Capacity plate and HP limits

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anzomcik
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2007/10/15 05:07:49 (permalink)

Capacity plate and HP limits

Have a quick question, Does any know if it is illeagle to have a outboard motor with a HP rating higher than what your boats capacity plate is rated for (with in reason)? (the boat is 18' long) Thanks
#1

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    casts_by_fly
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    RE: Capacity plate and HP limits 2007/10/15 06:41:12 (permalink)
    yes, it is illegal.  Those are the upper limits, not just suggestions.
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    pghmarty
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    RE: Capacity plate and HP limits 2007/10/15 14:21:20 (permalink)
    Yes it is illegal but only enforced if they are realy looking to cite you for something.
    I have spent a lot of time being harassed by River Resque, Coast Guard ect. but never checked for HP.
    My 20' jet boat with big block Chevy probably had around 600HP on Nitrus.
    I don't remember what the plate said but I doubt it was even 400HP
    I would not get a new motor but at least remove the stickers on the cowl

    There is also that little being dangerous problem you might want to give a little thought to


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    anzomcik
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    RE: Capacity plate and HP limits 2007/10/15 16:03:24 (permalink)
    i was looking at the boat safty course materail handbook, they were stressing the nuber of poeple and weight, and just had a small note on the hp limit, but it didnt seem like it was super important. I am only asking this because i am looking at getting a new boat but it has a 150hp motor and the boat is rated for 140hp.
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    pghmarty
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    RE: Capacity plate and HP limits 2007/10/15 16:13:09 (permalink)
    I have been checked for the nuber of poeple and weight a few times in Three Rivers area only.
    Use the improper motor to lower the sale price.
    Remove the stickers from the cowl and don't worry about 10HP
    If the motor is not running at peak performance you will have less than 140HP
    Changing the carb jets or retarding the timing 1* could make a 150HP motor 140HP or less.
    #5
    saltflyfisher
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    RE: Capacity plate and HP limits 2007/10/15 18:12:33 (permalink)
    If this is truly a new boat and it has a 150 on it, have the dealer replace it w/ the correct motor. Going to a 140 will never see a difference in your eyes. The 150 must have been the last motor he had and not a 140. I'd run from it. If this is the way he wants to do business then what happens when it comes to warranty work. Will the boat warranty be voided w/ the oversized motor? Asking if its illegal is not the whole problem. If you have an accident w/ it and the ins. co. does the investigation and finds the larger motor they will not pay out, due to the fact that you are over the boats rating. If there is another party involved you can imagine what can happen next. I'd contact the boat manufacturer w/ any further questions and your ins. co. Its fine to ask our thoughts but go to the top.
    ORIGINAL: anzomcik

    i was looking at the boat safty course materail handbook, they were stressing the nuber of poeple and weight, and just had a small note on the hp limit, but it didnt seem like it was super important. I am only asking this because i am looking at getting a new boat but it has a 150hp motor and the boat is rated for 140hp.
    #6
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