hp rating

[cobra 3.0]

Re: hp rating

Yes, I verified with my Magellan gps and with the attached speedometer on my Hummingbird depthsounder. Both show exactly the same speed. I had a 15 1/2 foot Espadon aluminum boat with a 1988 30hp johnson 13" pitch prop which I sold this spring. It was faster than my 1987 15 hp only when both boats were loaded. I never could get any decent speed with the 15" pitch prop off my 30 hp. I had my 15" repitched to 13" just because of that reason. (I'm 190lbs.)

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: hp rating

I am in agreement with everyone who advises not to over power the boat. In most cases boat manufacturers know exactly what the limit is for safe and reliable opperation. <br /><br />Also keep in mind that an outboard mototr sits at the extreme rear end of the boat ( unlike an inboard or I/O), and any additional weight can dramatically influence the boats balance. <br /><br />Good performance is not about max horse power, it is about balance. The bigger heavier motor may well reduce performance (not to mention increase fuel consumption).

 

[flashback]

Re: hp rating

I just want to know why when someone talks about over powering with an outboard, everyone chimes in and is against it. but if you have a I/O or an inboard, most all folks say "go for it". honest question..??????????

 

[sloopy]

Re: hp rating

DON'T DO IT! The max rating is based on the width, length, weight and center of gravity, this is why you can get away with more HP on an I/O. DO not get a large engine and get a lower hp engines cover, THIS IS INSURANCE FRAUD. Recreational boats are not designed to go super fast or have an extremely large engine, even if your boat is a speed boat it is still recreational. The Racing boats are built out of stronger materials. <br /> When you add a bigger engine, you also need more fuel, so you have more weight. Since you have more weight you will need a bigger engine, and with a bigger engine... <br /> If you want to feel like you are going faster just add some spiffy, bright, reflective graphics. Flames and lightning bolts work best.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: hp rating

Bruswick owned the boat AND Chrysler/Force engines, so why would they rate a boat for an engine bigger than what they themselves had to offer at that time...........Hence 125 MaxHP

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: hp rating

maybe because they knew the transom was made outa<br />cardboard and couln't hold the weight safely?<br />my '72 16' open bow weighs 1050lbs and is rated<br />for 135hp, but it's not a bayliner...

 

[jd_smith]

Re: hp rating

First of all, lets leave Bayliner out of this. I know people don't like them, these are the same people who have never had one. I have been through hell with that boat and wouldn't replace it for the world, keep your overpriced name brands. Secondly, if you're going to overpower, you should know you're boat very well.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: hp rating

bayliner bashing.... my bad.<br />probably could have made my point without doing that... <br />sorry JD. just think that not all transoms<br />are created equal is all.

 

[jd_smith]

Re: hp rating

No problem, just that I like my boat, its a tough bird, she took a lot of abuse, all unintentional, and never sank. Now Force, thats a different story but if I don't like the Bayliner bashing I shouldn't start in on something else!! The more I read though the more overpowering might not be the best thing you can do, too late for me (I'm happy with the result) but be sure you know what you are getting into! It can be dangerous!

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: hp rating

What about older boats>>>when my boat was new (1971)it was rated for 120hp>>>That boat is built like a brick S'house. Back then the engines HP rating was differant then now. So a NEW 120 hp would be what, abt a 140hp back in 1971??? <br />I have a 1978 115HP on it and think it could handle abit more. If I put a new 120 hp would that be OVERPOWERED???>>>If rated the way the old engines were, I guess it would be. Just something for thought.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: hp rating

theoretically you are correct, but what does your<br />insurance co. say?<br />I would also like to know...

 

[walleyehed]

Re: hp rating

jd, I'm not "bashing" Bayliner-they weren't always that way. When they took over Chrysler and renamed their engine a Force, it was only obvious what took place......a Keen marketing blitz.<br /> Has ZERO to do with Bayliner boats, the parent company, yes. Heck, any boater worth his weight in fishing tackle knew what was up with a boat that size, and only a 125 rating........come on!!!!!!!!

 

[jd_smith]

Re: hp rating

Agreed the Force end of the Bayliner setup did harm the name of the boat. Underpowered with a low quality motor is not a recipe for success. I wouldn't trade the boat itself. A little curious why the rating is so low. Especially when I saw first hand how well built the vessel is.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: hp rating

One last point about power.<br /><br />You need to concider the weight of the motors available at the time the boat was manufactured, along with the torq output. When the boat was being designed and built these specs may have been very different than they are today or from the motor you are concidering. <br />The next thing to concider is why you are looking for more power, assuming that you do not intend to double the HP. What I mean is if you are going from a 125HP to a 140 HP or 150 HP the overall performance may not very too much. There are other things you can do to increase the usable and effective opperating range which may be less money than the extra 25 HP.<br /><br />In any event, I would stay with the recommended HP Max, that should be plenty.