Boat Maximum HP Rating

T

Tom Roberts

Well-known member
I was curious as to what criteria the U.S. Coast Guard uses to determine what the maximum horse power rating for a boat should be. Is it the load bearing capabilities of the transom? The forward thrust force your motor exerts on the transom? Tiller or console configuration? I have an 18ft Lowe Roughneck originally configured to be a tiller boat. I put a lightweight aluminum console in it. The boat is rated for a 60HP which is what have in a 2 stroke. The same length boat configured in a side or center console is rated for a 90HP. I wish I could put something closer to a 90HP in my boat. As it is with a 60HP, 30mph is about as fast as it will go without really cranking up the rpm's over 4700. Does that seem like a good speed for a 60HP? Do I dare try a larger 2 stroke motor say in the 75HP range. I know there's some possible legal issues in that.LOL Since I installed a console can the rating be changed?
 
Tom, There are other factors like flotation foam for the added weight and was the boat built to hold that much HP and weight. I would have to say NO, only the Manufacture can rate the boat for HP.
Phil
 
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From what I’ve seen on the water, if the manufacturer uses glitter paint, that increases the horse power rating by at least 50 HP.
 
Hp rating will be different for tiller vs remote steering. The boat mfg. is really he only one that can change capacity rating. Which I'm guessing they won't.

Tom
 
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