outboard ( how big is to big )

[knot right]

i have a 77 17' mckee craft. the boat is in very good shape and very solid. i had an 83 150 evenrude on it that blew up. i now have an offer for a 90 225 johnson thats hard to pass up. is there much diff in weight and would it work on my boat. my transom is thick, solid and has a 3/8 aluminum plate that wraps it where the motor mounts. the motor is on a 17' boat now. i dont know how to put pics on here but if you send me a message with your e-mail i will send pics of my boat if that will help. thanks any info would be great.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

Will it float with a 225 on it? probably, could it kill somebody? most likely. If you don't have a capacity plate go to the coast guard site or search here for the formula for the max horsepower for your boat. If you choose to use it anyway, make sure your insurance is up to date.

Edit: Just reread your post, that 3/8 aluminum plate seems to shout trouble with the transom.

 

[83vert]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

The boat should have a plate on it stating how many passengers it will hold and what the largest size motor that it will safely handle. That seems like a very large motor for a 17' boat in my opinion.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

I agree with the above. I think McKee's are pretty stout boats but they aren't THAT stout Anyway, go by your capacity plate or the coast guard formula. And also be very sure about the condition of your transom.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

iboats has a policy that we do not endorse or advise exceeding the rating on a boat. Insurance companies will not insure a boat in violation and in fact it is considered dangerous and makes the owner 100% liable (automatically in the wrong) in the event of an incident.

Buy the bigger motor that is too good to pass up and re-sell it for the proper size motor..... turn it into a sound business deal for all involved.

 

[knot right]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

i think the boat is only rated for like a 175 but the 150 that was on there didnt impress me at all with its sluggish out of the whole and a top speed of 38 mph. i know the boat will hold the weight but the power on the transom was whats concerning me. the whole boat was completely restored 2yrs ago and the transom rebuilt and beefed up. im thinking that i shouldn't take the chance and just go back to a 150 or something close to that.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

If thats the performance you got from your 150 then it had serious problems before it broke. Stick with the correct size motor and you should be fine.

 

[rov_aaaa]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

I don't know what state you're in, but here in Ohio they do boat "safety inspections" all the time, an if you exceed the capacity plate with the engine they won't allow you to put your boat in the state waterway, (or if you're already on the water they'll ticket you and make you take you're boat out)

 

[Azonic]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

the aluminum plate just screams hidden rot and damage.

Bolt the 225 on there and see what the damage is once it rips off...

Just my $7 worth...(sorry 2 cents does noe cut it with this inflation)

 

[ddrieck]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

If thats the performance you got from your 150 then it had serious problems before it broke.

I totally agree with ondarvr, if you were only getting 38 MPH out of the 150 it had a big problem. I'm getting 42 MPH (by GPS) with a 1978 16' Starcraft SS running a 85hp Johnson V-4.

 

[Revenge]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

McKee crafts are very similar to Boston Whaler Montauk, however I believe they do have higher hp ratings, but not by much. My 17? whaler is rated for 100hp max. I believe yours should be around 115hp, and that should be pushing the boat 42 + mph.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

I have a 17'6" McKee rated for 160hp. She'll do upper 40's with a 140hp.

McKee crafts are very similar to Boston Whaler Montauk

The Whalers are more narrow, so less hp.

Good luck.

 

[letterhead]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

the boat can hold it weight wise..... if the transom was redone even better the plate is just a bonus....if the 150 wasn't that fast. so what who needs all that speed its all about reliability....and how many rpm s ur turning wale u r on a plane ...225 should put u at 2500 rpms on a plane and running about 25-35 mph...that sounds good for fuel econ,,.... i think u will be ok....

 

[rockyrude]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

Endorsing exceeding the capacity limits of the boat is irresponsible, too many people are injured or killed every year by some one who chose to do just that.

 

[knot right]

Re: outboard ( how big is to big )

the boat is not going to kill anyone. its the idiots behind the wheel that will get someone killed. i can exceed the rated capacity on the plate by 100 hp, but if i never run the motor over 3000rpm is there a difference than running the 150 full throttle at 5000rpm? but anyway i have decided to go the safe route and get a 2001 yamaha 115. with all the recommendations and research i'v done on the boat a 90hp is what comes highly recommended. the boat is only rated for a 160 so although i think the boat would hold the 225 im not going to try it. i believe my 150 had some problems from the start and the 115 will do just fine. thanks to all for the info and helping with my decision.