Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

[maverick1]

To make a boring story short, I have a '67 Merc 110hp (I6) that I got for free that has low hours and a recently rebuilt lower unit. I've been looking for a used boat to put the motor on (I also got a free trailer).<br /><br />I found a '68 Starcraft 16' Aluminum that I think is rated for 80hp (if someone '68 deminsion size for the models, and then specs for that model, I'll jump for joy). The spec plate is missing for the boat so I'm going off of '67 Specs. This boat is well within my budget range and it had a new floor put in sometime in its life (not factory floor layout now) and it is still in good shape. I'm hoping this boat will work. <br /><br />I'm planning on replacing the 1 1/2" thick wood in the transom and then reinforcing the transon. I searched the forums and know that there is more to hp rating then the transom.<br /><br />My question is this, how many of you would put a 110hp on a 80hp rated boat (if thats what it is)?<br /><br />In all the old posts I found that the usual case is extreme in the amount over in hp (200hp on a 125 rated boat in one case, and a 110 on a 50 rated 14' boat on another case). So I'm just curious as to what reactions I will get with my case.<br /><br />Thank You!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

If they weigh about the same, and you don't do WOT starts and go easy, I don't see the harm.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

transom layout has nothing to do with HP ratings. its an odd and archaic formula that has nothing to do with hull strentgh. the inline 6 80 from years past is about the same weight as all the rest of the inline 6's.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Don't bring it to Wisconsin. It's illegal here to operate a boat that has a motor over the rated capacity. Finding somebody to work on it will also be problematic, but then it's age already makes that a problem.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Seeing that you are on a budget, and this is what is available and you are not probably going to insure it, I would go for it. Now, you better make da*n sure you dont get into an accident with it though, because no matter who is actually at fault, if the law finds you overpowered the boat it is automatically your fault in some states, kinda like if you rear end some one in your car.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Well, be careful. You'll definitely be overpowered, and that lightweight aluminum boat is likely to get squirrely at WOT. Weight isn't really the issue, I think. An additional 30hp might well be, though.<br /><br />You might run into trouble if you get stopped by law enforcement folks on the lake. They'll tumble to the overpowered situation pretty quickly. They've pretty much seen it all.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

i have a 115 on a boat rated for 65 and im still alive to tell about my daring tales!!!!!<br /><br />mmmwwwaaahhhhaaaaaa

 

[luvsfishing]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

I have a 15' 1966 Starcraft aluminum boat, and it is rated at 50 HP as the MAX HP. I purchased a used Force 50 HP for $200. A friend of mine and I made the necessary repairs to make it run well. This 50 HP motor kicks this little boats tail at WOT and that is with a hydrofoil fin on it. Why not see if you can sell your 110 HP motor and get something a little smaller with the money? I like the other responses above about the law enforcement, etc. My reasons for suggesting finding a smaller motor are for your safety, and also economy. If you are one said budget, then a smaller engine will burn less fuel. I am not sure what your boats maximum HP rating is, but I cannot imagine it is that much higher than mine with your boat being only one foot longer and still being aluminum. A good running motor in the 50 to 70 HP range should plane that boat out easily. I see posts on this web site from people that are pushing 17 and 18 foot fiberglass boats around, people and gear included with 70 to 85 HP motors. I spend a lot of time browsing the Internet. I will see if I can find and HP info for 1968 16' aluminum Starcraft. Good Luck

 

[bossee]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Hi,<br />I would use it, with common sense.<br />You will get a nice ride at lower RPM (when on plane) and a quite ride also (at lower rpm) not to forget. At lower RPM it will probably not burn that much fuel (at WOT it will "drink" Your fuel tank faster then You think).<br />But please be careful at WOT. Promise that. The boat will go fast as hell and the insurance and legal trouble You may be in if any accident has already been mentioned.<br />I assume You will not have the boat+outboard insured (since no insurance company will insure it anyway).

 

[Solittle]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Well if you have an accident you can be sure that attorneys will be knockin at your door lookin at your house, your car and anything else you might own.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

No kiding be safe. And I would be sure and add A kill cord on it. So if and when it slings you out It will cut off! And you won't have A un-guided missle on the lake And kill somebody or yourself!!!

 

[jurgenscraft]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Just do not do it think safety,<br />William Wright.

 

[luvsfishing]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

I want someone to shoot video of this if you do it. I want to see that thing going into orbit

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

I ran a 115 yam on a 15 monark for years. the monark was rated for 85hp. only two problems ever noted was sever chine walking above 60 coupled with steering lock up from excessive torque. but at 3100 I was crusing at 30 MPH. and it was so quiet you could actually talk to the person next to you. but I would never reccomend a novice to attepmt it.but the speed and power difference from an old 80 hp inline is not much different for a 90 or a 110. if you even run an 8o you may find handling quirks at or near wot, especially when using power trim. will most likly be a pig without trim and that can be worse.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

It is also going to depend on the design of the hull. If the boat has moderate to deep deadrise (semi v to deep V)with hard (90 degree corner)chines, it will handle the power much better than it would if it was a flat bottom hull with soft (rounded) chines. A flat, aluminum hull with a lot of power can get ugly pretty quick, but something with some V to it will be more tolerant.<br /><br /> Another consideration is what you will be doing with the boat. If you are going to be loading it down with a ton of fishing gear, kicker motor, electric bow mount troller, extra batteries, live and baitwells, it will all add weight that will make you thankful for the extra power. If it will be a stripped down cruiser, then going at or lower than the rated max power is a good idea.<br /><br /> You could always also reprop to a lower pitch prop, then adjust your throttle stop to "detune" the engine so you stay at the recommended wot spec, the motor won't over-rev, and you won't be able to go as fast. Or, just be really carefull. Good luck....

 

[blako66]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

dont know if i would try it. but<br />have an 86 merc 60hp i would trade

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

but I would never reccomend a novice to attepmt it.

Rodbolt hit it on the head...<br />If you are not a weathered boater, don't do it..<br />Ya gotta know what to look for during operation to know when you are getting close to the outside of the envelope.<br />I've got a 200+ on a 150 rated aluminum...I know "MY" limitations, and I know my boats limitations as far as handling issues.<br />You have to know what you're doing before you do it...if ya don't, it WILL whip ya...

 

[bigNATE®]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

just bought a 225 Evinrude for a 16' boat rated @140hp.... I just want to be able to plane @ idle, lol

 

[maverick1]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

I just wish the boat that I'm taking the motor off wasn't rotted out. It's a lightwieght 16' fiberglass runabout (rated for 110hp). I bet that thing flew back in the day.<br /><br />I think what I'm going to do is just keep the rpm's low and be careful. Once I get to know the motor and know if it is reliable I might sell/trade it for 80ish motor.

 

[danie]

Re: Putting a 110 on a boat rated for 80, would you do it?

Depending on the dept of the v we slap 130's on 16 footers because when it gets to power one cant get too much of a good thing.<br />A few old decals of a smaller hp motor on the cowling will also not hurt.<br />However, this is not the best advice but if you are careful and dont try to show off you will enjoy accident free boating.