Boat/Motor Ratings… too much power?

What is the cause of concern with having a motor with higher horsepower than the boat’s rating? If I have a boat that is rated up to 40 horse… is there much to be concerned about if I have a 50 horse motor?

The rating is more for weight then HP.

Besides you could be ticketed if the motor does not match the rating plate.

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If I have a boat that is rated up to 40 horse… is there much to be concerned about if I have a 50 horse motor?

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It’s illegal and you can get a ticket!

Insurance may not cover a loss both physical damage and liability losses.

Yes you can get a ticket if your motor is a higher HP than the boat is rated for. I know of a couple walleye tournament circuits that also have this as part of their rules where you can be disqualified for having a motor with more HP than the boat is rated for.

Eyehunter

Ok Dave.. we all know its illegal now

There is a basic formula for determining hp ratings on boats.. I have seen it online, but I cant recall where. Most often, the same boats are produced with counsel and tiller models, and the tiller models are rated 30 hp less on the average.. go figure.

To make it obvious, it can be dangerous to exceed the HP rating of your boat. It might not be made for the weight/torque, and it might be unsafe for handling… I rally dont know why they rate tiller boats at less HP.

Is this the boat your picking up with the jet outbard? The reason I ask, jet units usually cause a loss of about 30% of the power, and causes an obvious loss of performance compared to a prop. I wouldnt be the least surprised if the previous owner exceeded the HP rating to achieve fair performance from the boat.

Most boats will handle a larger motor… but it doesnt mean its legal, or safe. I have known more than one person in the past to change the emblems on their motors, and others to have powerheads changed or altered for greater hp.

Thanks Dave… and yes, this is the one that I MAY be picking up tonight. Reason I ask… in the ad, the guy stated it is a 35 horse jet. The model number he sent to me last night said it was an Evinrude E50 Jet B. Well, that to me looks like a 50 horse… which would also make sense since the only Evinrude Jet I could find on the blue book sites was for a 50 horse as well. It is getting me thinking what kind of deal I am getting into. I have the serial number, but I can’t find any sites to look up the info. And, if it is illegal, expect me to NOT be running it. I would be looking to trade it for something a little smaller.

Also, I don’t even know what the boat is rated for right now. I have done a little more searching and I am finding other boats of this model with higher ratings. So I don’t even know if it is an issue at this point or not. I am pretty much just looking for the info before I buy it. Thanks all!!!

Call an authorized Evinrude repair shop or dealer with your SN. They will tell you everything you need to know with what you have. It is all databased.

If this is a 50 Evinrude with a jet installed at the factory it is called a 35 jet power and is legal to run on a boat with a 35 hp max rating. It will be painted to match and will be stickered as a 35 Jet Power.

Chubby, you are right on the money!!!

As Chubby said… it is a 50 horse, but the jet conversion knocks it down to 35 and is stickered as such!!! I am legal and ready to go!!!

Thanks all!!! Appreciate the insight. New rig is sitting in my backyard right now!!!

If I remember correctly I read about this some where. I believe that the max HP rating is the heaviest motor that the boat will remain level when completely submurged.

Dave… glad to hear that worked out!!

Other than a little extra gas consumption, jets really open a lot of windows on low water months or years.

This summer if you feel the need to find some new, productive “skinny” water… let me know.

hahahahaha

Dave, you wouldn’t believe the amount of people on the sight that have offered their assistance in catching fish in the new rig. I tell you what… all your work on IDA and all, I will call upon you and we will go in search of some fish to brag about. I will take you up on the Rum to fish some trophy sized Eyes or Pike… or we can hit something down towards you as well. We will definately go hit the water in the new rig.

I will tell you one thing, though. After running it one time… Jets act quite a bit DIFFERENT than a prop does. I am going to take it out on the lake for a day just to get used to it before I put it on a small skinny river. Get used to how the jet acts so I can keep myself and my passengers safe.