Can I put a 115hp motor on a '75 Starcraft SS 16?

[DJ_Allatoona]

I've long wanted to replace my problematic 75hp Mercury and got a possible good deal, but it's a 115 hp. I wasn't looking to jump up in power that much, but I'm wondering if it's OK. And is the issue stern weight or too much power? My old motor is a 1986 model and the 115 is from 1992.

 

[jbcurt00]

Pretty sure a 16ftr has an 80-90hp max rating.

In WV, simply overpowering is defined as reckless operation.

How's Georgia handle?

GA_Boater might know

 

[GA_Boater]

Hi, Dave. Sorry to hear your motor may have self destructed. Drop the lower unit to see if the clunking is from the powerhead or lower unit.

The max for a 16' SS is 85 HP. I don't know what the GADNR laws are, but I think a lot of it depends on the situation.

According to NADA - the 75 HP weighs in at 265# and the 115 is 315#, 50# more. Your CMC is about 45 #, with that removed it's only roughly a 5 pound increase - Pretty much a wash on weight.

Used and working CMC units sell on CL like hotcakes.

 

[DLNorth]

You probably shouldn't.

We have a 1971 SS16 that I'm convinced had a larger power motor on it. The boat has a 18 ft plate on by mistake, rating it at 125 hp. When we got it, the transom was badly bowed out, likely from the overpower. Note the the wood was/is solid, just bowed. I added a large SS L to re-enforce it and bend it straight. It currently has a 1976 850 on it, IMO a perfect match for this hull. (a predecessor to your 75)

Note that from a weight stand point, there have been plenty of SS16's with V4 OMC's and I6 Merc 90's, both in the 300 lb weight range.

Dan

 

[Watermann]

Sounds like the same Merc 115 I have on my 18'r, they are a bit heavy for a 4 cyl if so. I'm not a big fan of over powering small OB boats by 30 HP, a 90 would be just fine. Also your boat was rated 85 for a flywheel rated motor, newer 92 motor is prop rated.