motor size ?

[VaPredictor]

just wondering how ppl get away with alot bigger motors on their boats. the coast guard tab on the predictor says max 120, is this the horse power or the motor size?.....still new to boats and all that goes with them.

[Mark]

In the USA it is illegal to exceed the CC max horsepower rating. To do so will probably void your insurance. Sometimes people will change the stickers since a L6 Merc can range from 90 to 150 HP. Still, no guarantee they won't get stung. In Canada the CC ratings are not binding and it all depends on what your insurance company will do. Most have no problem with 10% over. However, rates go up once a boat is capable of over 50 MPH.

[daren34]

max 120 means the that is the maximun horsepower that they feel is safe for that hull
mostly because of weight and balance issue
the late model motors are rated at propshaft where older motors were rated at powerhead
you can use propshaft ratings for your boat
hope this helps
daren

[85Predictor]

My '85 Predictor has a max rating of 125 hp.
I wonder why the difference? (I know, it is only 5 hp) The new Pulsare 1600 BR has a max rating of 125 hp also. I was able to get about 52 mph(GPS) with my '87 Merc 115. That was with the rotted floor and at least 100 lbs of water-soaked foam!! I can't imagine what a newer 125 would do with dry foam!! I imagine 60 mph would be well within reach!!

Again, my 1.5 cents!!
Good Luck!!

[Mark]

Max horsepower is based strictly on a formula using length and width. Even though the Diplomat and Predictor are both 16.5' long, the Diplomat is rated at 140HP because it is 6" wider. In the mid 80's all the ratings were lowered to compensate for the propshaft HP measurements. Diplomats were downrated from 150HP. If you have an older model boat you can legally run whatever HP is on the plate. Giddy up!

[Dr. Phil]

My Fantasy F-13 is rated up to 50HP. I'm going to strap on an 85HP engine and see what she'll do. Sure, just gotta be careful and on the lookout for "issues"......... zippidy dooo dahhhh.