Max horse power for my boat.

rbischo3

Recruit
Joined
Oct 21, 2015
Messages
4
Question for you. My boat does not have a capacity plate. It is a 20'4" fiberglass boat with a 25" transom and a 8' beam. If I follow the formula for hoursepower length x width (at transom) (if greater than 52 then) x 2 - 90 I get a max horsepower of 235. Mind you this boat is a '96... Would you feel comfortable with a 200hp on it?
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Boats over 20 feet long are NOT required by coast guard regulations (or here in PA, by state regulations) to have a capacity plate. HOWEVER, Coast Guard usually does certify a manufacturers design for a horsepower rating.

Although without seeing the hull, from the info you gave, I would be comfortable with a 200 HP engine, given the transom is sound and the hull is also in seaworthy condition. BEST BET is to contact the manufacturer if still in business and ask what it is rated for. OR go to a brand users site and see if you can dig up a catalog. They usually have a recommended horsepower.

For example: My Manatee is 20 1/2 feet long with a 20 inch transom and a 7 foot beam. The manufacturer's catalog actually shows it with a 90 but claims it can be powered with a 180. The same hull with two feet chopped off the back also is pictured with a 90 for power but claims max horsepower would be 150.
 
Top