Outboard bracket

[JK Boater]

Hey folks. Long time lurker, first time poster and i love the site! Boating season seems to be winding down after such a great summer here in Michigan so naturally my thoughts are turning towards next year. My boat is an '87 Bayliner Capri 1400 w/ a Force 50hp which has ran absurdly well. It's not a high dollar boat but fits my needs perfectly. It's lightweight so i can tow it with my car, can accommodate 2 adults and a small child or 2 (though it's typically just me and my 7yo son), fits in my garage, and it's an 8.5 out of 10 as far as condition and could be an easy 9 out of 10 with a good wax job. There are only a few things I would like to change if possible. The biggest 2 things I'd like to change is a wider swim platform and more speed. I know that amongst all the outboards made, the Force 50 is about the lightest (and cheapest) there is, weighing around 160lbs. I'm wondering if an outboard bracket would provide enough added buoyancy for a larger motor? The Force 50 propels me 30mph (gps) on glass with just me in the boat and likes to cruise around 22mph. I'd like to step-up to something that would net me a top end around 40mph so I'm thinking somewhere 65hp - 80hp which would likely mean 300lbs+ of motor. Assuming my transom is in great shape, would a bracket even be feasible for the design and "quality" of my boat? Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[GSPLures]

What is the boat rated for?

 

[JK Boater]

50hp

 

[GSPLures]

I cannot answer specifically if the bracket would work more knowledgeable people than me can guide you better, post pictures of your transom. If you are adding alot more weight I would definitely inspect your transom and stringers to make sure you do not have any rot.

 

[jbcurt00]

Overpowering questions don't typically illicit many responses and most will be to suggest that its a bad idea.

Its a 37yr old boat, so I wouldnt assume anything about your transom....

FYI: in my state, simply overpowering a boat above the rated hp is considered reckless operation even if operated in a responsible manner. In your state ?¿?

 

[matt167]

weigh the boat against what it should weigh ( Bayliner can tell you if you don't know ). I bet you have several hundred pounds of water logged foam.

Consider this, your boat is rated for 50hp to remain stable at the speeds that it is able to achieve ( off the showroom floor in 1987 ). More HP can make it faster, perhaps the speed Bayliner certified it stable at, and 30-35 MPH would be my guess but it's not 'right'

 

[kcassells]

Cheaper and safer to buy a unit.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

My ole 1986 Bayliner Capri was a 16’ and still does 38 mph to 40 on glass with a Johnson 90hp. That was after I got rid of the rot and water logged foam. I don’t think you’re going to get a whole lot more speed, and you’ll spend a pretty penny. I know Force did some whacky hp stuff where they measured hp at the motor, not the prop. Ole 2 stroke Johnson’s were at the prop. Or something like that. I think you’re better off just enjoying her as is, then looking for something bigger and better in the future.