Reply To: Max RPM operating range for 1996 28 HP Evinrude

[David Stanton]

Don wrote:

What size prop did you have on it originally??  What kind/style boat do you have? I would shoot for as close to 5500RPM as possible.

I bought the boat about a year ago.  It’s a 16′  1997 Smokercraft aluminum fishing boat (model is Resorter-16) with pedestal seats, false floor, storage, livewell, 15 gallon tank under the floor at the rear which was 1/2 full when I took the RPM readings), and a helm side deck with steering wheel.   It’s a deep-V boat (looks quite deep).  The 1996 motor was put on at the Smokercraft factory according to the original owner ( a one owner boat).  The boat is rated for 50 HP max.

It had an 11 inch OEM prop with a bad hub (back of prop was rubbing on the gearcase) when I got it. I don’t know if that was the original prop, or original pitch.  It “sounds” a lot better/quieter with the 11 inch prop which runs at 5650 RPM.  Often I will have another person along, so I maybe close to the 5500 you recommended with two people in it with the 11 inch prop.  I have tried different trim pin settings to get optimum performance and handling.   I did the usual stuff for a motor that hadn’t been run for 9 or 10 years (impeller, carb kit, gear oil, fuel pump, fuel tank clean out, etc.).  The motor is in good shape with 120 pounds compression.

With both the 10 and the 11 inch prop, top speed is around 26 MPH (if the speedometer is accurate), and I don’t expect more than that.

The motor sounds a lot better/quieter not revving to 6050 RPMs, but don’t know if the max RPM spec is 5500?  6000?

I think your recommendation of close to 5500 RPM is good, so will leave the 11 inch prop on.

FYI:  If I ever get around to seeing if it runs, I may someday put on a 1960s  55 HP Homelite Bearcat 4-stroke that I got for $50 a couple years ago, but it could be a parts motor – also would need to find, or modify other remote controls for the Bearcat; but have too many other motors waiting in line to be revived ahead of that one .  Meanwhile, with the 28 Spl, I have a reliable motor to take on week-long fishing trips.  I’ve decided not to put on one of my many 1950s/1960s 33, 35, and 40 HP OMCs because, although I like those motors, they use more fuel, don’t have generators, and are more likely to need TLC than the 28 SPL.

Thanks,

Dave