hp rating on boat

[JeffPatterson]

I am wanting to install a Johnson 150 hp on my 17' BAZER that is rated for a 125 hp motor, it wieghs 23 # more and i am not sure if this would damage my boat. I wanted to know if anyone has done a similar increase on this size boat, please advise me.

 

[dmessy]

Re: hp rating on boat

Overpowering your boat is risky business. In my opinion, stay at the rated HP.

 

[JB]

Re: hp rating on boat

Not a good idea, Jeff. That big V6 weighs more than 28# over the V4 according to my book. . . almost a hundred more. More important, horsepower ratings come from more than engine weight and really do tell you how much is safe. Handling, control and stability are affected, not to mention insurance rates and ability to pass a USCG safety check. In any sort of accident you become massively liable because an overpowered boat is automatically (and correctly) assumed to be unsafe.<br /><br />I wont go into the tragedies I have witnessed or been privy to that were caused by overpowering an outboard boat.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[kev_79]

Re: hp rating on boat

Jeff,<br /> I put a 115 merc in the place of a 90 hp force. The boat is rated for a 90 hp, but since it was a force, I have gotten about, I'm guessing, a 35 hp increase. I love my merc, but I put it on their when I was more of a newbie, and I built it from 2 broken engines for really cheap. Although, I have overpowered, and it has worked really well, I don't necessarily recommend it. JB is giving sound advice that you should seriously consider. I did it because it was the cheapest way to get away from my force, and money was tight. For me, I am usually with just a few friends, no kids, so I don't worry so much, plus I have been running it for a few years.<br /><br />We can't tell you what to do, we can just advise, so if you do do it, plan on it sitting down your boat a bit, and baby it for a while to get used to it first. Good Luck, and let us know how it goes.