hp suggestion for new engine

[elwopo]

Hello all.<br /><br />I'll start by saying that after today...I've had it with my 96 Force 120. 45 hours on the engine and I've been fighting the rpm's dropping when I try to go full throttle. It's good for about 1-2 minutes...then they drop down to 3500-4000. Been fighting that battle for months.<br />Now today...I take it out to see if that problem is fixed...it's not. Ran good for 2 minutes then dropped. So we putter around and do some fishing. Head to a new spot... and 1 minute later there's a loud "bang" sound...followed by the sound of metal pieces bouncing around. Lower unit is toast. Prop won't turn. It took 2 hours to get back to the dock...against the wind...in moderate chop.<br />Sorry for the long intro....today sucked...LOL.<br /><br />Anyhow....I think I'm just going to replace the motor. I'm looking at a bunch of money for a new lower unit...only to begin fighting the rpm problem again. The engine is a 120hp on a 17'bayliner bowrider. The plate on the boat says 120 is max. The only engines I see for sale are 115 or 135 hp. We like going faster than most everybody else (the 120 gets us to 45mph). Do you think I'm stuck with dropping to a 115? What do you think would happen if I went up to 135?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your thoughts.<br />Tony

 

[diggerdan17]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

over powering your boat will only lead to problems...if you get into an accident and they find out you have a 135 on your boat which is rated for 120 you can and will be sued.i,m sure 115 is plenty of power for that boat.besides a johnson or evinrude putting out 115 is better than a force 120 ...lol my 2 cents

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

A 115 properly setup might very well outrun your 120, unless you spent a great deal of time messing with props, motor height, trim, setback, etc on the 120.<br /><br />I wouldn't worry about the 5 hp difference.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

I'd almost guarantee that a good running 115 Evinrude/Johnson would outrun that Force....And an Etec would kill it....

 

[elwopo]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

Thanks for the input! I hadn't thought about the legality of it either. Good point!<br />The only thing I ever messed with was the trim. I'd watch the GPS and tap the up button until it began to drop speed, then I'd back it down. I'll get into props when I get the new motor. This is my first boat...and I was just hoping to get it out a few times first.<br />What's setback?

 

[DJ]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

Set back is achieved by mounting the engine on a bracket.<br /><br />I'll agree with others, most 115's would easily outrun that Force 120.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

use to run a 115 johnson on 18' cobia bow rider, would pull up 4 skies, wot was approx 42mph fully loaded, 45 1 person.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

a 115 yamaha will definately outrun that force ..... but on a 17ft bayliner you could easily fit a 140hp v4, have one on my 17ft cobra with a 140hp johnson, goes like the wind .... lower hp decals are widely available .....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

you may be able to do that in South Africa, but in Sue happy USA, you will never get away with it an accident occurs.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: hp suggestion for new engine

that is definately true, here we can get away with anything .. ;-) just for interest sake here is a bit of reality of my home land: The law of South Africa: Two recent court cases, have earned the attention of newspaper readers in South Africa. One person was fined R1 000 for not having a TV license. Another was released on bail for R500 after being arrested for murder. The moral of this South African story: If you do not have a TV license and the inspector comes round, kill him. You'll save R500.