HP Rating

[springbok]

I have a 14' aluminum fishing boat that <br />is rated for 20 hp max. Would it be ok to <br />put a 25 hp on it instead? Is the rating <br />conservative? Does it really matter to go an <br />extra 5 hp?<br />Thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: HP Rating

Thats up to you, the laws in your state, and your insurance company.

 

[springbok]

Re: HP Rating

Thanks, but I really want to know if it's ok for the BOAT to have an extra 5hp, not really concerned about the other stuff.<br />Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: HP Rating

The boat and you may survive a 25% overpowered<br />boat but is it worth it? Top speed increase would be minimal.Hole shot would probably be better but you could improve that with a prop.<br /> Here is another thought.Forget the bigger motor and go with a bigger boat a basic 16 or a bigger <br /> 14(sounds like double talk)A nice big 14 will perform better with your 20 especially when you add weight and youll feel safer too.Smoker Craft makes a 14 rated for 40 hp.and 850 lbs. capacity.<br /> 68 inches wide,60 inches at the transom.<br />Crestliner makes a 14ft 7in.rated for 1,010 lbs.<br /> 73in. beam 35 hp.Starcraft 14ft 3 in. 67 in. beam 1,020 capacity 30 hp.Its my opinion all these boats will perform better than your present boat with your 20 on them. And down the line you can add the bigger motor and really have something.<br /> I did this with a 25 hp. went from 15 ft to 18ft <br />(basic bare bones boat) had a noticable increase in performance in all but top speed empty.<br /> Even the hole shot was good because the long boat helped it settle quickly.

 

[JB]

Re: HP Rating

Hi, Springbok.<br /><br />Asking if it is safe to overpower a boat is like asking if it is safe to exceed posted speed limits.<br /><br />You and your boat might survive it, you might not. You might get busted and pay a fine, you might not.<br /><br />If you get in an injury accident you are toast in court.<br /><br />It is very unlikely that any responsible boating expert will tell you it is okay to do it. Roscoe and Steelspike don't. I don't really know if I qualify as an expert, but I would not recommend it.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[trumpetbucks]

Re: HP Rating

Springbok:<br /><br />I think the one piece of info we are missing here is why you want to do this. Do you already have a 20HP motor on the boat (your post doesn't say)? Have you been given/gotten a great deal on a 25HP and you're looking to use it? Or are you just considering buying a new motor to make your boat go faster? Some of this info would help make our advice/answers more relevant to your situation.<br /><br />If you are looking to buy another motor, I would not exceed the rating (which is illegal in a lot of places, anyway). I would first try moving the motor up on the transom, try a different prop, etc.<br /><br />Good luck!