overpowered boats debate

[xxturbowesxx]

I was just bringing up a point that overpowering your outboard powered boat by 10hp is completely illegal and im not condoning it. why the double standard where I/O can have as much power as they want? the hulls arent any different.. can you tell me this is safe but a 175 on a boat rated for a 150 isnt? http://youtube.com/watch?v=q4ebfAtfuF8

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: overpowered boats debate

i/o's are built totally different. where and the way motors mount. the balance of the boat is totally different. that boat is a prime example of an unsafe boat. if he had given just a little too much power the boat would have come back on top of itself. totally and completely ridiculous.

 

[tommays]

Re: overpowered boats debate

Your working on the assumption that there would not be a problem with even getting insurance if they were aware of the HP upgrades

 

[QC]

Re: overpowered boats debate

This one's even better. Not necessarily overpowered, but at least as ridiculous . . . BTW, I have to admit, I'd love to play with the first one.

 

[new_boater]

Re: overpowered boats debate

anyone notice his mc numbers are not a contrast color
black on dk. green

bet his insurance company has no idea.

 

[marine4003]

Re: overpowered boats debate

As Tashasdad said there is a huge difference in weight ratio's and the hulls have a deeper deadrise=better handling, Offshore boats - http://youtube.com/watch?v=102PZ0X4k2Q

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: overpowered boats debate

Hey did you guys notice they have those boats trimmed way out so they could do prop stands.

They're just screwing around.

Not very safe but it really doesn't have anything to do with running extra power.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: overpowered boats debate

waste of time and money. Dangerous too.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: overpowered boats debate

I/O's are usually bolted to stringers that run most of the length of the boat. O/B's are attached to a small section of the transom. All of the torque produced by the O/B is transferred to the transom, if you boat isn't built to take these forces, the motor could rip itself from the boat. This is extreme, but you cannot escape the physics of the motor and the material.

In the end it comes down to construction. Yes a jeep cherokee can do 100+ mph (the speedo stops at 85, but I was able to almost get it around back to 0) but I would much rather do that kind of speed in a Porsche. The Porsche is built with a better frame, larger brakes, etc etc to handle the speed safely. The same goes with boats.

If you put an extra 10 HP on your boat is it going to explode into a huge fire ball? No. Are those guys in the video going to eventually kill themselves or someone else? Probably. Hopefully they will manage to break their boats before their bones.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: overpowered boats debate

As Tashasdad said there is a huge difference in weight ratio's and the hulls have a deeper deadrise=better handling, Offshore boats - http://youtube.com/watch?v=102PZ0X4k2Q

the problem is that the boat i posted isn't an offshore boat and what you guys are saying that a 19' glastron is built to handle 650hp? because according to the law its perfectly legal to have such..

 

[QC]

Re: overpowered boats debate

you guys are saying that a 19' glastron is built to handle 650hp? because according to the law its perfectly legal to have such..

Shhhhhhh . . . it's also perfectly legal to buy a 200+ MPH car, and I want it that way . . . Also, it is not illegal to overpower an OB . . .

I found the following online:

Is powering above the rated maximum legal?


The United States Coast Guard has an opinion on this frequently asked question, and their answer from their website is reproduced below:

Can I use a bigger motor on my boat than what it's rated for?​

It is not a violation of Coast Guard regulations to install or use an engine larger than specified on the capacity label, but there may be state regulations prohibiting it, and restrictions from your own insurance company regarding this.​

There are no Coast Guard regulations against exceeding the safe loading capacity, however, there may be State regulations or restrictions from your insurance company which prohibit this. There is a Coast Guard regulation that gives Coast Guard Boarding Officers the power to terminate the use of a boat (send it back to shore) if, in the judgment of the Boarding Officer, the boat is overloaded. There is no fine for this, unless the operator refuses the Boarding Officer's order. We certainly hope that you will abide by the rating, as overloading may lead to capsizing or swamping of the boat.​

NOTE: The Coast Guard Capacity Information label is required only on monohull boats less than 20' in length. The label is not required on multi-hull boats, pontoon boats (catamarans), or on any sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats, regardless of length.​

As the Coast Guard mentions, local regulations may apply. For example, in the state of Ohio one should be guided by this regulation:

Capacity Plates​

(ORC 1547.39 & ORC 1547-40)​

No person shall operate or permit operation of a watercraft in excess of any of the stated limits on the capacity plate. When no capacity plate exists, no person shall operate or permit operation of a watercraft if a reasonably prudent person would believe the total load aboard or the total horsepower of any motor or engine presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property.​

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: overpowered boats debate

let someone be injured, and see who owns your home. the average uneducated boater, who has not had a safety course, is dangerous, enough on the water.

 

[QC]

Re: overpowered boats debate

Oh, I am not condoning either display of stupidity, I just don't want any more laws than we have . . . especially regarding boating.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: overpowered boats debate

My 10 foot invader would stand up on the rear with the pt 35 trim plate all the way out. It had a 25 hp merc on it. The boat was rated for a 55 hp motor. Tried it once with a merc 50. The boat was scarry, I backed off at 60 mph gps at 4400 rpm. I wish to live longer so I sold it. Try a 10 footer with a flat bottom at 60mph on smooth water.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: overpowered boats debate

waste of time and money. Dangerous too.

So is ALL of the boating that almost ALL oif us do by the strictest standards...

Sorry to get on a soap box here, but you guys are making me feel like we're waiting outside k&w cafeteria at 4:30...

Please take this in the friendly context it is intended... it's about enjoying oneself and taking advantage of being part of a free society... I know people at risk, etc... cost of insurance, etc... blah, blah, blah... all valid points I spose... OK, lets mandate healthy diets for everyone, ban red meat, outlaw drinking and smoking, require exercise every day, set max distance one can live from work and mandate the use of bicycles only.... etc...

many of the boats I see on the river run 90 plus, some of the little guys up river are probably closer to 150 than 100, and those are boats that weigh well under a thousand pounds and are sporting built merc outboards My 18 foot i/o has over twice the max rated horsepower and has nice manners, etc... and it's FUN TO DRIVE! my 72 ford pinto would do 110+ (don't ask, was 20 years ago)and the last couple of motorcycles I sold would do throttle wheelies at way over highway speed. Does that mean I have to drive like an idiot? nope

I like it that way... I pay attention to what I do and I have yet to kill or even injure anyone... (knock on wood), I'm generally very safety conscious and pay a lot of attention... lighten up a little...

OH and stop wasting all that gas, time and money poluting our environment with your wasteful boating... shouldn't we all be in kayaks? or better yet, sitting peacefully on the bank enjoying the undisturned waters...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: overpowered boats debate

Well, Gentlemen: I have a 14 foot flat bottom of '60 ish design, manufacturer unknown. It was probably originally rated for about 30-35 HP. with a 15 inch transom. I am currently running a 90 on the back of it. If I nail it with full up trim, it jumps out of the hole like that Glastron but in less than 10 seconds it is at a full plane. If I nail it with trim fully in, It immediately goes to plane at 45 and as I feed in up trim the speed and rpm rise. It rides on the last 18 inches of hull and at speed of about 55 or so it throws a 30 foot roostertail. However, at max speed it can not be easily turned. It is a play boat and an experiment in progress. Eventually it will be powered with a 120 or 140. Come on-- If a 13 foot jet ski can have supercharged 250 HP and do 80 mph, what's wrong with my doing 60 with my 90?--or 120?

To be fair, when I replaced the soaked and rotted floor, I put in seven fiberglass stringers and four crossmembers. The transom is raised five inces and reinforced. It is integrated into the hull and splashwell and is cross bolted with stainless corner reinforcements. The top half (of the boat) is glassed to the hull both inside and out because even bolts would not be sufficient. Vibration would loosen screws and probably rip bolts out of the glass. It is a single seat boat, not meant to take any passengers.

I have played with engine height and props, and the next mods will be a turn fin like on SK boats for better stability, and side rails to trap more air under the hull. Then, maybe a jackplate.

Now, of course, I am not crazy and if I see you fellows who sue, I don't take it out --LOL. Seriously, It handles very well in a straight line and turns quite well up to about 45. But, I only use it when there is little to no traffic on the river. I have done enough air time (some of it inverted) in my life so I slow it down going over wakes. --Too old and my back hurts. Generally, I take it out for about 2 hours, burn nine gallons of fuel, and go home.--I've had my fun for the day.

Some of you guys need to lighten up. Some of us have "overpowered" boats that are not our everyday rides and when specialty used are perfectly safe. Mind you: I am not advocating the average Joe take a 200 hp monster and bolt it onto a rickety 15 footer then go blasting through the anchorage. Just stating what I consider to be the other side of the coin. 'Smatter of fact, My 21 footer is rated for 170 and I only have 140 on it. But that's my everyday ride.

 

[Big Sarge]

Re: overpowered boats debate

I have a boston whaler 13 sport. It is rated for 40 hp and thats what the engine is now and it flies. In a few years I will put on 60 merc becasue they will be smaller and faster then. I know it will be fine becasue it's a whaler. Some of you guys need to lighten up.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: overpowered boats debate

i grew up around fast overpowered river rockets and that was the purpose of the thread to show that the I/O get away with murder all the while if you have an overpowered outboard boat you are playing with fire..seems like a double standard to me

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: overpowered boats debate

Well, Gentlemen: I have a 14 foot flat bottom of '60 ish design, manufacturer unknown. It was probably originally rated for about 30-35 HP. with a 15 inch transom. I am currently running a 90 on the back of it. If I nail it with full up trim, it jumps out of the hole like that Glastron but in less than 10 seconds it is at a full plane. If I nail it with trim fully in, It immediately goes to plane at 45 and as I feed in up trim the speed and rpm rise. It rides on the last 18 inches of hull and at speed of about 55 or so it throws a 30 foot roostertail. However, at max speed it can not be easily turned. It is a play boat and an experiment in progress. Eventually it will be powered with a 120 or 140. Come on-- If a 13 foot jet ski can have supercharged 250 HP and do 80 mph, what's wrong with my doing 60 with my 90?--or 120?

To be fair, when I replaced the soaked and rotted floor, I put in seven fiberglass stringers and four crossmembers. The transom is raised five inces and reinforced. It is integrated into the hull and splashwell and is cross bolted with stainless corner reinforcements. The top half (of the boat) is glassed to the hull both inside and out because even bolts would not be sufficient. Vibration would loosen screws and probably rip bolts out of the glass. It is a single seat boat, not meant to take any passengers.

I have played with engine height and props, and the next mods will be a turn fin like on SK boats for better stability, and side rails to trap more air under the hull. Then, maybe a jackplate.

Now, of course, I am not crazy and if I see you fellows who sue, I don't take it out --LOL. Seriously, It handles very well in a straight line and turns quite well up to about 45. But, I only use it when there is little to no traffic on the river. I have done enough air time (some of it inverted) in my life so I slow it down going over wakes. --Too old and my back hurts. Generally, I take it out for about 2 hours, burn nine gallons of fuel, and go home.--I've had my fun for the day.

Some of you guys need to lighten up. Some of us have "overpowered" boats that are not our everyday rides and when specialty used are perfectly safe. Mind you: I am not advocating the average Joe take a 200 hp monster and bolt it onto a rickety 15 footer then go blasting through the anchorage. Just stating what I consider to be the other side of the coin. 'Smatter of fact, My 21 footer is rated for 170 and I only have 140 on it. But that's my everyday ride.

There are places for these types of boats. My buddies dad used to race 1/4 mile boats back in the 70's and 80's. His boat was a 19 foot ski boat hull rigged with Ford 460 punced out to 486 CI mated to a VEE Drive. The boat would do about 115 MPH in the 1/4 mile!!
Now they were used in controlled situations and not run willy nilly about the lake at over 100 and there was proper safety precautions in place (rescue boats and divers, ambulance and paramedics and safety gear such as parachutes to pull the driver clear in a blow over). Blow overs are not cool at 100+ MPH, they are the images that make the high light reels, the ones of the boat going airborne and rolling/dissintegrating. My buddies dad had this happen once and recieved 170 stiches as his chute pulled him out of the boat his leg ripped out part of the gunnel. Even in skilled hands overpowered boats can be very dangerous. If this happened out side of the controlled circumstances he would probably be dead. To run boats such as this near other boaters is plain irresponsible and dangerous. The guys in those two videos are just accidents waitng for a place to happen.

 

[2kwik4u]

Re: overpowered boats debate

What about this one. Turbocharged V8 in a jet boat! Seems plenty safe for me.

BTW, most I/O's don't have a plate mounted in them with a "max hp" rating like the outboards do. At least I know mine doesn't. I spent the better part of an hour the other day looking for it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7O9a9KBKfk