25 mph. I know there is alot of factors involved. I had an old 59 Merlin with a 40 h.p. Johnson and that did 30 mph. I would think a 60 h.p. engine would do alot faster. One of the reasons I picked the OB 15' Skiff was the h.p. rating (50h.p.). Well, I'll tell ya, once I put her in the water with WOT - I'll let ya know.

I'm not sure what it'll be, but I'll bet you that it's well above 25MPH.

With my 60, I'm getting close to 40mph, but not quite there yet. The drag of the hull seems to be reaching a practical limit.

My OB 15 had a 40hp mariner. When it ran right it did 35mph. Really great boat. I wish I had kept it and powered it with a new 40 or 50. Good luck!

bumped this thread(topic)

Hi, everybody. I'm over here now. I guess I'm stuck with OB 15. I think the OB can stand for "Old Bearcat". Anyway, I worked on the motor today and had a lot of godd luck with the results.