Why a 9.9?

[496 Cubic Inches]

Why is it that some manufacturers make a 9.9HP instead of a 10?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Why a 9.9?

I think because there are many lakes restricted to under 10 hp.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Why a 9.9?

Because in many places (including Canada) a boat with a 10hp or more engine must be licensed. There's also age/hp restrictions in some places.<br /><br />I guess some of the lakes down in the States have HP limits too, 10hp being a popular one.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Why a 9.9?

Also, in some states, like mine, kids under the age of 16 can't drive boats alone unless the motor is under 10 hp. <br /><br />A very popular thing here is to take a Johnnyrude 15hp motor and put a 9.9 cowling on it. There are a bunch of 12' aluminum boats on the lakes around here going way too fast for a 9.9 hp motor. Most of them have a 15-year-old kid at the tiller, although there are plenty of older guys fishing the under 10 hp lakes buzzing around pretty fast, too.

 

[hagerg]

Re: Why a 9.9?

Years ago in Florida, boats with less than 10 hp did not have to be registered. That is no longer true.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Why a 9.9?

Yep - I got nailed for being out with my 9.9 on a 12' non-registered tinny here in Miami. I went to court & the judge dropped it. Still I registered it.