more than max. hp ? ramifications

[73psd]

Hey Guys<br />A friend has a boat,and sticker says max. hp 150 or 175. What if he put a bigger motor on the boat? Say a 200 or 225. The boat is 21'deep v.<br />What are the legal ramifications if any, with the USCG or anyone else?<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />M

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

I would have your friend check with his insurance company to see if they will still cover a loss if you raise the HP. I don't know about the coast guard, as many boats have no plate anyway for them to tell what the MAX. HP should be...If it's rated for 175 HP, a 200 should not be a problem, as far as the boat goes..

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

The Coast Guard doesn't enforce that rule, but your local authorities may. Check with them first, and follow Rick's advice about contacting your insurance company.

 

[DJ]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

73psd,<br /><br />Local enforcement of that rule will be spotty.<br /><br />The real risk is with insurance. If something happens, your buddy is AUTOMATICALLY guilty and his insurance company has every right to disown him. It also leaves him wide open for litigation from an injured party.<br /><br />That is not a risk I would take.

 

[roscoe]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

Illegal in Wisconsin, its listed right in the boating regs you get when you register your boat. Illegal action will void some portions of insurance.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

Perfectly legal in Florida. C.G. is a guide only BUT some states have instituted C.G guide as law. SOME insurance companies don't say anything about HP here either. BUT!! You live in Texas, call local marine enforcement agencies.

 

[swist]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

Did it ever occur to anyone that exceeding the max HP, while it may or may not be illegal or get you into insurance problems, might be dangerous?<br /><br />I realize that sometimes those max limits are computed from a formula which may or may not be exact, but do you want to run the risk of pulling the transom off when the engine tries to take off independent of the boat. Or pitchpoling by giving too much power when the bow is low, or the trim is wrong. Or even if the boat can take it, you could lose control.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

"willfull negligence" if there is a serious accident.<br />I wouldn't take the chance however slim it might be.<br />safe boating,<br />M.Y.

 

[Ken G]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

The Coast Guard doesn't even rate boats over 20' anymore. I'd rather be on a 21' deep V with a 200 hp than a 21' bass boat with a 275 hp.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

What some call dangerous and others just another day in the park is very subjective thing here. The average Bass boat here in south Florida does 80+ MPH and about 2/3 of all the boats in fresh water are of this type. 80 MPH to me just a walk in the park, but on the other hand, I have a friend thats absolutely terrified of going over 30 MPH in ANY boat. I fly airplanes that cruise 275 MPH, some people think speed kills. This in not true and statisticly has been proven.<br /> What it all boils down to is three things:<br />1. The operators skill level first.<br />2. Integrity and design of hull and transome.<br />3. Legality in the STATE WHERE YOU LIVE.

 

[73psd]

Re: more than max. hp ? ramifications

Thanks Guys<br /><br />I never even considered the ins. angle.<br /><br />I am kind'a with Ken 275 hp 300 hp on a bass/fishing boat and 150 HP 175 HP on a bay boat.HA!HA!HA! Oh well......