Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

[wguttrid]

Hi guys in process of restoring an 16' Wilker fiberglass boat, current motor on the boat is a Mercury 850 (85 hp) that needs some major work done to it.

Just found a guy that will sell me a 1973 135 hp Evinrude for cheap, compression on each of the four cylinders is 110 and he still has the service manual and has been well taken care of.

Was wondering though boat I have the orignal factory plate stated Max hp of 115 for the boat but was wondering if 135 will work.

Most of the times the boat will have two guys in the boat that weight together 450 pounds and if the girlfriends come out there is another 200 pounds plus fishing gear.

Curious on thoughts...is 135 too much.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

a 30 year old 135 probably doesn't put out close to 115hp, and weighs less than a modern 115 4 stroke.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

Well, here's a 14 footer (modified) that was originally rated for about 35-40 and it has a 125 on it. Main things you need to worry about are accidents and charges of negligence, and local boat police hassling you.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

You really need to check the laws in your area/state.

A number of states have passed measures limiting HP to that specified by the boat manufacturer to reduce incidents of hull failure and injuries.

Not to mention how your insurance Co. will respond if you ever have an accident and they notice that your hull is even slightly overpowered.

Also consider that hull tho rated for a 115 was built when engines were CRANK rated, current motors are PROP rated. Unless that transom is in perfect condition I would be leery of overpowering it, just to try and stay on the safe side.

You CAN'T walk home.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

10 transoms will fail for carrying a heavy, but under the hp limit, motor bouncing down the bumpy road while being trailered, for every ONE that might fail from use in the water for an over rated motor!!!


thye sell boats that are commercial rated, they have no limits and they probably dont even have leve floatation!!!

but people go out in them daily!!!!

how many people put a yard+ of dirt in their 1/2 ton pick up????

they dont seem to worry about being over loaded legally there!!!!

bob

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

how many people put a yard+ of dirt in their 1/2 ton pick up????

they dont seem to worry about being over loaded legally there!!!!

bob

Count me in for that one....
Don't know if it was a yard... But had the springs straight across.

I know people overpower boats quite a bit. Heck I'm going to do it. My boat is rated for 45 and I'm putting a 55 on it.
There are a lot of people here that will tell you not to do it. But they are just walking on the side of caution. Speed limit on highways say 65.. Do we all drive 65? Nope. some do. But a lot are doing 75 - 80.

There is a legality issue here in WI.. It is illegal to overpower a boat. But most times if you aren't the one screwing around. the DNR wont hassle you.. It's the guy that has the big motor and screams across the water at 50-60mph when there are other boats near by. Out on the river I've seen it. Putter along, DNR nice and slow crusin, and Wham. Speedboat screams by.. Next thing you hear the DNRs boat Come up to full throttle.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Boat Max. Rated for 115 hp...will 135 hp worrk.

What I find hilarious about the coast guard regulation is that I can buy a 255HP 12' SeaDoo right from the dealer and that is OK.