Kicking it up a notch

[envy83]

I currently own a 1986 Forester Phantom with a 88hp Johnson (same year). After some heavy use (two skiers and a full boat) I scorched a couple cylinders really bad. I've just acquired a 1987 155hp Johnson and have two questions:<br />1)Am I insane? This boat will be mostly a wakeboard boat so the boat will be heavily weighed down, but its still a big horsepower jump.<br />2)Does anyone know if the existing pwr tilt/trim, steering and controls that the 88 had will work with the big motor?<br />---Please no posts about "only go to what the plate says is the max hp". I'm curious about the how the boat will handle, will my transom tear off etc.

 

[catfish1]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

what lenght is the boat?<br />only go to what the plate says is the max hp. <br /><br />really, we need the lenght of the boat, and the max hp rating.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

Ive never fooled with a Forester Phantom so I cant comment about how strong the boat is but at least all the controls and cables will hook up. Including the "kill switch" (hint, hint). <br /><br />Be safe!! Have fun!! Good luck!!

 

[envy83]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

The boat is 16.5'. I couldn't find the plate, so I don't know. I know you could get a very similar model with a 140 i/o, buts thats comparing apples to oranges.

 

[JB]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

If you don't want to be told to do it right and safe, don't ask.

 

[MurdockJr]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

I'm with JB on this one. 16.5ft boat with 155hp thats insane.

 

[airman]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

The boat will flip over and your transom will tear off. Does that make you happy? Consider what you'll feel like if that does happen and you kill someone. If that doesn't work, consider what it will cost you when you are successfully sued and your insurance company (rightfully) denies you coverage.

 

[envy83]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

Okay flaming death and guilt aside, can anyone level-headedly tell me if the Johnson TNT will be able to lift the bigger motor?<br />(also with the coast guard formula this is only<br />about ~10hp over and my insurance has already approved it)

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

Not sure what you are asking.....does the 155 V6 NOT have trim and tilt? And you want to unbolt the tnt unit from the V4 and put it in the V6?

 

[envy83]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

You got it. I bought the motor used with the knowledge it did not have TNT and was wondering if the unit I have on a fairly worthless motor could save me some pennies.

 

[airman]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

Sorry envy that was a bit harsh but I agree with JB, I don't think its right ask others to give you the OK to ignore safety plates etc. I mildly overpowered my 12'dinghy (15hp vs 12.5rated) but I beefed up the transom with an extra layer of plywood first. It was fast and carried a good load but it was very unstable with just me and the hull kept cracking from the extra punishment. I eventually scrapped the boat because I was sure it would eventually either split and sink or throw me out of the boat at high speed. I don't recommend overpowering a boat because of personal experience from having done it. That said, it's easy enough to limit the motor with a throttle stop. If you do use it, be careful when you're light and check for cracks or delamination in the hull frequently (coin tap test).

 

[envy83]

Re: Kicking it up a notch

Appreciate it Airman. That's the kind of solid advice I was hoping for. I'm not going to go slamming the throttle down or try to make any 180's on the lake, but I wanted to make sure I didn't overload the motor doing exactly what I bought the boatfor (skiing, wakeboarding and bringing a bunch of friends on the water). With that decided I wanted to know what I should lookout for/expect to make sure death and liability didn't occur.