Re: Boat Rating for Outboard HP
there are two different issues here. the hp rating is about speed only. there is also a weight rating ("4 people or 800 pounds" for example; and it's "or" not "and"). For most small boats the motor counts toward the pounds.* So if you add a heavy motor you have to decrease your cargo or passengers.
I doubt your 4 stroke weighs 200 pounds more than the 2 stroke, which is about 115#.
If it weighs 200, then there's an 85# difference
another issue with a heavier motor is your boat's design. If it was designed for a lighter 2 stroke, it might sit too low with more weight (it will sit lower). You can test this with your 2 stroke plus some weights in the amount of the difference. If it's 85# that could be significant back there.
*Some larger boats' rating tag shows max cargo weight in addition to the standard motor for that rig
