Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

[Robert Howard]

My boat is rated for a 20hp, but i put a 25 on it and tried it, i really like the extra power (i had a 15 on it before)is this gonna hurt my transom any. <br /><br />Mike

 

[knobby]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

The maximum hp engine for each individual should not be increased by any great amount without checking requirements from the Coast Guard in your area. The Coast Guard determines horsepower requirements based on the length, beam, and depth of the hull.. Take care NOT to exceed the maximum horsepower listed on the plate or the warranty and possibly the insurance on the boat may become void.

 

[Buckstar]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

Actually the coast guard does not give a hoot what horsepower you put on your boat. The max rating is done by the manufacturer and is put on the capacity plate as rquired by the CG. however some states abide by the capacity plate and you be fined. also there is the liability question. Your insurance company (in most cases) will not cover any situation where you have exceeded the manufacturers maximum horsepower recommendation

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

Anotherwords...check with your state first, here in Florida its no big deal, whatever blows your skirt up here.....

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

Cropduster, to answer your question, No it won't hurt your transom any at 5hp over, but make sure that your transom is in good shape.<br /><br />You never stated what kind of boat or how old it is.<br /><br />I would check to make sure there is no rot in the plywood at the transom and if there is, replace it before mounting engine on it.<br /><br />Also as stated before, you might want to check your local laws on this.

 

[miloman]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

I agree with SBN no problems with the transom just make sure its in good dhape

 

[Robert Howard]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

Its an 89 valco U13, it has no plate saying how much it is rated for, but the new ones are actually rated to 30. I just recently rebuilt my transom and thr reason it has no plate is because i had a rhino lining sprayed in it ( its a good idea and recommend it to anyone with an aluminum boat).<br /><br />Mike

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

Dija use the grey stuff or the black? an' how is it holding up? Been thinking about using the stuff on my rear aluminum livewell hatches and corner castings on my boat

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

I don't see any serious problem going from a 20 to a 25. It's not that big an increase in HP or weight. Doubt that anyone would even notice it unless you told them.

 

[9675hpforce]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

I would not think so a 20 is almost the same as a 25, if you are a 2stroke the weight would be the same back there so dont worry about it. Now my 170 Starcraft fishmaster is rated at 125 I run a 75hp back there the weight difference between a 2stroke and a 4stroke is #150lbs yikkes.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

The difference in the late model 1988 to present Merc 20 to 25 HP is only the peek RPM of about 1000 more which equals a little more top speed(jus' a bigger carb). But mid range torq and acceleration and weight are the same. If anything, the smaller carb on the 20 would ENHANCE low end torq and acceleration

 

[Robert Howard]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

I am using the gray, it is great and i would strongly recommend it to anyone with a boat, it is heat resistant and it keeps water from coming in the boat at the seams (damn riveted boats).<br /><br />It is a lot better then paying 80$ a qt for zolatone paint.<br /><br />Mike H.

 

[SeaHorse]

Re: Is it ok to go 5hp over your boats limit?

I run a pristine 1953 SeaHorse 25 on my 10 foot runabout. I reinforced the transom first. It's real embarassing when you're buzzing a boatful of cuties and your transom falls off. <br /><br /> Ah, the good old days, when nobody needed no stinkin capacity plates. You just mounted up the biggest, baddest motor you could find and hoped there was still two inches of freeboard left when you backed it in the water. Nowadays, the anal types have ruined all the fun by imposing their cockamamee ideas and "capacity plates" to keep us "safe." Please save me from them If I want "safe" I'll stay home and watch TV. It's like that famous American philosopher (and ex-star of the TV show "90210") Jason Priestly said recently, "If it has a motor and there's a chance I'll end up in the hospital...I'm there!"