Wow, what a surprise.

[LubeDude]

Local marina thinks my engine, (150 Merc) is not a 150, but a 175 with a 150 cowl on it because the carbs are WH30s. They say that the serial #s that year didnt tell what the horsepower was. I guess that could explain a few things. Anyway, they are 175 HP carbs.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

This is where I get upset on inaccurately represented motors. Suppose you bought that motor to put on a boat rated for 150 and there was an accident. Would you be rather upset? I would! Not to mention the problems it can lead to regarding replacing parts and tuning specs. Then there's the other possibility that the previous owner did some substitution of carbs thinking that they would magically make the 150 into 175. So many questions and such an ordeal to get answers! <br /><br />But then if you thought it was a 175 and it turned out to be a 150, well then you'd REALLY be upset!

 

[swist]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

Outboards are easy targets for this kind of thing since there are usually 2-3 different HP models for each physical layout. So swapping cowlings is easy. It wouldn't be that hard for the manufacturer to make it more difficult by rearranging the locking mechanism a little on each model.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

Yup. Buddy of mine has a Yammie 150 cowl on his Malibu Flightcraft. There's really 225 ponies under there. The original owner liked to go to a lake with a 150 HP restriction.

 

[DJ]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

Swist wrote:<br /><br />

It wouldn't be that hard for the manufacturer to make it more difficult by rearranging the locking mechanism a little on each model.

And just how much would YOU be willing to pay for that complexity?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

Most people up here just change the decals not the cowl so what good would it due to change the latch, people will aways overcome something like that any way

 

[dingbat]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

They say that the serial #s that year didnt tell what the horsepower was.

A serial number is a unique identifier for that particular block so I don’t believe the story. If you have a serial number the factory could tell you what HP the motor is.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wow, what a surprise.

Those that alter the engine ID so they can run on a restricted lake, or simply to pull a fast one on an unsuspecting buyer are leaving themselves open to liability in the event of an accident. But then they probably don't have insurance either so all they lose is the boat, tow vehicle, and any other assets.