I'm looking at a 1988 Bayliner Cobra 18' bowrider that is exceptionaly in clean, well maintained condition. It has a Johnson 150 HP V-6 outboard. Everything I've seen seems like that boat is rated for 120HP maximum, and most simular bayliner cobras have a 120 Force motor not a Johnson. Is that boat/outboard set up going to be ok/safe with that larger motor? Am I wrong when I say its rated for 120 HP max only? Is a Force OB rated differently that Johnson/Evinrude? Help me out here?
I'm not near the boat right now to look at the rating plate but everything I read shows 125HP as the max the boats rated for. So is that real dangerous to go 25hp over? If so what could happen?
the rating is more if you are going to get insurance on the boat, the rating must be adhered to. I was a boarding officer in the US Coast Guard and this issue never came up.