How to determine max HP rating for boat

[Trackbuild]

I have a 1995 Larson 280 cabrio with twin 5.0l engines rated at 200hp each. I'm swapping them out for vortex 5.7l with 330hp each. I'm sure I will be chasing which props work best all next summer, but I would like to know that I'm not over powering the hull design by to much.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Hp ratings only apply to outboards. You can put twin 1650hp motors in there if you want

 

[Trackbuild]

Thanks, I kept seeing people writing words of caution about exceeding HP rating. Boat did just over 40 with 4 big guys in it with full fuel. I would love to hit 50 even just when conditions are right once in a blue moon.

 

[Scott Danforth]

remember, that boat is a cruiser, not a go-fast boat.

also, being a 1995, make sure your motor mounts, stringers, buklheads, and transom are rot free.

 

[Trackbuild]

Yeah thanks Scott, I had it surveyed and he said it was one of the dryest bilges he has seen. We spent allot of time in that area checking it out.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I say, go nuts and build a pair of 383 strokers

 

[harleyman1975]

They are very nice motors make very good torque.

 

[Trackbuild]

Believe me I was thinking of 383's, I have alpha out drives and was thinking that they might not like that much torque. Any experience with that combo?

 

[Bondo]

Believe me I was thinking of 383's, I have alpha out drives and was thinking that they might not like that much torque. Any experience with that combo?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... If yer gentle with the throttles, that could last a long, long time,....

Get abusive with the throttles, 'n you'll be buyin' new drives,.....