over / under

[veedub]

would you rather be 30HP under or 30HP over your boats plating? I ask because I have a boat that has a 55hp O/B on it now but I have a spare O/B thats 115 in the garage and after reading other threads and seeing others boats that are very similar to mine, I have notice some of them are running the 115. So my question to you guys is this, if youre a responsible operator not trying break speed records but wouldnt mind opening it every now and then would you rather be under powered or over powered by 30HP?

 

[veedub]

Re: over / under

should have mentioned that the plate is rated for 85 hp

 

[woody66912]

Re: over / under

DNR/USGS might have a problem with this, just be safe and don't get stopped. And if you do play dumb, like "I thought motors were rated at the powerhead so that would make this 115 a 85 right". There is no law to be stupid. Even though now there rated at the prop so your 115 is a 115.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: over / under

i think going from 85 to 115 is too far over. Plus there's the weight factor. Although not automatic, if you are overpowered and have an accidnet, it can affect your liability and your insurance. I wouldn't chance it. Sell/trade the 115 for an 85

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: over / under

I didn't see a year so I don't know how anybody would know which way they are rated.

Weight, as in talking 4 stroke or 2 stroke is something to consider.

 

[veedub]

Re: over / under

i think going from 85 to 115 is too far over. Plus there's the weight factor. Although not automatic, if you are overpowered and have an accidnet, it can affect your liability and your insurance. I wouldn't chance it. Sell/trade the 115 for an 85

sounds good. Ill keep the 55 on her. I just dont want to be too underpowered you know?

 

[veedub]

Re: over / under

thanks for the responses guys. I am just gonna keep the ole 55 on and cruise it around. Might start looking for an 85hp.

 

[JB]

Re: over / under

Rule of thumb says that a boat needs 70% of rated HP to perform satisfactorily. That would be a bit over 60HP for your boat, so you are underpowered.

I very strongly recommend not overpowering. . .for safety. . . overpowering is dangerous. A 70HP would adequately power your boat and be lighter, more economical and more maneuverable than a big V4.

 

[JoLin]

Re: over / under

Agree with the guys who caution against overpowering. I wouldn't worry about a few horses, but 30 is alot. Aside from the fact that your boat might be unstable at the higher speeds you'll achieve, there's also the increased stress on the hull/transom from the additional weight, horsepower and torque. That could spell problems, too. All in all you're wise to keep the 55 while you shop for something more suitable.

My .02