My 150hp Mercury outboard threw a rod and knocked a hole in the powerhead a couple week ago and I have found a 200hp Mercury to replace it. The maximum hp that my ranger is rated for is 175hp. Would replacing the engine with a 200hp cause problems for my boat? If so how would it? Would it be the weight of the engine on the back or the thrust? Or would it be just fine for it.

Last I heard, one should not exceed the rating capacity of the manufacturer's/Coast Guard recommendation. Could cause some issues with your insurance company as well as safety. I don't think it is illegal, but I would check with my insurance company before buying a 200. That would be my only concern.

If the 150 and the 200 are both 2.5 litre motors, there should be no significant weight difference. You might need a different prop and being over the Coast Guard recommended horsepowere, you might have some issues with some tournaments.

Sorry to hear about your motor. Not sure, but if you get inspected by a game warden, he could ticket you for an overpowered boat. The tournament thing could come back to bite you as well. Do you still have the 150? I broke my skeg Sunday backing into my garage (DA move) and would be interested in buying your bottom edge.

SE Kansas grass grower

Ring fry I cannot find any laws by TPWD that regulates the horsepower on a boat. Where did you find them?

Mike, not sure about TPWD but Kansas boat summary says: "No person shall operate any vessel beyond the safe passenger and carrying compacity and motor horse power of the vessel as specified on compacity plate" I'm bored today, so I'll try to find it on the TPWD site.

SE Kansas grass grower

From the US Coast Guard:

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.

SE Kansas grass grower

More info. It appears it is not a violation of federal law, but I'm still trying to find out about Texas.

LOADING & CAPACITY PLATES

The terms loading and capacity relate to the weight of people, fuel and gear that can be safely carried. The safe load of a boat in terms of people depends on a number of characteristics, including hull volume and dimension, the weight of the engine and, if an outboard, how is it mounted. The number of seats in a boat is not an indication of the number of people it can safely carry. Capacity plates can generally be found on the inside transom, or next to the helm station.

Capacity plates should never be removed, altered, or tampered with. While it is not a Federal violation for a boat owner to exceed the listed capacities, many states do have statutes prohibiting the carriage of people and gear in excess of the stated capacity, or the installation of a motor that exceeds the recommended horse power limit. Also, you may void your insurance policy if you are found to have exceeded the limits stated on your capacity plate.

Under the U.S. Coast Guard Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, boats less than 20 feet powered with an inboard, outboard, or stern drive engine manufactured after November 1, 1972, must display a capacity plate defining the safe load limits. This plate must be mounted where you can see it when preparing to get underway. Sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats are exempt from this standard.

Typical Capacity Plate information by boat type:

Boats powered by outboards: the maximum persons capacity in pounds and maximum weight capacity (persons, motor and gear) in pounds and maximum horsepower capacity.


SE Kansas grass grower

Its good to hear from ya ring fry thanks for the info.

But there is no rules in Texas about exceding the USCG rating plate, as far as TPWD is concerned. What they do enforce is NO vin number or regristiration number. We have boats built in Texas (as well as other states I'm sure) that is not inspected or carry a USCG tag. I have two boats in mind, Texas built, being sold today, and they are not rated.

P.S. Did'nt mean to hijack your post.

No problem this is all good info!

+1 under similar circumstances I am now running a 120HP on my boat that is max rated for 115HP and I have never had any issue as far as TP&W is concerned. As a matter of fact it has made my boat run so much better!!! I know a guy that is running a 150hp on a 15ft boat and although it is crazy it is not illegal.
But getting insurance on it will be a problem and some tournaments may also have a problem with it. And I am speaking from experience.

As others have said you can probably forget about tournament fishing, if you do. Insurance is definitely a problem. The boat it will handle it structurally. You might want to do some things to improve handling. If it is a 37 series hull you will probably end of with some minor walk. A lot of people do mods on the 175s that get them close to the 200. They used to be basically the same motor with different, jets, exhaust tuner, & divider plate. I am guessing but the intake may have been a little different also.

never ever heard of anyone sited for having more than the recomended hp , look at those 12ft. gt tunnel boats with the 2.5 liter mercs on the back

what is a 12 gt tunnel boat?