Kicker puts HP over rated HP

[Scaaty]

I just read in Sea Magazine about if you are rated for 150HP and with a 150 hanging off, and you put a 5 HP kicker on the transom, you are over the rated HP and your INS agency can deny your claim...something to think about, and discuss with your agent up close and personal

 

[JB]

Re: Kicker puts HP over rated HP

Well, I disagree with Sea Mag.<br /><br />Maybe if you were running both engines at once, but who does that?<br /><br />My guess is that your ins. agent will agree that you have 150hp, plus a small backup.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Kicker puts HP over rated HP

Technically they are right. In fact a boat that is maxed-out in horsepower and has an electric trolling motor is also overpowered. Few law enforcement agencies or insurance companies exercise this technicality because obviously you aren't using the alternative power sources concurrently with the main. But then there is the "a$$hole" factor to consider ... be a pain in their butt and they can exercise it.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Kicker puts HP over rated HP

actually if you put your kicker in and your main motor and ran both at wide open you would probably go slower due to the extra drag. its a rumour I heard over the years as well. however on asking the coast gaurdsmen at oregon inlet and some of the insurance guys I know, they all laughed and thought it was crazy. however for your piece of mind contact your insurance agent and your local enforcement agency.

 

[jleus]

Re: Kicker puts HP over rated HP

There have been several posts on a couple of boards I visit regarding "rated HP" and what is actually hanging there. The content of the posts pointed to speed and over powering being reasons for regulators or insurers to get upset in the event of some issue or claim. AS I ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD, those rating designations attached to a particular hull (set by the USCG) are rooted in weight and level floating in the event of swamping. For 99% of the boating public and those that own a boat designed to mount a gas kicker or an electric trolling it seems like a mute point (use of the craft as designed), one that if an insurance company raises an eyebrow, the agent does not have a clue about what he (or she) has underwritten. Of course if you have added NOS, 150 stickers on a 225, or other extraordinary feature you are no longer in that 99%, but may still be within the parameters of the designation stated for weight of gear and persons. I have no second thoughts about the good set up, case matching, opened exhaust and intake, increaed compression and jetting, etc. etc. that you find on my motor.... my insurer has no concerns either, the enforcement guys I run into want to know how much top end I picked up!!!! <br /><br />It is that Ahole factor and this overwhelming lack of responsibility for an individuals actions in our society today that drive wedges in what should be uneventful encounters with other folks. The outcome of the encounter IS in your control. Build it within its design and drive it reponsibly and respectfully and certainly there will never be a question. My $0.02.