Mercury HP

[RAR45110]

Gentlemen,<br /><br />I just read an article that stated that Mercury changed from crankshaft hp to propeller hp in the early 80's and that caused the hp ratings to drop. I have a 1997 boat that is rated for a maximum hp of 90. Does this mean that my 1979 inline 6, 115 hp engine will not overpower my 1997 boat since the 1979 115 hp motor is really only a 90 hp by 1997 standards?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[lark2004]

Re: Mercury HP

It may seem that way to you, but the insurance companies and any other authorities (Police, DMV.....do you need to register your boats in Georgia?) won't look at it that way. They will look at the Hp rating on the motor's I.D. tag. And if is bigger than what your boats rated for, they won't be very happy.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Mercury HP

Gee, we're luckly where I live. There are no laws against over powering a boat here in Canada. A lot of boats in the late 70s and early 80s that were rated for 90hp were sold with 115hp and 140hp on the transom. I even saw a merc 225 on the back of a Glastron GT150.(hope that idiot hadn't reproduced before he did himself in with that combo!) On a Merc it is almost impossible to tell the hp from the serial#, I'm sure to be flamed for that. But I was never able to find a reference to the hp on my 1978 90hp and my 1984 115hp. Go scroundge at a dealer for the bottom part of the 1979 cowl that has the hp decal. Of course, if you are ever involved in an accident the might be some issues

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Mercury HP

Your inline will not overpower the boat in real world practice. If you fear legal beagal issues, change the stickers.<br /><br />-W