New to iboats

[Xforce05]

This is my first time so here we go. My boats is rated for a 1994 90 HP but I have a 1989 115 HP that I want to put on the boat. I checked around and there is 21 lbs difference in the motors. Do you think it would hurt to change motors if I braced the transom ?

 

[lncoop]

Re: New to iboats

Hey, welcome aboard you old yellowjacket! It's never a good idea to exceed the manufacturer's specs. Even if you beefed up the transom there would be other considerations. Everything on that boat; hull design, number of rivets/welds, etc. etc. etc. was meant for 90 horses or fewer. Using more could compromise your hull.

Then, there are the legal implications. Here in the natural state we're required to insure any boat powered with a motor larger than 50 hp. What would your agent's reaction be if you told him/her you wanted to insure your overpowered boat? Worse yet, what would be the reaction of the plaintiff or plaintiffs' attorneys and the insurance companies if you had an accident in said overpowered boat? You'd risk losing everything.

And finally, there are the moral implications. You'd be compromising the safety of anyone aboard and anyone around you on the water. Could you live with yourself if something happened? Would something happen? Probably not, but if it did you'd be SOL.

Not worth the risk IMHO. But, my advice is worth what you're paying for it. Sorry to be such a downer, but it's always nice to run into a fellow Arkie on here.

 

[JB]

Re: New to iboats

Incoop speaks with a straight tongue. Heed his advice.

Welcome to iboats, and good luck.

 

[Xforce05]

Re: New to iboats

Thanks for the advise. Yeah it is nice to run into a fellow arkansan.

 

[5150abf]

Re: New to iboats

The weight of the engine is the least of the considerations when rating a transom, my boat si rated for 70 horse but the trans would hold a 150 easily, until you put it in gear, then it would rip right off the boat, it is the tourque that the engine puts on the trans that is the problem.

Think of the engine as a giant lever, it is attached at the top and force is applied at the bottom by the prop, that tourque is what your trans is rated for and an extra 25 horse of tourque could cause a big problem.