Exceeding the recommended HP
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels
Exceeding the recommended HP
I have inherited an Alumacraft boat that has a recommended maximum of 20 HP. I was wondering how dangerous it would be to put a 25 on it. Have any of you exceeded the recommended maximum HP on your boats or do you have any experience in this area?
Recomended HP is for warranty coverage and transom load 
If the transom is in good shape, you can generally exceed the HP rating a good bit "so long as the motor don't weigh to much" 
If the transom is in good shape, you can generally exceed the HP rating a good bit "so long as the motor don't weigh to much" “Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”
Recommended horsepower also comes into play when you go to purchase insurance. Most insurance companies won't sell you a policy if you over power the rating. There are insurance companies that will.
That said, you should have no concern putting a 25 on an alumacraft rated for 20. The Coast Guard and BIA rate the boats using a formula that incorporates length, beam, and depth of the boat. It's a very concervative rating system.
That said, you should have no concern putting a 25 on an alumacraft rated for 20. The Coast Guard and BIA rate the boats using a formula that incorporates length, beam, and depth of the boat. It's a very concervative rating system.
What was I supposed to do today?