Max Horsepower

[R Willis]

I was asked and didn't know the answer so I will ask the pros:

The max horsepower rating shown on a boat id plate. Is that just a recomendation from the manufacturer or is it a legal limitation?
Just curious.

R Willis

 

[BonairII]

Re: Max Horsepower

I believe it's BOTH. If you have a boating mishap and they find out that you're overpowered....get out your checkbook.

Overpowering can also break a transom and/or twist a boat up because the hull wasn't designed to take the extra hp/weight.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Max Horsepower

Depends on jurisdiction.

In Wisconsin, it is the legal limit.

It is considered a willful violation to power a boat over the rated hp.

It is also illegal to sell a boat that has an engine mounted to it, that is over the rated hp.


Check the regs for your state.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Max Horsepower

That number is what the manufacturer says is the highest HP you can safely run on that boat, they have engineers and don't just pullthe number out of the air, once the limitis put on the boat it becomes a legal issue for several reason and also excledes you frm ever suing the maker for any reason and opens you up to litigation.

You wil not find many here that sill reccomend overpowering.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Max Horsepower

it's also possible that your insurance coverage would be denied if you get in a high speed accident and you are over.Obviously being over doesn't automatically void the coverage-like if you hit a swimmer at no wake speed.

I wonder, though, about those who build or rig hot rod boats--do they (should they) apply for an overage permit? It's not like a stripped out car that isn't street legal since there is no "off street" boating except in a closed course event.

As far as safety (v.legality) you know the manufacturers are on the safe side, so putting a 115 on a boat rated for 110 isn't going to make it fly to pieces.

anyone have the actual statutes on this?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Max Horsepower

no point in guessing or "what I heard" anymore.

A reference from Boston Whaler on point:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ratedHP.html

it discusses USCG and state law, insurance, safety, manufacturers' requirements, how ratings are determined. Only required for boats under 20'.

and which says:

Is powering above the rated maximum legal?
The United States Coast Guard has an opinion on this frequently asked question, and their answer from their website is reproduced below:

Can I use a bigger motor on my boat than what it's rated for?

It is not a violation of Coast Guard regulations to install or use an engine larger than specified on the capacity label, but there may be state regulations prohibiting it, and restrictions from your own insurance company regarding this.

There are no Coast Guard regulations against exceeding the safe loading capacity, however, there may be State regulations or restrictions from your insurance company which prohibit this. There is a Coast Guard regulation that gives Coast Guard Boarding Officers the power to terminate the use of a boat (send it back to shore) if, in the judgment of the Boarding Officer, the boat is overloaded. There is no fine for this, unless the operator refuses the Boarding Officer's order. We certainly hope that you will abide by the rating, as overloading may lead to capsizing or swamping of the boat.

NOTE: The Coast Guard Capacity Information label is required only on monohull boats less than 20' in length. The label is not required on multi-hull boats, pontoon boats (catamarans), or on any sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats, regardless of length.





reference guide to state boating laws--might not be current, and is just a guide:
http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Max Horsepower

^^^^ Good info. Thanks!

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Max Horsepower

As Home Cookin' stated, you probably aren't going to kill anyone by overpowering from 110hp to 115hp. However, there are some other considerations to make. The boat manufacturer is talking safety, so any time you disregard that warning you are jeopardizing the safety of you and your passengers. I have zero problem with you doing it, but you should really think about any passengers (family?) that might be put in jeopardy by your decision.

Second point to consider: going over the limit by 5hp make less of a difference going from 110 to 115 than it does going from 10hp to 15hp. So the boat you are thinking about overpowering makes a difference.

Third point to consider: the manufacturers recommendation is for a new boat with a solid transom. If you're thinking about overpowering an older boat that may have a soft/weakened transom..... Many boats after 20-30 years can't safely support the max HP rating because their transoms have weaken with time and water.

Fourth point to consider: There are multiple reasons that the manufacturer puts a max HP rating on the boat. Off the top of my head, I would assume that those are related to the max torque the transom can withstand, the amount of motor weight the boat can support in the stern, the way the boat was designed to run at certain speeds, etc. Going over the max HP rating affects all of those things and probably a few more.

On top of that, toss in the local/state regulations and that your boat insurance is negated.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Max Horsepower

From the Wisconsin boating regulations, page 16:






Overpowering
is equipping a vessel beyond its safe power capacity. It is illegal to sell, equip, operate or allow another to operate a boat with any motor or other propulsion machinery beyond its safe power capacity, normally shown on the capacity plate. Overpowering is illegal.

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Max Horsepower

If you over power your boat and anything happens there will be fines and you can kiss your insurance goodbye. It says max for a reason.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Max Horsepower

everyone keeps mentioning insurance.... I used to work in insurance, we insured MANY boats. Not once was a claim denied because of an overpowered boat. Yes, there were special premiums for high horsepower boats, but it was usually a horsepower to weight ratio thing. (the muscle PWC's would fall into this category, boats rarely if ever could get that type of HP) Think of it in other terms, if you add a power chip to a diesel truck, is your insurance automatically voided? Nope.


Also, I live in a state that doesn't have any laws on the books regarding horsepower. Also, through a wierd loophole of the law, it is illegal to overload your boat per the coast guard plate, but it is not mandatory to actually have the plate. (so in other words, there are a fair number of boats with it removed)

In other words, check your local laws... In many states it might be perfectly acceptable. For some reason on here everyone gets their lifejackets in a bunch the instant you mention overpowering, but yet take this same discussion to a high performance boating forum, or even an automotive forum, and you will receive tips on how to boost horsepower, not negative opinions...

Its more a general comment on the general spirit of America than anything else. Doing anything outside the box is frowned upon. We used to be a resourceful, inventive people full of adventure and bravery, but not so much anymore... (ok, soapbox mode over!)

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Max Horsepower

No need to confuse resourcefulness with foolishness. It happens often enough!

What kind of a group would we be if we just told the guy to do it without telling him the potential negatives? I'd rather that than hop onto a forum where the guys provide the gasoline and the matches.

 

[R Willis]

Re: Max Horsepower

I appreciate all the feedback. The question came up in a conversation with a group of us chatting one day. I know my flatbottom is rated for max of 25 and it will slide on a tight turn. Much more power could lead to trouble in a hurry. I do agree that more power on a small boat would make a lot more difference that a small increase on a larger boat.

Thanks guys.
R Willis

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Max Horsepower

Do the math using your boat's dimensions in the formula provided at the link below and decide for yourself. Be safe!

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/julqtr/pdf/33cfr183.53.pdf

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Max Horsepower

that's interesting but doesn't account for hull design differences. I think (but don't know) that manufacturers can get variances with the right proof.

Good point, Smoke, on the insurance. The internet is rife with bad legal and insurance advice. I would doubt an "automatically void" situation exists (and many state insurance regulations would prevent it for public policy) but you hear it all the time, with certainty, around here.

here's how it could come into play, though: some policies say they do not provide coverage for claims arising from illegal use. IF it is illegal in your state to overpower, and you get in a crash while "engaged in that illegal use" then they may try to deny coverage. It can happen in a car while racing (which is when the rest of us need your coverage!). There has been a case where the company tried to deny coverage for a drunk driving accident (car) because it occurred during illegal use.

Why isn't this always the case? Take it to its illogical conclusion: it's illegal to drive with a headlight burned out. You drive anyway, in the middle of the day, run a stop sign and hit someone. Coverage denied for illegal use? No way. It's called proximate cause. Also, as I alluded, your insurance is to protect the public, and it would be against public policy to deny coverage for the very reason you have insurance--for when you do something wrong.

Remember, these things only come up during big liability cases--you need a death or two, not a scratched boat. And proximate cause. But hard cases make bad law.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Max Horsepower

Even if an insurance carrier can't/won't immediately 'void' your insurance, being overpowered can still leave you liable for damages far beyond what your insurance will cover... especially if there is a death(s).