Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

[ChrisAG]

I'm looking at buying a new boat before Spring, and one of the candidates is the Glastron SSV 170, which is rated for 115 maximum. From what I've read, the Evinrude 115 HO gives measurably better performance than the standard E-TEC 115. Depending on what claims you believe, the HO really puts out anywhere from 126 to 130 HP. While I wouldn't be breaking any laws installing the HO, is there an increased risk of damaging the transom (or other issues) if I went with the stronger motor, or do boat manufacturers consider "hot" versions of engines in the design?

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

I have a 1988 fish/ski with a 150 xr4 and the boat is rated for 150 max. The xr4 was created during a bass boat arms race between engine companies and on the dyno the engine actually produces closer to 165-170hp. If my boat can take it for 21 years with wooden construction then you will be fine. As long as the motor isnt heavier than a common 115 V4 then I wouldn't have a second thought about it and enjoy the extra ponies.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

That's good to know. At 390 lbs the HO is 15 Lbs heavier than the standard 115 (same as the 130) and competitive 2-strokes but much lighter than all the 4-strokes.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

I really think you'll be fine. It's not as if Glastron builds a poorly constructed boat.

I'll also go on the record as being jealous.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

I'll also go on the record as being jealous.

I don't have it yet... trying to justify the debt I will incurr

My main reason: I've always enjoyed waterskiing but the family has never had a decent boat. I want to try wakeboarding before I get too old

And I want to do it right. I don't want to save money with a 75 or 90 hp and then forever wish I'd sprung for the 115.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

go for it-don't be a weeny--
its better to run a larger motor at less rpm than a smaller at higher rpm.

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

I have had responses from 2 different boat manufacturers. You can safely go up to the max hp rating as long as the weight will not exceed what is on the plate. However, I would be concerned with any boat built pre-4 stroke years. They had no idea then that the weight between 4 strokes and 2 strokes would be so great. There weren't any 4 strokes around.

So if I want to change from a 50hp 4 stroke at about 200 lbs to a 115hp 4 stroke at about 400 lbs, it is ok as long as my total weight including the motor, people, gear, etc does not go over the 2150 lb max load capacity. The transoms and reinforcements on newer boats are over built to handle the potential extra weight of heavy 4 strokes over 2 strokes.

If you are rebuilding a boat that originally had a 2 stroke and you want to upgrade to a 4 stroke I would beef up the transom and supports. My $0.02.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

I agree with the thought that weight is likely to be more of an issue than horsepower, if your boat was rated prior to the arrival of very heavy outboards.

BTW and just for "fun's" sake, there actually was a 4 stroke outboard well before the current batch of them - the Homelite/Bear, 55hp engine. If I remember correctly, it was a 4 cylinder engine. Regardless, it was a tank with marginal power, but they sold quite a few of them - at least for awhile.



???

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

Well in my case now it is a moot point, I just purchased a used boat - 1998 Silverline 1700 with Evinrude 115 FICHT Intruder. I read bad things about Ficht but with further research it was the early V6 models that had the problems, never the V4s (apart from the occasional lemon). Now I have to wait until April (at the earliest) to get it in the water.

Does anyone know if the "Intruder" was the HO of the day? The boat is rated for a 120 and the previous owner said it had no trouble reaching 50 mph.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Is 115 HO E-TEC too much for 115 rated boat?

Since he said Glastron, I think you can forgot any worries. Do a www check and contact them and ask. Additionally, they just completed construction on a multimillion dollar hull formation machine that puts hand layup to shame. I'd think that they were aware of potential weight and hp concerns on new engines if they were going to realize a proper return on an investment of that type over the years of it's life. Besides, design engineers (BTDT) derate their design specs by 2:1 to who knows how much to allow for unforseen circumstances that may impact safety or reliability............nobody wants any law suits.

Insurance co's go by the rated numbers.

HTH

Mark