Laws on larger motor swaps.

[sportsmanphil]

My neighbor has a 18' center console (palm beach I think). It has a 40hp outboard. The boat is rated for 75hp according to the plate. He has good deal on a 90hp and wants to swap.

Question, is it illegal in any way to put an outboard larger than the boat is rated for? He is afraid of getting pinched by coast guard.

He lives in NC, fishes in NC but commonly fishes into SC too.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

There is no federal law regarding hp. There could be state laws however. He doesn't need to worry about the Coast Guard, but he should check with the state and his insurance company.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

One would think that an 18' would handle a 90hp easily. I'm not familiar with that make and model of boat though. You are going to get a bunch of posts stating not to exceed the manufacturer's rating for various reasons. Illegal is a whole 'nuther story as DNR used to overpower their Whalers here in MD waters way back when...running 115's on 15'ers. I can also say that such a setup can easily catch the go-fast 502's with little problem! Also, that doesn't seem to interest them around here.

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

His complaint is that because its a deep V and he likes to fish in the inland waterway that the 40 moves the boat at a steady crawl and requires full throttle all the time.

He is about 60 years old and isnt interested in racing and flying down the water, he just wants to move a bit faster without having to run full throttle all the time.

90hp motors are more plentiful than 75's (the max his boat calls for) So he found more 90's for sale.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

Personally, if it were me, I would do it. Just because you have a little extra doesn't mean you have to use it.
Sounds like the 40 has issues unless you guys have some hellacious rips there.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

this is Offical response from the Coast Guard.

The United States Coast Guard has an opinion on this frequently asked question, and their answer from their website is reproduced below:
Can I use a bigger motor on my boat than what it's rated for?
It is not a violation of Coast Guard regulations to install or use an engine larger than specified on the capacity label, but there may be state regulations prohibiting it, and restrictions from your own insurance company regarding this.
There are no Coast Guard regulations against exceeding the safe loading capacity, however, there may be State regulations or restrictions from your insurance company which prohibit this. There is a Coast Guard regulation that gives Coast Guard Boarding Officers the power to terminate the use of a boat (send it back to shore) if, in the judgment of the Boarding Officer, the boat is overloaded. There is no fine for this, unless the operator refuses the Boarding Officer's order. We certainly hope that you will abide by the rating, as overloading may lead to capsizing or swamping of the boat.
NOTE: The Coast Guard Capacity Information label is required only on monohull boats less than 20' in length. The label is not required on multi-hull boats, pontoon boats (catamarans), or on any sailboats, canoes, kayaks, or inflatable boats, regardless of length.
As the Coast Guard mentions, local regulations may apply. For example, in the state of Ohio one should be guided by this regulation:
Capacity Plates
(ORC 1547.39 & ORC 1547-40)
No person shall operate or permit operation of a watercraft in excess of any of the stated limits on the capacity plate. When no capacity plate exists, no person shall operate or permit operation of a watercraft if a reasonably prudent person would believe the total load aboard or the total horsepower of any motor or engine presents a risk of physical harm to persons or property.

state officials can red tag the boat as being unsafe, overpowerd.

if an incident occured the attorneys will have a field day with the owner, unsafe, overpowered boat.

suggest he look for a Johnson/evinrude 70 hp.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

While 90's may be more plentiful, 70/75's aren't exactly rare. Plus it has been said on here that the 3 cylinder Johnson/Evinrudes are one of the best power-to-weight ratio motors you can get. They are solid and reliable with plenty of parts support all the way back to the 70's.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

100% agree^^^^^^

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

Thanks for the replies, I will shoot this info over to him today.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

Just to add a bit, I dont think he will run into problems with the DNR here is NC. However, the issue will be insurance, if he is/will be insured and if he has an accident Im sure someone will try to use the overpower against him.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

my 16 ft runabout is rated for 90 HP. And I have a 70 on it.
You should be rated for more than 70 hp

 

[Fr3AkAzOiD]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

Anyone know if there is a state law for NC?

Even though I can get my Watermouse (10.5ft) up to 24 with it's rated max of 15 hp I'd love to find a 2 stroke Merc 25hp as they only weigh about 30 lbs more and I'd like to get my "Mouse" up to 30 - 32mph.

I'd like an honest answer to the dangers of overpowering though before I think about it.

 

[cadunkle]

Re: Laws on larger motor swaps.

Personally if you can get a much better deal on a 90 than a 75 I'd go 90. Not that big a difference. If you're worried about it just limit the throttle (make a stop on the carbs or controls) so as not to allow WOT. Can't be that big a difference in nweight off the back from a 75 to a 90, unless going from 2 stroke to 4 stroke maybe. I wouldnt' be too worried though.