I've been looking at evinrude, yamaha, mercury 125hp outboards. Im looking for the best all around performance i can get. Ill be towing skiers/wakeboaders/tubes so keep that in mind. My question to you is that which outboard will perform the best on this boat? And is it a crazy idea to go over the maximum horsepower? Ive also looked a some other outboards in the 135-150hp range which weigh a little more (20-70 pounds more) and exceed the max limit (i like to go fast, so sue me). So my question to you is which is the best 125hp outboard for my conditions and is it a bad idea to exceed the max horsepower limit?
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Pulsare 1600br Outboard Question
- Thread starter Curly Fry
- Start date
Vandalizer
Well-known member
Only if you don't exceed it by enough to outrun the cops!
In general, Mates seem to be built to take whatever you can throw at em. I believe Great East probably holds the HP record for a 16' Mate with a 225 Bridgeport. At least I think that's what he has. I would be pretty comfortable with anything up to a 200 (2 stroke) with 4-6" of setback. You could always talk to Kip at Checkmate and get an off the record recommendation.
The main problem with overpowering is with regard to the liabilities involved.
Whether the boat can handle a bigger motor is certainly one issue....
But the other issues are with regard to insurance and liability.
As in...
Let's say you take someone out for a ride and stuff it. The passenger in turn gets hurt and sues you for injuries due to negligence on your part and it's discovered in the investigation that the boat was overpowered. Don't think it can happen? Google it and see. Also, do some research and see what some of the guys who run poker runs have had happen to them.
The other consideration is with insurance and the regulations in your area. Some insurance companies simply won't insure a boat if you overpower it. And in some jurisdictions, it's against the law to over power.
So there are some real risks involved that you'll want to assess before you make your decision.
I know some will poo-poo all that, but I figured it's still worth pointing out.
Assess the risks, assess the rewards.
-Chris
Whether the boat can handle a bigger motor is certainly one issue....
But the other issues are with regard to insurance and liability.
As in...
Let's say you take someone out for a ride and stuff it. The passenger in turn gets hurt and sues you for injuries due to negligence on your part and it's discovered in the investigation that the boat was overpowered. Don't think it can happen? Google it and see. Also, do some research and see what some of the guys who run poker runs have had happen to them.
The other consideration is with insurance and the regulations in your area. Some insurance companies simply won't insure a boat if you overpower it. And in some jurisdictions, it's against the law to over power.
So there are some real risks involved that you'll want to assess before you make your decision.
I know some will poo-poo all that, but I figured it's still worth pointing out.
Assess the risks, assess the rewards.
-Chris
Vandalizer
Well-known member
Very true. Your insurance rates will definitely go up.
Chris- do you know what states it is illegal to overpower in? Also, I'm assuming if you're upfront with your insurance company and tell them what you have on the boat, they wouldn't have the ability to reject a claim after the fact, would they?
Chris- do you know what states it is illegal to overpower in? Also, I'm assuming if you're upfront with your insurance company and tell them what you have on the boat, they wouldn't have the ability to reject a claim after the fact, would they?
Sorry, I don't know what areas, or states, are hardcore and not.
Basically, what can happen with insurance, is that many companies simply will not insure you. The minute you own a boat capable or running over 50ish, you usually have to go to a specialty high performance boat insurance provider. I know that's what I had to do.
I know with mine, they asked for the HIN number and motor serial number. And they came back and gave me my rate and they told me they knew that my boat was capable or running about 60 MPH. I think I accidently guessed it did 50.
Now whether there are specialty providers that will insure you whether you are overpowered or not, I simply don't know to say. Perhaps some of the other members will know a company that insures overpowered boats.
Also, I would suspect there are a few owners of older overpowered boats, that simply choose to run without insurance or perhaps without full insurance.
As I said in my first post, it's a risk/reward deal.
-Chris
Mark
Well-known member
The insurance companies seem to be more concerned with speed than horsepower. Mine told me 150 HP was fine for my 140 HP rated boat. But if it was capable of over 50 MPH they wanted a few more dollars.
Your hull is very similar to my Diplomat. My 130 Yamaha 2 stroke gives me 55 MPH and great skiing torque. I think a 150 HP V6 would be plenty if you want more. I would go with a 150 Yamaha HPDI VMAX. Giddy Up!
Your hull is very similar to my Diplomat. My 130 Yamaha 2 stroke gives me 55 MPH and great skiing torque. I think a 150 HP V6 would be plenty if you want more. I would go with a 150 Yamaha HPDI VMAX. Giddy Up!
Yeah, I think our governments are a little more lenient up here. I don't know if any provinces make it an actual offence to over power.
But I think in some U.S. states, they're much more strict on the matter.
Perhaps some of the guys will chime in and let us know what they do in their state/province/country.
-Chris
CHECK16
Well-known member
It's good to see another 16' BR on the board.I have no real advice on what would be the best motor to get but I'll tell you this. If speed is your need get a V6.
Like others said make sure you won't have trouble insuring it first.
I run a Merc 125 with a 6" CMC hydro jack plate and a 26p Laser II=58.6 GPS.
I run a 19p prop for tubing and skiing.
I've considered a Mercury 175 Pro XS as my next motor.
Great East Predictor
Active member
Only if you don't exceed it by enough to outrun the cops!
In general, Mates seem to be built to take whatever you can throw at em. I believe Great East probably holds the HP record for a 16' Mate with a 225 Bridgeport. At least I think that's what he has. I would be pretty comfortable with anything up to a 200 (2 stroke) with 4-6" of setback. You could always talk to Kip at Checkmate and get an off the record recommendation.
actually its 240hp
the more ponies the better, go for it.
83PREDICTOR
Well-known member
Go with a V6!!!
My Predictor (predecessor of the 1600) was a much better all around boat after I put on my 150 V6 compared to the 115 that it came with. If you go with a 125 or less your going to be running it hard all of the time. Even if you get a 135 V6 it would be a big diff and you may not get a hard time from the insurance company.
My Predictor (predecessor of the 1600) was a much better all around boat after I put on my 150 V6 compared to the 115 that it came with. If you go with a 125 or less your going to be running it hard all of the time. Even if you get a 135 V6 it would be a big diff and you may not get a hard time from the insurance company.
Ok, good information.
Insurance checked out but is definitely more with boats exceeding or capable of 50mph. Exceeding the manufacturers limit in hp is not a problem.
So if i go ahead and put a 200hp mercury ProXS back there i wont run into any problems boats wise? Id like to keep this boat for life as it is just an amazingly quality built boat. I just dont want to run into any problems regarding hull cracks or anything at high speeds due to such a big engine behind only a 16' boat.
If 200hp still isn't pushing the upper limits, please let me know what you recommend. I want to get the absolute most out of this boat and all i need is a nice engine setup to get this beauty going. And if possible tell me what the max speed of the boat would be with whatever engine you recommend.
I prefer mercury engines as i have one engine that is over 50 years old (mercury mark 20) and still works fine. They seem fairly reliable, but dont be shy to let me know of any problems with mercury and dont hesitate to suggest another manufacturer. I haven't looked into outboards for awhile and do not know too much about the new engines. Id also like to keep it to 2 strokes as they weigh much less.
Insurance checked out but is definitely more with boats exceeding or capable of 50mph. Exceeding the manufacturers limit in hp is not a problem.
So if i go ahead and put a 200hp mercury ProXS back there i wont run into any problems boats wise? Id like to keep this boat for life as it is just an amazingly quality built boat. I just dont want to run into any problems regarding hull cracks or anything at high speeds due to such a big engine behind only a 16' boat.
If 200hp still isn't pushing the upper limits, please let me know what you recommend. I want to get the absolute most out of this boat and all i need is a nice engine setup to get this beauty going. And if possible tell me what the max speed of the boat would be with whatever engine you recommend.
I prefer mercury engines as i have one engine that is over 50 years old (mercury mark 20) and still works fine. They seem fairly reliable, but dont be shy to let me know of any problems with mercury and dont hesitate to suggest another manufacturer. I haven't looked into outboards for awhile and do not know too much about the new engines. Id also like to keep it to 2 strokes as they weigh much less.
83PREDICTOR
Well-known member
Well dont go with the 200xs because it is a 3.0L. You dont want anything bigger then a 2.5L if a Merc. Which the biggest new one would be the 175xs. The 3L are to heavy. Also, I dont know if you already own the boat but, I dont think that you will find a dealer anywhere that will rig and sell a over powered boat. You'll have to buy the hull and engine separate.
Vandalizer
Well-known member
Good point! I assumed (silly me) that Mercury could still make 200 HP with a 2.4 or 2.5 like they used to... what's up with that?? Even new the 2.5L's weigh 80 pounds more than the old 200's.
Vandalizer
Well-known member
actually its 240hp
the more ponies the better, go for it.
Whooops! I took a guess cuz I was too lazy to search.
Looking at the numbers the mercury 175 Pro XS weighs 431lbs. So if im looking for a max outboard weight it would be around 450lbs? In that case i could get a evinrude E-Tec 200hp that weighs in at around the same weight with 25 more ponies.
I think that would be the max hp because everything else is heavier.
So even if i overpower this boat with 200hp (125hp manufacturers limit) it will still perform fine and there will be no issues with weight, getting on plane, handling, stress cracks etc?
And what type of max speed am i going to be looking at with a 200hp outboard on this boat? 50+ i assume?
And i can rig the boat up myself.
I think that would be the max hp because everything else is heavier.
So even if i overpower this boat with 200hp (125hp manufacturers limit) it will still perform fine and there will be no issues with weight, getting on plane, handling, stress cracks etc?
And what type of max speed am i going to be looking at with a 200hp outboard on this boat? 50+ i assume?
And i can rig the boat up myself.
Vandalizer
Well-known member
If you run in lots of rough waters and pound the hull pretty good, you'll probably get stress cracks no matter what engine you have on the back.
If you prop it right, you'll have a great hole shot, and you should be hunting for 70 on the top end. (maybe more?)
You could also pick up motors that are lighter and more powerful here:
http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3
If you prop it right, you'll have a great hole shot, and you should be hunting for 70 on the top end. (maybe more?)
You could also pick up motors that are lighter and more powerful here:
http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3
So if i could have any engine ever made (i know this sounds dumb) Which engine would it be to get max performance out of my pulsare 1600br?
So they used to make the engines lighter years ago? Seems opposite to me, you think as the engine evolves weight would be dropped not added.
In regards to props, ive never bought any replacement props, ive always used the factory prop and gotten an identical spare. I need good pulling power for slalom skiing, tubing and wake-boarding but also want as much speed as possible. Any suggestions?
So they used to make the engines lighter years ago? Seems opposite to me, you think as the engine evolves weight would be dropped not added.
In regards to props, ive never bought any replacement props, ive always used the factory prop and gotten an identical spare. I need good pulling power for slalom skiing, tubing and wake-boarding but also want as much speed as possible. Any suggestions?
Weight
Curly, if your buying a late model Black V6 it will be a 3.0 or 3.2 Liter. I'm looking at the specs on a 225 SportXS and it lists the weight at 505. It would not be prudent to hang that on a 16 ft boat of any make. Unless you are going Drag Racing you probably need to consider an older 2.5 liter motor but you will find most of them come in at 375 which as Top Enticer stated could still cause cracks if running hard in a rough seaway. I had a Black 135 that was a great steel cylinder 2 Liter and it was a great motor but I just had that same sickness that most of us have " The Need For Speed " Good Luck with what ever you decide just get on the water and have some fun. Boat Safe!!!
Curly, if your buying a late model Black V6 it will be a 3.0 or 3.2 Liter. I'm looking at the specs on a 225 SportXS and it lists the weight at 505. It would not be prudent to hang that on a 16 ft boat of any make. Unless you are going Drag Racing you probably need to consider an older 2.5 liter motor but you will find most of them come in at 375 which as Top Enticer stated could still cause cracks if running hard in a rough seaway. I had a Black 135 that was a great steel cylinder 2 Liter and it was a great motor but I just had that same sickness that most of us have " The Need For Speed " Good Luck with what ever you decide just get on the water and have some fun. Boat Safe!!!