motor just a little to big.....big deal?

[camawelander]

I am looking at purchasing a 16' aluminum bass boat with a 75hp 4 stroke Merc. The Coast Guard warning says the boat is rated for a max 50hp motor.
I'm a bit new to the boating word...how big of a deal is this?

The boat is a 1989 Spectrum 1609 - in what appears to be great shape.
Thanks for any input.

 

[airframer]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

it's a fine from dfw if they catch you. can be pretty big in some states. you could always sell it and use the money to purchase a 50hp

 

[JB]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

Big deal. That Merc is sure to be too heavy for a 50HP transom as well as 50% over powered.

Walk away. Being overpowered with an overloaded transom is like being pregnant with twins.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

I wouldn't buy the boat either, and not just because I might have some hassles from DNR, or my inisrance company, or someone's lawyer. It has been my general experience that people who significantly overpower boats, tend to be the same folks who abuse those boats, and do stupid things with them. In an aluminum boat, the end result might be currently undetectable metal fatigue, from overstressing the transom and other parts of the boat.

Given current fuel prices, we are now in a buyers market when it comes to boats. Take some time to look around and go find yourself a "gem." There's plenty of them "out there."

 

[marine4003]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

Who rigged that set-up...the main reason for HP rating is what the hull can handle,both structurally and seaworthyness,(is that a word?) yea you might be fine going in a straight line at half throttle...think..this is ok,,,goose it and VOLIA...you Sir, are now a statistic.
Adding more weight to the transom than Manufacturer recommended and 50% more HP is a death wish.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

Spectrum's aren't exactly overbuilt, to put it lightly, and would be about my last choice of aluminum boats to overpower. And as was mentioned, exceeding the rating by 50% isn't a slight overpower.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

Yeah that's a little more than a little big of a motor.

I'd pass The aluminum has been abused to much.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

To put it bluntly, in event of an accident whether it's your fault or not, does the term "economic suicide" mean anything to you?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

i had a 1802 spectrum, 90hp extremely over powered. fast boat but unstable. there are many legal ramifications, with being overpowered. plus the boat can be red tag, as unsafe, you escorted to the ramp, and sent home with you tail between you legs. the boat is not allowed back in the water until safety inspected. the biggest is what Silvertip stated. get ready to sign everything over to the injured party.

 

[Dave K.]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

the fact that someone would overpower that much would scare me away. i don't know much, but those ratings mean something...wonder how they treated the boat in other aspects too?

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

To put it bluntly, in event of an accident whether it's your fault or not, does the term "economic suicide" mean anything to you?

Tango, Foxtrot, Foxtrot

(Those who like the chat rooms will recognise this military version of a common chat abbreviation!)

 

[RyanSS]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

depends on how much. If the price is right, buy it, keep the motor, sell the boat, buy a bigger boat that doesn't have a motor. OR....buy it, sell the motor, buy a "newer" 50 hp and enjoy.

 

[Nandy]

Re: motor just a little to big.....big deal?

I am with the real... IF the price is right I would buy it then sell the boat and keep the motor. I would not use that rig or keep the boat. Too much stress on the transom. I would not sell it like that either....