Thread: Motor/ Transom ?????

Regardless of whether the motor would be too much motor or not, the issue is the Coast Guard rating on the Data Plate. If you are ever stooped for a safety check you could face a big fine and possibly loss of the boat if you exceed that rating. JMHO

Originally Posted by Bombfixer

Regardless of whether the motor would be too much motor or not, the issue is the Coast Guard rating on the Data Plate. If you are ever stooped for a safety check you could face a big fine and possibly loss of the boat if you exceed that rating. JMHO

Not true. The Coast Guard could care less about how big of a motor you put on your boat. They only require a capacity tag be installed by the manufacturer. However, if you were to ever be involved in an accident, your fault or not, the insurance companies would take you to the cleaners.

I love all the answers about tags, no tags, insurance companies, etc. I happen to be an insurance adjuster, 33 yrs, but can we stay on task and someone please answer the question?

I'm sure someone will say it's not that big of motor. The torque will be the problem. I have a boat that is rated for a max of 60hp but have seen them with larger motors. Maybe another layer of 3/4" ply for more strength and a few more supports for the transom.

The trouble with putting a larger motor on a transom that has a lower hp rating is that the transom has a greater chance of cracking along with added stress. The torque may loosen the rivets on the stern of the boat. Stress cracks may develop where the transom meets the hull.

this is the kind of answers that I am looking for. Thanks and keep them coming!

OK! I'll give you my opinion.
Strength is based on triangulation. Adding more plywood is not going add any strength substantially. It would add weight however. I personally think it is a bad idea. If you are sold on making the change, I would have a good welder build an aluminum framework to extend the stress of the additional torque to the triangulation of the frame. I think the discussion of additional stress on the rivets is irrelevant. Rivets are going to leak eventually anyway. I have two aluminum boats, One is a 1995 bass tracker pro 17 with a 40hp mercury. It is underpowered by 20 hp and it will push this boat at 32 to 35 MPH based on dual GPS units. I also have an alumacraft bandit that is the exact length of the pro 17, but is 12-15 inches wider. It is rated for a 75hp. I have a 75hp Mariner on this boat. The 75hp will push this boat at 36- 38 MPH based on dual GPS units. What's the moral of this story. I can travel 15 miles from the boat launch in one at 32 MPH and it will take me 28 minutes and 7 seconds. In the other boat at 36 MPH it will take me exactly 25 minutes. I rarely run more than two miles from the launch. So upgrading is really not worth the potential issues, which you discounted.
My question to you would be? If I were to move my 75hp motor from my bass tracker, which is rated for a 60hp motor and then subsequently was involved in an accident. Which resulted in someone being injured. Can I come live with you? Because in Alabama, I would not get to live in my own house, because I wouldn't own it anymore. I also wouldn't own the two boats anymore or either of my two tow vehicles. As I stated, making this change is not worth the trouble, much less the potential legal ramifications. Consequently, I will give you a quote from my best fishing buddy.
"If I go any faster than 32MPH, the froth from my beer blows up my nose. So why would I want to go any faster than that!" I would be interested in your opinions regarding my question.

Zero

I put a 50 hp on a Carolina Skiff rated for a max capacity of a 35 hp. Beforehand I called the DNR and asked about regulations and he said they werent any issues on their part. Called the insurance company and they also said no issues, but if anything happened and they were supplying coverage they could only pay the price of a 35 hp motor. Different states may have different regulations though. I'd check them out first.

I know a lot of new boats are dual rated such as 30/50 for a tiller/console. This practice I believe is relatively new. Maybe yours will do fine with the 50; the manufacturer just never considered someone adding a console. I would research ratings on similar boats with consoles. Or consult a pro; your local friendly boat dealer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk