25hp to 20hp

[crappie_rick]

I just moved to a different area and the lake I want to fish has a 20hp limit on outboards. I currently have a 25hp Honda, and I recently ordered a 20hp sticker and replaced the original sticker with this new one. Do you think I can get away with this? I'm a little nervous because the 25 motor looks much bigger than the 20. I don't really want to have to buy a new 20hp motor and sell mine. Is there a big performance difference between 20 and 25? Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

Howdy, Rick.

Welcome to iboats.

Cheating is cheating. You may get away with it, but if the local fuzz are alert you will get busted and lose some bux and maybe your engine, since you have put fraudulent labels on it.

 

[John_S]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

The true hp is usually part of the model number that is stamped on a plate, so it would be easily found on an inspection.

Try contacting the lake association, state, or whover is responsible for setting the restriction. They might be ok with an adjustment or throttle limiting cable spacer, such that you would in effect have a 20hp. Many lakes with these types of restrictions are meant for speed regulation. Keeping it under planning speeds keeps them happy.

 

[crappie_rick]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

Thanks for the replies guys. I also removed the plate you're refering to John_S. How can they tell it's a 25 if there is no identification on it other than the 20hp sticker. I was thinking that if I got questioned I would play dumb and tell them I bought this motor at a yard sale. The guy told me it was a 20. I never questioned it. What's the worst they can do? I live in Pennsylvania if this helps.

 

[solomon]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

That would be lying.

 

[JB]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

Getting away with lying to the cops is about as easy as getting away with lying to your Mom.

Not worth it in my book.

 

[hondon]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

Sadly the profile on your 25a is way to similar to a bf35-50.You will draw attention.Keep in mind that most agencys will work with you within reason but seldom after a citation.

 

[BF]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

I'm not a water cop, but I can tell a 25 honda from a 20 from a long ways away. 3 cyl vs. 2 cyl. I have no doubt that if they are looking for this, your rig will stick out like a sore thumb. Let's say they stop you.... you claim to know nothing about what it really is, are defensive, maybe appear a bit nervous, and the serial/model number badge is missing. Hmmm, if I was a water cop, one thought would be maybe you're running a stolen engine.

 

[boatski]

Re: 25hp to 20hp

Who wants to be looking over their sholder all of the time? It seems to be not worth the hassle. Just bite the bullet and do the right thing. Your payback will be peace of mind.