overpowered aluminum boat

[franger]

i am considering buying a used 14.5 ft princecraft (rated for 30 hp) which is currently powered by a 40 hp evinrude. legal issues aside, what would be some of the cons associated with such a purchase (weakened transom, leaks, etc)?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

I have a sixth sense about these things. When I picture that boat, I see dead people.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

yeah, what he said. the power ratings isnt just about keeping the boat together, its also about keeping you together!<br /><br />but , anyways, about your question. lots of 40 and 30 hp motors are very , very close in weight and or size, so that usually wont be an issue on that much HP difference.<br /><br />the boat should still work 100%, but it just may not be able to handle safely with that much HP , such as in a tight turn at too fast a speed or such.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

Probably nothing. The guy who had it is still around...isn't he?

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

First time out make sure the cavitation plate is parallel to the boat before you take off as if trimmed out and it is too much hp the bow will want to rise and possible flip the boat over. Start off slow. Also is the motor newer or older as older rated at head while newer at prop so it would make a difference if it is a newer motor.

 

[rwcreigh1]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

hey willy,me and my wife think you are funny.i see dead people.lol

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

I have a 40 running on a 14ft F/G hull rated at 30. This is not a huge discrepency and I have not experienced any ill affects. The only con I see is bigger motor is a little more thirsty. One thing to consider though would be whether it is tiller or remote steer. If in doubt, insist on a test run to judge for yourself if you are comfortable with it.

 

[franger]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

Originally posted by RodC:<br /> I have a 40 running on a 14ft F/G hull rated at 30. This is not a huge discrepency and I have not experienced any ill affects. The only con I see is bigger motor is a little more thirsty. One thing to consider though would be whether it is tiller or remote steer. If in doubt, insist on a test run to judge for yourself if you are comfortable with it.

tiller

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

All kidding aside, I said this in another post and it applies here. Those tags aren't put on there by idiots for frivolous reasons. They are there for good and sound reasons and most of those involve saving lives. <br /><br />On some motors, the 30 and 40 are cut from the same block. Not true with Johnnyrude. 35 is all they get out of that block style and the 40's block can put out 60. The latter is also substantially larger and heavier than the former. It's actually a huge jump and one that should never have been rigged.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

I say the boat should not be sold overpowered to begin with and never power a boat over it's rating, but when you own it people tend to do what they want. People can justify more horsepower and maybe they are right, but in the end it's still overpowered for it's rating. If you drive it everything may be fine and work great, but if something bad would ever happen especially to others you would have that to live with.<br /><br />I'm saying this because I have a 40 hp Mercury tiller that is sometimes on my small light 14 ft aluminum boat (1968 FD Alumacraft). The 40,50 and 60 hp share the same engine block. It is legal, but experience tells me it's overpowered and I have to treat it like a loaded gun. My boat with the 40 hp motor on is a lot of fun and only for me to drive, but in the back of my mind it disturbs me if someone else would ever drive it, so I can't let that happen.<br /><br />This is a great sport. Think safety first, for everyone.

 

[rschnack]

Re: overpowered aluminum boat

Really look the boat over if you decide to get it. A friend of mine that grew up around boats tells stories of how much fun he and his friends had putting larger than spec. motors on small aluminum boats, then taking them out and really hammering them on waves. He told me to never buy an aluminum boat with a larger motor because there is a very good chance of it having been pounded, resulting in loose rivets and other possible structural problems. Would most people spend the extra for a larger motor if they weren't going to use it?<br />RCS