Outboard limits

[vuduchile]

I have recently purchased a 1995 Pulse 186 with a 1995 2.5l, 175 hp, carburated Mercury outboard. I have two questions. 1) How hard is it to install a Sea Star Pro steering system. I have the dreaded Mercury system and the cylinder has gone kaput. Is the "Pro" the correct system or would the normal Sea Star system work? The boat has a jack plate and 23 pitch high five propeller. It is capable of 70 mph as is.
Secondly, my maximum hull rating is listed as 185 hp. I am very interested in updating to the 2.5 Efi Sport motor but I am unsure of where the hull classification comes from. Is this classification weight specific? Or does it have to due with intended top speed? Not that this boat isn't fast. I have eaten plenty of jet boats and Donzis already but you can never have enough power! Thank you in advance for a curious Checkmater.

[175checkmate]

I do believe the rating are more for insurance that what the boat will handle. Mine is rated for a 150hp, and thats what the cover says on the back, but under the hood its a bit better than 200hp.

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/avatars/rooster_3.jpg


1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+ / Sky jacker 6" plate / 25p Laser 2 prop

[Bill]

The max. horsepower rating is done by the Coast Guard and in part is relative the the amount of flotation built into the boat which is also mandated the the Coasties. HP rating has nothing to do with insurance companies.

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[ncst8er]

Bill is correct about the source of the ratings (it uses a formula involving several variables). While it is not for insurance purposes per se, your company may not honor a claim if you've exceeded the rated horsepower (that was one of the things my company checked when I got the policy), much the same as a car owner having a wreck while racing.

[F150GT]

I have installed a couple of the SEA STAR hydraulic systems, It is a nice kit and pretty easy to install. I love the way they perform, it does a good job taming big V6 outboards.

F150GT

[175checkmate]

Thats for claering that up Bill, I was thinking that the coast guard had something to do with it. ITs all strange to me. You can take the same hull and the max hp can be different between and outboard and a I/O. It would seem to me that the I/O engine and drive combo would weigh a bunch more than the O/B hanging off the back.

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/avatars/rooster_3.jpg


1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+ / Sky jacker 6" plate / 25p Laser 2 prop

[Bill]

I agree gus, I don't agree with the way the Coasties do it, but we have to live with it. My hydros that I used to have were listed as "home made" so I could power them as I wish... the higher power keeping their tabs on us I guess... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[JW]

The Coast Guard rating comes from a length times width ratio. Totally useless dumb means of measuring power rating for a hull. The hull will handle MUCH more horsepower than 175, but your insurance (if you have any) will be null and void. As far as steering goes, you want the Sea Star PRO version. It has a better build in the lines and cylinder, basically it's made for high horsepower fast hulls. The basic Sea Star is made for slower heavier boats. Go Pro for sure. There is another member of this board with the Pulse 185 and a 280 horse EFI motor. Hopefully he'll join this thread and tell us about insurance.......... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Checkmates owned: 1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI. 1995 Persuader 183/4.3 LX V6. 1992 Pulse 171/1992 Mercury XR6 150 hp 2.5 liter.