Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

[filthy]

I have a 10ft copy of the zodiac cadet, yes a copy but it is made very well and is stronger under the tubes than the zodiac but its rated for a 15, has anyone put a tohatsu 18, they are the same weight but hp is obviously more, just had me thinking? Thoughts please?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

HP requirements are by mathematical measurement of the width, length and depth of the boat. IE It's not really that exceeding the HP will do anything. However, the legal ramifications could get very dicey. In some states it is illegal and it incurs automatic liability if an accident occurs.

 

[filthy]

Re: Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

Thanks for that, I thought that may be the case, there are ways to make an 18 look like a 15 and don't really think that would be an issue, just always had the better to have it and not need it motto and that includes power for me, if it don't hurt the boat I'm happy, and I really like the thought of a spanking new motor and why go 15 when I can have 18, if I change boats it will still suit a larger boat than what I have now.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

Besides legal issues if applicable a 18 will fly a 10 footer. Sometimes run a 320 sib rated for max 15 HP with an 18 and gets scarry on flat waters. Will need to have all tubes and keel air topped to perform well. You can limit the throttle grip path by means of a internal screw. That way can be used and behave as a 15 or lower if you want.

Agree on your appreciation about power and keeping the 18 and growing to larger sib sizes in the future. Is that a Tohatsu 2 strokes you are thinking of ?

Happy Boating

 

[filthy]

Re: Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

That's the motor I'm thinking, whys that? Good:bad?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

It's an excellent, reliable, very well built horse, beats any 15. Go for one if possible. It's my favorite HP horse.

Happy Boating

 

[filthy]

Re: Has anyone put an 18hp on a 15hp rated Zodiac

'twas my thoughts on it, well priced too