Plate says "Recommended maximum"

[keepitsimple]

I know this topic has probably been bashed to death in here but I've been giving serious consideration to converting my Grumman 12' tiller to a Side Console since I can't find a SmokerCraft/Sylvan dealer in Ontario that know about the 13' Alaskan with SC (RIGHT FROM SYLVAN not aftermarket. US dealers, you know how to sell, Canadian dealers, take note!). The boat is fairly deep V in design with a deep transom, not a car topper at all.

Anyhoo, my quest begins by knowing damn well that my little boat doesn't take much to get going but the 9.9 just isn't enough and I'm thinking 15 or higher would make it go just right. Having said that the plate on my boat says "Recommended Maximums"... 9kW. and for those not having to deal with our lovely metric system that's 12hp, yes 12, not 15, freekin 12....

I have read a lot in the "how to replace your transom" category etc and I'm willing to beef up my transom a touch to get it to 15hp (or 11.19kW for an overage of only 1.19kW over, crap, better remove my electric trolling motor, just kidding). I wish there was a way of beefing it up and officially replacing the plate with new numbers based on the changes but that's probably a complete nightmare in itself.

Question #1: Does anyone know any law preventing going a bit over the "recommended maximum"?

Question #2: Can I register my boat in Ontario with say a 15hp with this plate or not?

Thanks in advance,

Bones...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

do a little research.... there are 9.9's out there that are basically the same as a 15.... swap carbs, change timing, and presto...... gooder

 

[pootnic]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

#1. I don't know of any law...doesn't mean there isn't any though.
The closest thing I've read is a statement saying "you may be breaking the law" and something about "loss of control"
I'm thinking a 3hp difference shouldn't be a big deal but I don't give out the tickets either.
#2. In Ontario does the motor have anything to do with registering a boat.
Here(N.S.) they don't ask anything about my motor.

 

[reddogg]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

Be careful overpowering, it can be dangerous. I like the above posted suggestion of changing carbs, etc... to gain more power. That or get a bigger boat that can handle more power.

red

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

Here's some info that might help you out.
I converted from tiller to side console and using this formula increased my horsepower.

I'm not saying that's a good thing to do.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2003/julqtr/pdf/33cfr183.53.pdf

 

[southkogs]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

We have an old fishing boat at my parents place - 14' open boat tiller control from the 60's probably - and we've had an Evinrude 9 on it as long as I can remember. Two years ago my dad and I decided to try a 15 on it that normally ran our old pontoon around. The way the boat handled at WOT actually scared us. I bank in at around 200 lbs up in front and he's about the same in the back - the boat still porpoised all over when we ran it. We had a few laughs, but ultimately that hull wasn't designed to go that fast.

I'd suggest against over powering.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

You need to register the boat if it has more than a 9.9 on it. You can register it with any engine, it's just required if you've a bigger engine. The capacity plates set the maximums so if you get pulled over or checked and you are over the limit you can be fined. As an aside, if you are outside the limits you take on more risks as the owner/operator should there ever be a suit related to your boat.
From a practical point of view I think that a foil or even fixed trim plates or smart tabs on the back would fix any problems you might have for less money.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

I once owned a 12 foot and later a 14 foot tiller fishing boat, both powered by a 1956 Johnson 10 HP. The 12 footer was downright scary at WOT and 14 not much better but these were very light boats. A more modern, deep 12 footer would be reasonably safe with a 15 HP motor and a relatively heavy load. But that's not the point, it is the insurance and legal stuff that you need to consider. 3 HP shouldn't sink the boat or even make a very measurable difference in performance. But we all know life is a numbers game -- especially when dealing with the law and your insurance company

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

I"ll go against the grain here.

If you have a 15 then put it on. The 3 extra horse isn't going to hurt you.
But if you are in the market for an engine. Then look for a 12 to stay on the right side of the law..

On that note. I have an old Glastron boat, Rated for 45 HP. I was able to get a 55HP cheap so I bought that and exceeded the Max by 10 HP.

Can't tell you how many times DNR (Dept of natural Resources) has did spot checks on me. Never once looked at my plate or engine. Just checking for safety equipment.
I they more look for the obvious. if you put a 25 on there then it might look a little large, or if you are going like a bat out of hell on the water, then you might get stopped.


But this will all depend on the enforcement in your area. Here in WI we are the land of the regulated, haven't been checked for the motor and probably never will.

 

[Water logged]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

The word recomended may allow some wiggle room on going to 15 hp. my boat says maximum capacity is 125 hp indicating anything over that is a no no. A recommendation is not a definate. It says 12 is enogh, but a little more should be ok. I guess it would depend on your debateing skill. The question is would the extra 3 hp be worth the worry.

Glenn

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

It wold be easier to buy a used 14' boat, sell the 12' and not worry about it and have to go through the side console/controls/steering mod.

 

[JB]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

Ask Grumman for a different capacity plate or sticker for remote control.

Almost any small boat is rated about twice the HP for remote as for tiller operation.

Example, my Boston Whaler Tender 11 (tiller) was rated for 10hp. The exact same hull with remote steer, the Sport 11, was rated for 20 HP. I am sure there are other examples.

It has nothing to do with your transom, it has to do with balance.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

I really don't think going that little bit over will hurt anything, most guys that want to over power are talking going from say a 90 to a 115 or from a 70 to a 90, that is stupid but 3 horse should be fine, just be certain your transom is in good shape.

My 2 pennies.

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

In regards to swapping an exhaust or something and gaining power, its the same motor, other than the exhaust or something, and the sticker on the cowl over the motor. Bump up your hp, put the cowl of the lower rated motor on it, and no ones the wiser.

 

[keepitsimple]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

Thanks for everyone's input. For those that say to just replace the carb with a 15hp carb, yes, actually the year of Johnny I have is one of those motors so that is a possibility but I've read that it fouls plugs far more regularly and is difficult to troll. If I do that it's just like putting a 15hp on the back and then I'm still driving a tiller.

I like the suggestion to get in touch with Grumman for a new plate and I'm going to try that for sure. I'm fully expecting them to say that it's not their call, that I have to get in touch with "transportation Canada" blah blah blah but I'll give it a shot.

Someone said to just go with a 12hp and keep to the regs. Problem is that there are a ton of 15's out there and not so many 12's...

Again this is not a lite boat. It's a deep V all the way to the back and with just me (215lbs) in the back it doesn't get up with the tiller 9.9. Maybe my Johnny isn't putting out the full 7.2 or whatever these do at the prop but it's not enough that's why I thought 15 would do it.

Thanks again for everyone's input. I'd still love to hear from someone who's been through this in Ontario if possible.

Bones...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

maybe you need a different prop

 

[relocyo]

Re: Plate says "Recommended maximum"

Ahh heck just peel off the "15" on the cowling and use a sharpie marker n write 9.9 hp... Noone will notice, chances are they will look harder at the exp dates on your flares than hp on the motor... (dont do anything I just said)