Adequate outboard HP

L

Lukeout

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Jan 1, 2012
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I have a 1994 Vanguard Phantom 17' that came with a 1986 150hp Suzuki which appears to be way too much power for the boat. Been looking at replacing it with a Evinrude Etec 90-115. I want enough power to pull a slalom skier as well as a 3-man tube. Would it be safe to add this amount of horsepower? Which one would of these would be good?
 
HighTrim

HighTrim

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Re: Adequate outboard HP

What is the boat rated for? It will say.
 
JB

JB

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Re: Adequate outboard HP

I have found that using 70% of the rated max power is adequate to get 90% of the potential performance. My guess, without knowing the rating of your boat, is that an E-TEC 90 would be fine.
 
L

Lukeout

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Re: Adequate outboard HP

The rating on the boat says 53 kw = 70hp. But I've been seeing similar boats with big hp 130 - 175hp. Would the 115 hp be ok to use?
 
1946Zephyr

1946Zephyr

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Re: Adequate outboard HP

If it says 70hp, I wouldn't go any more than that. There's nothing like having your transom come off and ruining your outing. If you sell that Suzuki, you should easily get enough funds to buy you a nice late model 70hp or just trade it off for one.
 
JB

JB

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Re: Adequate outboard HP

Lukeout said:
The rating on the boat says 53 kw = 70hp. But I've been seeing similar boats with big hp 130 - 175hp. Would the 115 hp be ok to use?
Click to expand...

NO, Lukeout. Overpowering a boat is dangerous and, in some places, illegal. In case of an accident you would be automatically charged with negligence. Any competent lawyer could clean you out. More important, an overpowered boat could easily kill you.

Your boat should perform satisfactorily with between 50 and 70HP.

Good luck. :)
 
Last edited:
1946Zephyr

1946Zephyr

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Re: Adequate outboard HP

Not to mention that any mechanic that works on it, is also liable for a lawsuit, as well :eek:
 
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