Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

[piperdriver]

I was recently looking at some 15' to 17' pre-rigged boats at a local dealer. Without exception everyone that was on the lot had less then one half of the Boat rated max HP. hung on the back. I visitd a few other dealers and found this to be the case with just about everyone of the pre-rigged units that they had on hand. Just to be clear as to what I am saying, for example the boat has a max rating of 100 HP. One the back was a 40Hp. My question-is this done primarely for the numbers game, so they can advertise a lower cost unit? Is this done because the extra 60HP. in the above example would not be worth the extra money spent?

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

I think it is the numbers game. The only boat I remember that performed satisfactorily with 50% of rated power was the 16' Boston Whalers that were rated for 100HP and were often prerigged with Bearcat 55s or Johnny 50s in the early 70s. That was a very light boat for a 16'.

I recommend at least 70% of rated HP for satisfactory performance and that isn't enough for some folk.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

It's the sales game. Many boat manufacturer's do that which is common practice. It is in my opinion a terrible practice but if you step up the horsepower when you buy you will be safer.

I really do not want to mention who but many fishing boats come "under-powered"

JB is right on the money 70% is the key.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

I am a big fan of %100 rated horsepower in most circumstances. I assume that the quality of boat hulls/transoms has improved over the years and along wth that HP ratings have probably increased. I highly recommend a sea trail on any boat you consider buying. this will be the best way to tell if it will do what you want it to do. Most dealers will be glad to arrange for a sea trial for a serious buyer..if they will not, go find another dealer. Selling under powered boats does seem to be common practice.

 

[piperdriver]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

Thanks a lot guys. Now I have a baseline. the 70% of rated is what I will look for and try to keep to.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

It lets them setup a deal price and almost forces you to up grade.If not now soon.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

It lets them setup a deal price and almost forces you to up grade.If not now soon.

Not to mention the trailers that are borderline capacity that are often supplied with package deals.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

They are playing the price point game. Bare minimum power and junk trailers.

You can buy a 17' boat and motor combo for the price of a rigged 200 HP outboard.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

that trailer thing is true also..my 19' sea pro, came on a aluminum trailer with the stupid torsion axle...axle is now bent and eating up the inside of my tires...should have been a dual axle trailer.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Outboard HP VS. Boat rated HP.

I agree with what's said, except there are certain boats, such as the whaler or the J series carolina skiff (and similar absolutely flat, light boats) that can run small engines compared to the size. If you find a boat you like, ask/look around for people using them and see what HP they have and what they like. Try a local boating forum (as well as here) to see what works.