Repowering..... Again!

[ragtop69gs]

I've read all the threads about repowering with a larger OB motor but have not seen this question brought up.

What are the determining factors used when an OEM specs up to xxxHp ? Is it the amount of gusseting, gauge of aluminum, length of boat ? My toon is rated upto 55hp but can get a great deal on a 90hp. I ask because I want to know what I'd need to do to use that OB safely on my 20ft pontoon boat if possible.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repowering..... Again!

OK -- Once more! Unless you are a "strength of materials engineer" you cannot simply add some bracing here and there, pop on a 90 HP motor on a boat (any boat) rated for a 55 HP and expect it to be safe. And it is not just the mechanical aspects and physical strength of the boat, it is the safety aspect as well. The manufacturer knows what the boat is capable of handling and designs to specific parameters. 23-inch tubes on a pontoon for example can suppport only so much weight and would be safe up to a certain speed. Does it not occur to people that a pontoon that takes water over the bow now acts like diving planes on a submarine and the boat will dive down at a frightening pace. This test was done on the Minnesota River some years back and everyone ended up in the water. And have you not been following the "legal" aspects of this discussion. Your insurance company will hang you out to dry since you apparently would have to lie to get them to insure the rig. Even if you don't have insurance, the courts will make sure whatever you do own will end up someone elses property in the event of a personal injury or property damage accident. The engine hangs on a pod. The pod hangs on the deck and its framework. Stengthening the pod is only part of the process. The rest of the framework must handle that power as well. None of us has the design details for your pontoon to make it "guaranteed safe".

 

[ragtop69gs]

Re: Repowering..... Again!

I'm convinced :redface:

Your answer was to the point and very convincing. The liability aspect alone is a big red flag and we own these things to have fun, NOT kill our friends or ourselves.

That leaves me having to decide 55hp on my present boat or sell and buy one rated for more power.


Thanks Silvertip

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Repowering..... Again!

it's time to upgrade to a tritoon.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repowering..... Again!

Killing someone is not what I was eluding too, but merely pointing out that "any" personal injury, whether it's on your boat or someone elses, a minor collision having nothing to do with the overpower issue, can result in legal action. My sister-in-law was sued by a neighbor whom they had been best friends with for years. Kid got hurt on a tramp. Parents didn't think anything of it until the Parents of the Parents suggested they get an attorney. They sued, won, and then wondered if the kid could come over and play again. Fat chance sweetheart was the reply. People are just too darned sue-happy these days to even consider an overpower.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Repowering..... Again!

Killing someone is not what I was eluding too, but merely pointing out that "any" personal injury, whether it's on your boat or someone elses, a minor collision having nothing to do with the overpower issue, can result in legal action. My sister-in-law was sued by a neighbor whom they had been best friends with for years. Kid got hurt on a tramp. Parents didn't think anything of it until the Parents of the Parents suggested they get an attorney. They sued, won, and then wondered if the kid could come over and play again. Fat chance sweetheart was the reply. People are just too darned sue-happy these days to even consider an overpower.

Sue crazy if you ask me !!!!
Luckily not as bad here in Canada but still an issue to stay on the correct side of !!!

 

[ragtop69gs]

Re: Repowering..... Again!

Originally Posted by Silvertip

Parents didn't think anything of it until the Parents of the Parents suggested they get an attorney.

People are just too darned sue-happy these days to even consider an overpower

I know what you mean about a sue happy society, when my daughter was 8-9 years old she was driving a gocart at a friends house and crashed thru the drainage ditch, breaking her arm. The parents of her friend were scared we'd sue till I told them I believed in people taking responsibility for there own actions . My daughter drove it into the ditch, they did not make her do it and the cart was in perfect working order.

tashasdaddy:
I looked at some tritoons and the prices