Bigger Motor

[Jcrain]

On my 20 ft pontoon boat, Sun Tracker Bass Buggy, 1990 model, The data plate says recommended engine hp 70 hp. A buddy has a 1988 model that says max hp 90. Currently I have a 40 hp Johnson (history unknown) on it. I have a 1997 90 hp Evinrude (total time 50 hrs, owned since new)that I would like to put on the bassbuggy. I guess my question is what would be wrong with hanging the Rude on it? Would the pontoon patrol arrest me? Would the Rude jump off the buggy and pass me by? Would the buggy sink?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bigger Motor

I think you'd be Fine......

 

[wvit100]

Re: Bigger Motor

It's your boat, you can do whatever you want with it. Your insurance company may not pay up if you have any problem but with the boat being 14 years old that probable isn't an issue anyway.

 

[tfjrc2]

Re: Bigger Motor

Check the weights of a 1990 70 hp versus the 97 one that you own.<br />I think you will be fine. Plus you will enjoy the extra speed when wanted....

 

[JB]

Re: Bigger Motor

Don't you wonder why the 'toon was derated by 20hp?<br /><br />Seems to me there must have been a reason.

 

[rayjay]

Re: Bigger Motor

Get some Evinrude 70hp stickers :-o

 

[Jcrain]

Re: Bigger Motor

I like RayJay's idea.<br />I was thinking of the term "Recommended HP" as compared to "Max HP"<br />Would the transom be the limiting factor?

 

[Jcrain]

Re: Bigger Motor

Wvit100, What does insurance or the age of the boat have to do with anything? The boat is already covered and if the egine is changed, then the policy would be amended to reflect that change. If the insurance accepted the change, then no problem. I am not stupid enough to change the engine without changeing the policy because if something should happen, then I would be reimbursed for the 1990 40 horse Johnson, not the price of a 1997 90 horse Evinrude. I beleive even you can see the value of the two engines are quite a bit different.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Bigger Motor

Jcrain I think you hit it on the head. Your sticker is the 'recommended' HP whereas your buddy's is the 'maximum'. My Quintrex has both figures: 60 recommended and 80 max. So I believe you'll be fine with your 90.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bigger Motor

Folks - The problem with insurance is not whether they will pay for a 40 or a 90 it is - - lets say worst case - - you are involved in a boating accident that results in a fatality - - you have a motor on the back that exceeds the max rated hp by the boat manufacturer. I think many if not most insurance companies will deny any associated claims made on your policy. Thats the kinda stuff that makes lawayers very happy and has the potential of wiping us boating folk financially out. Your risk - Your call.