Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

[Pascal]

I have a 13 ft Skee Bee with a 1976 40 hp Evinrude on it. The ‘rude has its problems and I have been pondering the merits of re-powering. The spec plate on the hull says 40 hp and 875 lb max. <br /><br />What will work best? What would you suggest, I am new to boating and bought on impulse (wrong way to do it I know) with out checking out the motor properly.<br /><br />What problems (if any) can I expect if I install a newer 50 hp Merc for example?<br /><br />Are there problems with a small amount of extra power over the rated spec if the RCMP check us out on the lake?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

If you go with the 50hp, I would bet you would have problems if you get stopped... They are usually serious about that kind of stuff. If it was a bass boat you might get away with it easier. But some of those patrol people may know by looking at it your overpowered.... <br />Your not going to gain much anyway by going from a 40 to 50, maybe 5mph on the top end...<br /><br />As far as overpowering it, that's probably best determined by your own experience. Do you have good control with it a high speeds and in rough water? If so an extra 5mph may not be a problem, as long as your weight doesn't increase much.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

let's see... max=875lbs incl. fuel,peeps,motor,etc. and you want<br />to push the envelope? not I

 

[Pascal]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

Thanks for the replies guys.<br /><br />Not that I want to push the envelope but the 40 seemed dead the one time I had it out (before the water pump went south on me and it over heated). But then I have no reference in boating experience to tell me what it should be. <br /><br />It’s not worth the hassle with the boys on patrol or handling problems for 5 on the top end but I would like to have the honest 40 that it is rated for. <br /><br />I’m still not sure what to do to get the honest 40 hung on the back.<br /><br />But thanks for your help!!

 

[blifsey]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

Like you say, your 40 isn't an honest 40. Actually, sometime ago OB mfr changed where the rated HP at. It used to be at crankshaft but some % was lost in lower unit. Now, the are prop rated. I don't recall date but believe it was in 1980's. So, if you buy a new 40HP, its gonna have a few more ponies than your '76 model. I've read two schools of thought on this - 1) drop down about 10% from max due to change to "be safe" or 2) buy a new 40 and enjoy the extra HP.<br /><br />BL...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

Direct from the USCG site http://www.uscgboating.org/mf/mf_faq.asp#Q12 <br /><br />This is the explanation of a frequently asked question about a bigger motor.<br /><br />There are no Coast Guard regulations against exceeding the safe loading capacity, however, there may be State regulations or restrictions from your insurance company which prohibit this. There is a Coast Guard regulation that gives Coast Guard Boarding Officers the power to terminate the use of a boat (send it back to shore) if, in the judgment of the Boarding Officer, the boat is overloaded. There is no fine for this, unless the operator refuses the Boarding Officer's order. We certainly hope that you will abide by the rating, as overloading may lead to capsizing or swamping of the boat.<br /><br />Bob

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

Since your in Canada...all this US stuff is MOOT.....Check you local laws...you may be able to do what ever you want in your neck of the woods...jus keep in mind the maximum weight your hull is designed to carry. 50 hp is no sweat, Mercury 3cylinder comes in 3 flavors 40 hp, 50 hp and 60 hp, all the same weight, 59 cu. inch engine.

 

[G-Daddy]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

My first boat had a '76 40hp johnny on it. When I upgraded to an '88 40hp johnny, it made a huge difference on a 14' tri-hull.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

Thanks for the responses everyone!!<br />I'm lookin' for a newer used 40 and shoppin' the new ones to. Seems the supply of OB's dwindles this time of year tho'.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

I am not touching this one.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Spec plate horsepower ratings on the hull

You wouldn't be referring to an unintended possible double meaning now would you??