More than max power

[mrbell83]

Hey guys, would it be so bad if I put a 25hp motor on my 20hp max rated boat, the weight is really the same, is 5hp going to kill me? <br /><br />Reason I ask is in my area it seems there are allot more 25hp motors than 20hp motors.<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[Silvertip]

Re: More than max power

Those 5 HP represent a 25% increase in horsepower which can make a considerable difference in performance. It's against the law to over power a boat and just so you know -- your insurance company will not cover you in the event of an accident.

 

[JB]

Re: More than max power

This topic comes up often, mrBell.<br /><br />It is sort of like exceeding the posted speed limit. Not smart and a good way to get in trouble but a lot of people do it anyway.<br /><br />It would help if we knew exactly what 20HP rated boat you have.

 

[mrbell83]

Re: More than max power

Well the boat is a 14ft princecraft fisherman.<br /><br />14' 1" long 60" wide 175lbs<br /><br />Hope that helps

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: More than max power

Originally posted by Upinsmoke:<br /> It's against the law to over power a boat

It's against the law?? I knew about the insurance deal but I had no idea it was illegal to put a 25hp on a 20hp boat. You sure about that?

 

[JB]

Re: More than max power

I think there are some locales where exceeding the rated power is illegal. It is not a Federal law, and I don't know of any state laws, but there could be some.<br /><br />mrbell, I don't think going to a 25hp would present any handling or unsafe speed problems with your boat, but, for the record, I recommend that you find a 20.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[mrbell83]

Re: More than max power

Hey JB, thanks for the advise, while I have all you guys here, What should I exspect to pay for a 1970 something 15hp, and is there any year that was better than the rest?<br /><br />Thanks again,

 

[mrbell83]

Re: More than max power

Sorry, forgot to metion that I am looking at Evinrudes.......

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: More than max power

Johnson is exactly the same, so don't overlook them.<br /><br />'74 was the first 15hp since '56. '74-'76 engines used points for the ignition system. 77+ was pure CDI. If you have a preference one way or the other.

 

[roscoe]

Re: More than max power

Illegal to overpower in Wisconsin.<br /><br />"Regardless of the size of the boat, the horsepower of the motor may not exceed the maximum allowed on the capacity plate for legal operation in Wisconsin."<br /><br />from here:<br /> http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/enforcement/safety/boatpape.htm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: More than max power

Someone should challenge that in court. The plate is only supposed to be a suggestion. Does anyone know of any other state that has gone sissy?

 

[mrbell83]

Re: More than max power

Well since it is suck a big thing (I didn't know) I will just be on the look out for a 15, it seems to be the most pratical way to go, but does anyone know what a fair price would be for one in the 70's?

 

[Guest]

Re: More than max power

mr:<br /><br />You should be able to find a motor like that in good shape for about $400-$500. I had a 1980 Evinrude 15. It was an excellent engine. Good luck.<br /><br />Also, if it were me, I would not hesitate putting a 25 on that boat. I had my 15 on a 14 deep v Sylvan. It pushed the boat fine until I got a decent load...then it had a hard time planing. A 25 would have been perfect. Just my two cents, though.

 

[mrbell83]

Re: More than max power

Well thanks for the info. I didn't think it would be a problem since the boat is rated for 20hp anyway, but if its going to get me in trouble with insurance and the coast guard I guess I will try and find a 20 but 15's are very common in my area............

 

[steelespike]

Re: More than max power

If you allready have the 20 hp.,keep the motor and consider going to a what I call a big 14 footer.You can find them with over 1,000 lbs capacity.The 20 will perform better on the larger boat because it will get up on the water easier.It will also feel like a cruise ship compared to the smaller 14.Then later you can go with a bigger motor safely, like 30 hp or so.

 

[mrbell83]

Re: More than max power

Spike, <br /><br />I don't have the motor I was just asking about a 25 for my boat that is rated at 20hp, there seems to be allot more 15 and 25hp motors in my area, and not allot of 20 hp motors, thats all...........

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: More than max power

I have a 15 Evinrude 97 on a Princecraft cartopper 13 1/2 ft. rated for a 25 hp. (I think the rating is kind of high for this boat. Could it be wrong?) The 15 is quite fast and handles well with 3 people. I prefer the 15 for its convenient size/weight and better troll-ability.<br /><br />I had an 18 Merc (same engine size as the 25). I just found the Merc very heavy and deep sitting in the water even though the boat handled it well.

 

[Solittle]

Re: More than max power

Chris - The ones you need to worry about are not the law or the insurance guys so much - - it is the lawayers!! Have an accident and they will go for your nuts - and anything else you got or ever will get. Lawayers like that.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: More than max power

Lawyers are like squirrels aren't they?

 

[dafox99]

Re: More than max power

A bit of a side note, but when I was wrenching at a boat shop in Wichita, Ks., the bassmaster guys were always wanting to overpower the boats. The shop owner would sell them the boat, then sell them the motor seperately. When we rigged it, the new boat owner would be the one to lower the motor onto the transom, and pound the bolts in. Our shop owner believed this would relieve him of liability. I'm betting the lawyers would cut through that defense like a hot knife through butter, if anything ever did go wrong.