When is it too much engine?

[meant2be]

I have a 93 Bayliner Classic 17' bowrider that came with a Mercury Force 70hp OB. I use it mainly for watersports (skiing, tubing,wakeboarding). It has just enough power to pull me (185lbs) up on two skis with out drowning me. Slalom is out the question. I see smaller, lighter bass boats with 115 hp Mercs. on them. How large an engine can I put on my boat that is safe and not overkill?

 

[macojoe]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Check out the Coast Guard plate on your boat it should tell you your engin rating. Also make sure that you are proped right, That will make all the difference in the world.

 

[meant2be]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Coastguard plate says 70 HP. My neighbors boat is almost identical in looks to mine and his is rated 90 HP. How are boats rated?

 

[steelespike]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Be sure your motor is in good tune and that throttle is opening all the way. <br />Too much weight in the stern will cause it to be tail heavy and slow to plane.<br /> Trimming the motor all the way in will help.<br /> You may be able to go to a prop with less pitch<br /> for better hole shot.But be sure the motor doesnt over rev.<br /> A whale tail or doelfin will help to plane<br />quicker.<br /> If your boat is rated for 70 hp stay with it for safety and legal reasons.

 

[meant2be]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Thanks for the info. I was considering getting one of those planing fins for the engine. Just might be the answer, because once it planes up it gooooooes.

 

[meant2be]

Re: When is it too much engine?

This forum is the best thing I stumbled on to while blindly searching.

 

[sloopy]

Re: When is it too much engine?

tell us about it LOL!!!<br /><br />good luck

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Read other posts on props (try the search) or start a new one on props for your boat/engine. There are some wizards around here who can help you get the most out of that setup. I've skied behind less for sure!

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Going to a lower pitch prop can make a HUGE difference in a boat's acceleration. It's like downshifting in a car to climb a hill - the engine gets better leverage, plus it's allowed to rev into the range where it's producing more power. I'd suggest finding out what pitch you're running now, then keep your eyes open for one a couple inches shorter.

 

[sho305]

Re: When is it too much engine?

Bayliner makes a light boat. My '83 16' BR is rated for 90. It has a Force 85 and only a 3/4" transom I replaced, most are 1.5". My old 17 BR Checkmate is rated for 150, but is much heavier hull.<br /><br />You need to get a plate/fin on the motor. This will make it plane in about half the time. Trim down, and it will come up fast. Even a smaller plate wll work great. Get any junk out of the boat and take any weight out you do not need. Get a light folding anchor even.<br /><br />Make sure your prop is in perfect condition. Get a good SS prop. Get the next size smaller for skiing for better holeshots(if the other stuff dont work), and dont rev the crap out of it with that on there. Make sure the bottom is clean. Make sure motor is tuned good, new plugs every year or two. <br /><br />Check the lower unit, take a file and smooth any dents in the front of the skeg, and round the front edge. Round front edge from prop shaft to cav plate. Round, not sharp. Just clean it up smooth, 5-10 minutes max unless it is hammered. You want the water to part around it smoothly, if a sharp point it will make it steer funny.<br /><br />Do the same for the prop, a little sharper. Dont take much off, and dont mess with anything but the leading edge. Just clean it up some, make sure there are no dents in it if so replace or repair.<br /><br />Honestly, if your transom is sound, you likely could go to a 90 with no problem. Your insurance will not like it, and the manufacturer does not recommend it. Likely it has a light transom like mine. You have to decide, but the boat will not break in half or anything. You would want to put a plate on the transom or something if strength is an issue. Check the transom/hull good! Be aware of the weight of any other motor you put on there.<br /><br />IF you do all the other stuff, I think you will notice a difference.