Re: maximum outboard sizes on smaller cedar strip boats?

[richardg]

I think it depends a lot on the transom bracing on your boat. Some had small wooden knees or braces on the deck and one on the transom below the motor. Others had metal supports.

I have a 13 foot and I beefed up the transom braces a bit and added a 1"X3" stiffener across the back below the motor thumb screw area. It now can use an 18HP but I have been using a 10HP.

Watch out when shifting, try to baby it a little, do not shift hard.

I try to avoid beating mine up in rough water.