Is 115 too much.

[titaniumneck]

I've described before my 15 ft sprint bass boat with a 40 tohatsu on it. I have the chance to get a evenrude 115, the v 4 type. The Transom is in good shape and I can beef it up more. But is a 115 just too much, is it overkill?

 

[Jcris]

I'm no expert but that's a big jump in hp. Have you seen a 15' bass boat with that big of a motor? I'd say overkill for sure

 

[southkogs]

What's the max HP rating for it? I've had a 15' runabout in the past that would have run fine on a 115. But I have a 14' fishing boat that would sink just from the motor sitting on the transom.

 

[titaniumneck]

The back end of the boat can definitely handle the weight. Me, my two sons were all standing on very back of boat in water, that's 225 plus 275 plus 255 plus motor 115 and 12 gallons of gas, 96 pounds, total about 1000#s and back not even close to taking water.

 

[Scott Danforth]

What does the capacity plate say its rated for?

The 15' sprints i found (255) were rated for 80

 

[pckeen]

Sounds like overkill, even dangerous. Don't go higher than the max rated hp.

 

[rallyart]

Of course it's overkill.
But my neighbour changed out the 115 on the back of his 60's 15' trihull to a 135 when the 115 finally died. He just uses it for slalom and recognizes that he is way past the capacity plate rating. The fact you can do it does not mean it's the wisest move, but maybe it's necessary for your purpose. Watch some of the videos on bass boats launching and see if you can get someone to have a camera on when you run. It could go viral.

 

[titaniumneck]

Well, after over 40 years of fishing, and riding with several people who could afford a gel coated rocket, but just because you can afford it doesn't mean you automatically can drive it. 17' laser with 175, 18 ft blazer with 200, and the list goes on. I have more than once told a driver who didn't respect the power, to either slow down until he learns how to drive, or let me out. If I put a 115 on it, it's with respect.