Force 50hp way under powered?

[ewong]

Hello everyone,

I'm a newbie to boats... just purchased a 1990 17' Bayliner Capri with a Force 50hp. I took it out yesterday with 5 people and some fishing gear which I estimate about 700-800lbs. Now, the problem... I outboard seems to run fine, but top speed was 17mph and most of the time it was only going 14-15mph on max throttle. With a head on wind and current, it was only going 10mph. Is this normal?

Is the engine just underpowered? Slipping Prop? Maybe a different prop? Can I swap a bigger Force outboard on it without changing the controls, maybe a 85hp or 125?

 

[wayne h]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

thats about right they are not speed boat motors . i would say with 5 people and gear you where over 7-800 lbs easily .. that was one full boat i would say LOL .. depending on what the boat is rated for sure u can swap it out but is it really worth it ? for some yes for me i enjoy the water too much to go 60 mph .. my boat with 2 people some gear and a 50 hp runs about 30 mph plenty fast enough for me to enjoy the day ..

 

[ewong]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

30-35mph would be perfect.. but 10mph was just way to slow... everyone was passing me up, I was on the right of canal just like driving on the slow lane on the freeway, kinda embrassing.

 

[wayne h]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

where these 5 adults ? or children ? i ask people alot of time people way under estimate the load weights . sounds to me like this might be what happened i know my boat is rated for 600 lbs and its a 16 foot bayliner so with fuel and some gear 2 people is all that she will handle

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

The 50 hp Force wasn't even adequate for a 14 or 16' Capri.
you need 70-85, minimum.

Get as much hp as the boat is rated for.

I'm guessing you didn't take the boat for a loaded test drive before buying it?

 

[JoeCrow]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

What's the plate say as far as total weight and HP rating?
It does sound underpowered, and a compression check may yield other problems

 

[wayne h]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

i know my plate says up to 50 hp and 600 lbs .. mine is a 16 footer

 

[rcnations]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

Seems too small. Out of all the boats I ever owned (at sea level), a 17' boat should have 85hp minimum. Check the plate. If you are higher than sea level the power will be less. I'm at 5,500' now and we plan on a 30% reduction in power. It did sound like you overloaded it. Where is the trim set? You might try moving it out one notch. Just don't let it cavitate where you accelerate.

 

[ewong]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

It was loaded with 5 adults.... each averaging about 150lbs, I guess. I don't know where the plate is telling how much weight/people the boat can handle.

The outboard is already trimmed one notch out, so I don't think it's a trim issue.

Does anyone know if a bigger 85hp or 125hp force outboard will fit using the same controls? How about a newer Mercury?

 

[cordell]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

Another force like a 85 or bigger should bolt right up. I have a capri also mine is 18 foot. The rating is 90 hp I have a 85 on it, forse. I know for a fact cause I have seen it my boat will handle a 120 hp size motor. Even the iboats site says it should be 125!

cordell

http://www.iboats.com/Bayliner_Boats__1800_Capri_BR__1990/bp/64b7278r2

 

[wayne h]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

that seems light for adults but with my math thats 750 just on people weight then there is fuel , coolers and gear (fish finders, trolling motors ,extra batterys ,anchor, rods, tackel,ropes, tools,) these things all make extra weight .thats why i said before that people usually grossly under estimate there loaded weight fuel weighs an average of 6.1 lbs per gallon so 6 gallons is 36 lbs . things add up quick .. no one here will tell u that u can put a bigger motor on it unless you know for sure the boat can handle it .. my 89 bay liner capri has a plate it states "up to 50 hp and 600 lbs" take the boat out with 2 people and see what it does i bet you will be surprised. if not then u need to start checking for mechanical problems .

It was loaded with 5 adults.... each averaging about 150lbs, I guess. I don't know where the plate is telling how much weight/people the boat can handle.

The outboard is already trimmed one notch out, so I don't think it's a trim issue.

Does anyone know if a bigger 85hp or 125hp force outboard will fit using the same controls? How about a newer Mercury?

 

[JoeCrow]

Re: Force 50hp way under powered?

I have a 19' Capri cuddy and my transom is rated for 125 hp
I recently replaced the 125 Force with 125 Mercury
The newer motor is about 75 lbs heavier,
but what a difference in power and torque
The plate on Bayliners is usually on the port side,
by the front seat, it should tell you everything
Maximum weight, allowable passengers and maximum HP rating