Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

[Bigprairie1]

...request some feedback on the ability of my boat?
I have a (1990) 18' Bayliner Capri Bowrider w/ a 90hp force outboard (I think a 120hp or similar was available as an option on this boat).
Will this boat handle a 150hp (Mariner) Outboard?...or would this be a bit much for its capability? Obviously it would handle 120hp option...but what about a little bit more power?
I think the Force 90hp weighs about 275lbs and the Mariner is a little over 400lbs. However, the other consideration is of course the general power.torque issue on the back of this boat....noting that my Transom is in very good shape.
Anybody with some history or feedback on this?
Many Thanks (again!!!)

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

I wouldn't go any higher than whats on the plate in the boats says....

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

Many states have passed ordinances (LAWS) against overpowering boats as a reslt of the numerous accidents when the transom tears apart, sinking the boat.

 

[valencehsift]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

What is the total length and beam?

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

a 150hp would be perfect on there, my 24 ft bayliner have my 475hp offshore motor on and it goes fine .....

 

[JB]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

This is a boat question.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

you boat has a coast guard plate on it that states the maximum hp. the water police can red tag your boat if overpowered and make you leave the water, and have it inspected before returning. also, in and accident, insurance will not pay off, and if someones is injured , there attornies love these cases, and the injured will now be living in your house, and driving your car, while you bicycle to work and give them your paycheck.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

Your looking at a 25% increase in power and a 50% increase in weight. And you will surely be over the rating. Then add the 90 will burn only about 9 GPH
(gallons per hour)The 150 about 15 GPH.Also over 125 lbs added right at the transom may make handling ,planing interesting.
Work to optimize your present setup motor height,trim just the right prop in excellent shape, carefully tuned motor.

 

[millercm1]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

Hi, I purchased a 1991 Bayliner Capri 18.5' open bow.
It came with a 150hp Force outboard. The sticker on the dash does say 90hp though... I'm not familiar with US Coast Guard regulations.

The boat runs great with the 150hp. I wouldn't change it, it feels like it was meant for it. It's not that bad on gas either, I get about 5 hrs of WOT watersports on the 70 litre tank. (sorry I'm Canadian, don't know how many gallons that is?)

Top speed holds at about 48mph.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

Well....pretty positive response on having more power.
I appreciate the feedback as well on respecting the boat's listed max. power rating....if I could only find it.
As for the boat's capability....I wouldn't want to 'max' it out either. I do know that this boat had a 120hp option...right from the factory...so that hp upgrade is a no-brainer I suppose.
The transition up from 120hp to the extra 150hp is what intrigued me. The boat has about a 7' beam (maybe a little more) and the transom thickness is 2" and in very good condition...no rot, no hits, no cracks.
Interesting the same (18' Capri) boat also had an inboard/outboard option...where it ran all the way up to a V-8 (350ci). I don't know how they changed the boat for that tho'.
Excellent feedback tho'.....nothing like people with direct experience and knowledge for getting in the 'know'.
Many Thanks.

 

[180Diablo]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

Millercm1:
1 gallon = 3.7854 litres ... so 18gallon tank would be about right.

Bigprairie1:
Im not much of a fan of the "Friggin Old Recycled Chrysler Engines" to begin with. I would trade in your 90hp Force for a 90hp merc/johnson or anything else. I know our local marine mechanic will not bring on any new customers with Force motors.

I would say, if you are looking to "go fast" .. just buy a " go fast " boat to begin with. Then you know its built to go faster.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Bayliner Power Capability? (150hp too much?)

180Diablo
I here ya' about getting a 'go fast' boat. I passed one by to get this boat. The one I turned down was a sexy smaller 17' Glastron with a 140hp Johnson outboard....but it didnt'/wouldn't have the versatility or the comfort of the bowrider style I bought. It would have probably been good for 50mph I'm sure.
Regardless,....so far my Bayliner is good for 38mph-ish...which is good enough for the moment. If it doesn't cut it over time....I'll up the ante' with a bigger outboard (hence my enquiry on the 150hp option).
I should get through this summer well enough with enough ooomph to do some watersports.
All good tho'.
Bigprairie (Cdn)