ive been doing a lot of research and from what i have found is it is not illegal to over power your boat in the state of texas, but you might have a little trouble with insurance companies.

my main concern is i am looking into being a freelance boat captain for high school teams who wouldnt be able to fish otherwise. i have heard both sides saying yes you can fish in events and others saying no your boat cant exceed the coast guard plate.

long story short via tpws

� 183.53 Horsepower capacity.
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The maximum horsepower capacity marked on a boat must not exceed the horsepower capacity determined by the computation method discussed in paragraph (a) of this section, or for certain qualifying boats, the performance test method discussed in paragraph (b) of this section.

(a) The maximum horsepower capacity must be computed as follows:

(1) Compute a factor by multiplying the boat length in feet by the maximum transom width in feet excluding handles and other similar fittings, attachments, and extensions. If the boat does not have a full transom, the transom width is the broadest beam in the aftermost quarter length of the boat.

(2) Locate horsepower capacity corresponding to the factor in Table 183.53.

(3) For a boat with a factor over 52.5, if the horsepower capacity calculated in Table 183.53 is not an exact multiple of 5, it may be raised to the next exact multiple of 5.

(4) For flat bottom hard chine boats with a factor of 52 or less, the horsepower capacity must be reduced by one horsepower capacity increment in Table 183.53.

via that calculation my score is a 199.5 which would bump me up to 200.

the boat i am looking at has a rating of 175 but has had a 200 bolted on the back.

would i run into issues trying to help some guys out and getting them on the water?

could i fish big bass events? could i fish TTT or Bud Light?

Just take the 200 off and have 175 stickers made

I have some friends with Yamaha SHO engines that are turned up (225s with 250 computers, 250/300, etc.) and they normally just contact the tournament director and take it up with them.

Not illegal. Not legal in tournys

Why mess with it? There are plenty of boats out there that are rigged with the motor that meets the plate on the boat.
I would think that your biggest issue would be not being able to get insurance and potential liability issues if you had an accident.

not illegal but if you fish tournaments that have legal hp requirements is where the problem will come up. also if you have an accident it would put you in a bad spot. they put coast guard plates on for a reason.

I appreciate all the replys!

I was under the assumption that with the formula provided by tpwd it would be legal and the plate was the recommended max from the manufacturer.

Why risk it? If you were a captain with the rig mentioned and your kids won the tournament only to be disqualified because the tournament director determined your boat was over powered per coast guard plate I do not think anyone would be happy.

I've walked from boats that were in that situation just in case I wanted to fish a tournament. If you go with it, you should excuse yourself from being a captain for hs teams because they would pay the price for it.

i really appreciate all of the advice you guys have offered me. i have an opportunity to get into a larger boat that better suits my individual/family needs for a deal i am having trouble passing up.

the high school captain idea came from seeing various ads where students needed a captain to fish but unfortunately its becoming pretty apparent that it more than likely wont work.

i just thought it would be a good idea and i could help out when i had the extra time and was misinformed on the the formula to reach HP requirements for the state.

very unfortunate for people to be penalized for 25hp but i guess a rule is a rule.

Call the boat manufacture. Using the formula, explain the discrepancy and they will likely issue you a new capacity plate after getting a hull inspection. Have seen it twice. Some boats have been manufactured without plates and had to be inspected and issued a plate. Some boats are built today with an unlimited H.P. rating. You just have to get ahold of the right person. Good Luck

folks don't get penalized for putting larger hp than the manufacturer recommends it is a choice if you fish tournaments a want to follow the rules in bass fishing you cant have any wiggle room if they let one guy have 25 hp over the next guy when he gets outrun will have 50 an so it goes.

This may be the reason it is a good deal. Don't know who you're purchasing from, but maybe these are all issues he is having or had, insurance, warranty, tourney legal etc.
Good Luck

The coast guard rating chart does not apply to boats over 20 feet in length. However, most manufacturers place a rating on them to avoid boat damage (life-time warranty hulls) as well as liability issues. Over-powering I/A/W manufactures warranty voids any and all warranty!

i really appreciate all of the replys. its a 19.3 ranger that i would be the 3rd owner and from what im gathering from ranger i would only be allowed 10 years if i was the 2nd owner.

i was just going off the information of TPWD 183.53 i got a score of 195.5 rounding up to the nearest 5 will give me 200.

and mrssmith i understand what you are saying but its also difficult staying on budget and competing with those individuals that can afford a more expensive boat that is 75mph+ capable. i could understand if there was a HP limit like the MLF format of 150, but as linklowrance said he has buddys with 200/300 HP engines tuned up. really im not even necessarily looking for just speed. i thought it would be more fuel efficient and not have a need to run pegged out everywhere you go with a 150.

i cant thank you all enough for the replys and giving me new information and points of view. its a real help!! hope everyone has been having a good week!