Is there a way to have your boat re-rated for maximum horsepower.

WHy- you ask? My 1997 zx202c is rated for a max of 200 hp, the newer ones are rated for 225 horsepower. Same length and weight, but rated for more horsepower. With a reed, and exhaust modification I could step up to 225 hp pretty quickly- then would have the performance(holeshot and topend) I really want out of my engine.

Would this be something the the TPWD handles?

USCG !

with a 200 cowl who is going to check what your HP is..
where is your cowl by the way...

what kingdad101 said, it dont matter if you have a 200 cowl, only you will know.

It's not illegal in Texas, and the only trouble you will run into (unless you have an accident) is getting insurance for an overpowered boat. HOWEVER, some insurance companies indicate that you can put whatever size motor you want on the boat as long as your boat is over 20' feet in length. If you have the same engine and it's "HOT". Who will know the difference...it's still a 200HP engine, JUST DON'T USE MORE THAN 200HP .

If you get into an accident, and this is the way it was explained to me (NOT THAT I BELIVE or ACCEPT it), with an overpowered motor (say your cowling states 300HP) then the FRIST THING an accident investigator will indicate is that the boat was overpowered.

I think there is a lot more to it an accident investigation than that, but your insurance might refuse to accept it.

The USCG does not place a HP limitation on boats greater than 20'. If it's over 20' and has a HP limit then it's the manufacturer for one reason or another, design limitation (transom support), liability insurance or whatever. If you overpower and are able to get insurance, I'm thinking it's either gonna cost you out the wazoo or it's going to have disclaimers out the wazoo. Personally, I don't think you can get one insured, but I'm not going to argue that.

If it's less than 20' then there is a formula based on the length and width that the USCG uses to come up with the max HP. Good case in point is the ChampioN 198 rated for 225 when the 196 is rated for 200. Both are the same length, 19' 8" but the 198 has a 95" beam vs a 93" on the 196.

The formula is (2xLxW)-90 and can be rounded up to the nearest 5

Champ 196 (2x19.6666x7.75)-90=214.83 or 215 HP
Champ 198 (2x19.6666x7.9166)-90=221.39 or 225 HP

So if the 202 is over 20' then I'd start with the Skeeter factory or Rep to see if it can be done and what the procedure is. If it's under 20' and newer boats of the same model have higher HP rating, you can see what an extra 2" of beam will get you.

Now, all that being said, your motor's serial and model number says what the HP is ...

If it is overpowered with the wrong cowling I will fail any polygraph I come across. One of the questions asks if USCG rules were followed...lol. Or it would already be hot-rodded!

Well I know the Skeeter Reps arent gonna waste their time with little ol me wanting an extra 25 horses..... its a lost cause. Guess it never hurts to try though. The boat is 20'2", so it seems it is up to the manuf. to help me out on this one. I do have some issues with the boat currently that may help persuade Skeeter to do something for me- number one being I cant use the boat for having to take it back to get the engine fixed every couple weeks!! Think it has to do with the people working on it. And I have been told not to post who is working on it because they are a sponsor.

that engine should do fine on that boat and i dont think your gonna gain much by adding 25 hp that you couldnt squeeze out of the set up or propping. what wrong with the motor?

I though you were going to use your 200 motor ,just add reed and exhaust modifications.. If you were going to put a 225 with a 200 cowl I would not do that ! I bet most motors, that have been around a while, are not putting out what they are rated at. I was just saying "super tune it" and forget about it..

Yes- I would use my current motor - just super tune it. That would push it over the 200 hp... i think..... I need to find a place where I can get it dynoed. anyone know of a place where I can get it dynoed to see what it is putting out?

grandfather back in the mid 80's had a 15 foot champion with a 200 on it..motor cowling said 150 but it had 200...guy he bought it from had made this modification..grandfather said at 3/4 throttle it would do 80....scared him too bad to open it up..

Alterring a boat motor after 1998 is illegal unless its used for racing. I know I know....So many people are doing it.
Most tournament rules will not allow you to alter a motor to increase horsepower.

Get an Allison. It'll go mid 80's with a 200.....260 hp can get you three digits. Mine goes just over 70 with a 150.

I have never heard of a manufacturer altering an individual boat. I have heard of some changing ratings on the boat line.

SkeeterRonnie, don't mean to hijack but do you or anyone else know where to get a new USCG
"sticker" my 96 Skeeter has one that is about to fall off.

Not sure on your question, but if I hear something I will let you know.

I contacted Ranger to see if they would upgrade the rating on my Ranger and the answer was NO.
The only reason i had contacted them because other boats in the same year with the same hull had a 175hp rating and mine is 150hp. They still said no.

I just finished building a duck hunting rig and Texas Parks and Wildlife told me that there is no restriction on horsepower. I could put a 300 on the back of my little 14' duckboat and still be legal in Texas even though the CG estimate is only 5 hp for it based on the transom measurements. If you are going to insure it you have to tell them what you are actually running, and you cant fish tourneys if you are over the CG rating though.