detuning

[Captain Crusty]

I bought a Whaler Outrage a couple of years ago with a '99 250 Johnson Oceanpro on it. I'm selling the boat now, but I find that it's rated for a max of 240hp. When I tried to list the boat, a broker refused it because of liability issues. What's the best way to reduce the hp to 225? And, is this a legal way to meet the boat's rating?

 

[Hooty]

Re: detuning

What year engine are we talking about?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[ob]

Re: detuning

Find another broker or list separately.The broker told you to have it detuned or what?What will he do then ,have the motor dynoed?If so, it maybe won't hit 250 anyway.You have a dilemma at any rate over 10 ponies.

 

[Captain Crusty]

Re: detuning

The engine is a 1999. The broker hasn't said anything about detuning. That is a possible solution suggested by my marina owner.

 

[ob]

Re: detuning

Not a good one.The motor is model numbered as a 250.Detuning isn't going to change that.Frankly besides contacting the Coast guard for a written waiver I don't know what the right answer to your problem is.

 

[DB.Beachum]

Re: detuning

Sold as is NO WARRANTY APPLIED WHAT SO EVER !!!<br />either that are sale the hull seperate from the motor

 

[JHH]

Re: detuning

According to the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, the passenger and engine horsepower rating limits are merely Coast Guard recommendations. You are not violating any law by carrying more passengers or mounting an engine with a higher horsepower... at least not in Virginia. Check your area's regulations.<br /><br />It was suggested that you might have a problem if a law enforcement officer thought the boat was being operated in an unsafe manner due to either of the above. Just use common sense.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: detuning

What length is your Outrage? <br /><br />When you say you just found out, how did you find out? Is there a CG plate that states the info in your boat or is this what someone told you?<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Forktail]

Re: detuning

There are HP restrictions here. Usually owners buy 50 hp and 40 hp and detune them to the required 35 hp. The manufacturers make different throttle cams for about $20. Take a 50 hp, change the throttle cam, adjust the cables, and 5 minutes and $20 later you have a legal 35 hp.<br /><br />Maybe an option for you.

 

[ob]

Re: detuning

Forktail,If the motor horsepower was scrutinized by whoever(in this case,a broker) and throttle cam was changed,how would the scrutinizer know that motor was now within legal limits?Not trying to be a smarty,it just seems that they would go by stated horsepower on cowling or model no.How would ,say ,the Coast Guard know if you changed your throttle cam to meet their stated limits on a given boat?Do they carry a part no. list for different cams?

 

[skier]

Re: detuning

I got around that by taking my Merc 115 and installing a Merc 140 powerhead and keeping the 115 cowlings. Now even if they run the numbers, it comes up as a 115<br /><br />Craig

 

[Rex]

Re: detuning

Why not just cut a spark plug wire.<br />just lol<br />You are only talking about .04% different<br />They build a 30% safety in to it.<br />So I would not think twice about it.<br />Rex

 

[Captain Crusty]

Re: detuning

Thanks for the replies and suggestions about detuning. The Whaler is 22'with a 250hp 199 Johnson and the 140 hp limit came from the almost-worn-away aluminum plate on the boat that I never bothered to look at when I bought it. I just assumed everything was legal. I'm interested in finding out more about if the USCG ratings are recommendations or requirements. Any sources for this info?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: detuning

Interesting question. Ive been told that any boat built now over 20' doesnt carry a hp limit. <br /><br />I would think that Whaler could provide the info. A single 250 on a boat like that doesnt seem unreasonable.<br /><br />Let us know how you make out!

 

[Forktail]

Re: detuning

ob, the authorities physically open the cowling and check the throttle cam. They've not only memorized the different cams, but can tell if the outboard is detuned by how much movement is left on the cam roller (carb link). The outboard must be labeled with the detuned hp rating (usually on cowling). Different hp rating decals can be purchased from the manufacturer. I also have an engine that was officially detuned by just adjusting the carb linkage, and certified by a reputable dealer as meeting the hp limit.<br /><br />I always thought that the hp certification and load capacity of a new boat was for consumer information, and it was up to the owner whether or not he followed it. We have boats up here that don't even have ratings on them.<br /><br />Most outboards have their model number on the transom bracket. I've seen many transom brackets interchange with different power models. OMC comes to mind. This would be a case of the model number not matching the actual hp of the outboard.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[ob]

Re: detuning

Forktail,The detuned certified hp rating label makes it more understandable now.I don't know how efficient the coast guard or warden authorities are where you live ,but I'd bet the ones down here would have to see the certified label or changed cowling numbers to convince them.Sure seems like a huge hastle for poor old Captain Crusty.Wonder who installed motor to start with? dealers down here won't touch an installation that exceeds boat plackard rating.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: detuning

No one seemed to have touch on this...but ultimatedly it is an insurance/liability problem to the Marina that installed the motor (maybe self installed?) and the new owner (existing owner,too). The new insurance company might not insure an 'overpowered' boat. Granted 10 HP is nothing: but in that big law suit in the sky, some lawyer is going to say... "the boat was clearly 'overpowered' and dangerous". All BS fore sure, but... If I thought this was a problem in selling, and it may be, I'd probably re-decal the cowling. Oops, I didn't say that.

 

[Captain Crusty]

Re: detuning

I checked a couple of USCG websites and found that the HP ratings on the label are recommendations, not requirements. But, it's illegal in some states to exceed the ratings.<br /><br />I think the best course of action is to have a reputable dealer change the throttle cam and certify the new HP rating. Then I've limited my liability, as well as the new owner's.<br /><br />What did I learn? Check every thing twice, and pay for a survey.<br /><br />Thanks for the info and advice.