I looked at my data plate just to check. It doesn't have a HP limit, but it does have a motor weight limit. It is a 2005 Tracker PT185 se. I have seen that this boat came with a 115 HP option. Mine has a 90 hp
Soooooo...long story short sounds like you need to decided for yourself on the benefit/risks...however if you exceed the capacity rating DON'T take the boat outa your state w/o checking the regs where you're going.
Life has many choices, eternity has two...choose wisely.
Unapplied biblical truth is like unapplied paint...how many gallons do you have sittin' around? U.D.
I looked at my data plate just to check. It doesn't have a HP limit, but it does have a motor weight limit. It is a 2005 Tracker PT185 se. I have seen that this boat came with a 115 HP option. Mine has a 90 hp
I looked for mine, nothing. Called a local dealer, said i shouldn't worry, as it's a '71 model. Called 2cnd dealer, same thing. Any truth? Rebuttals?
I asked this same question years ago, at that time the USCG used a formula something like lengthX beamXtimes depth divided by a magic number to get their safe HP rating, it is almost always larger than the manufacturer, but you would still be in the safe zone, I don't mean to be so vague, but it was likely 20 yrs ago, lot of water under the bridge since then, Skippy
Check your state regs. If it's not prohibited then I'd do it.
The formula for calculating the hp rating takes into account several different factors other than the obvious factors like size and weight.
Some newer small boats have two ratings, one for tiller motors, and one for console steered motors. For example, a 17' tin boat might have a rating of 70hp for console steer, but only 50hp for tiller steer. Can be confusing since both are the exact same boat. You can find the formula online to help you better understand how the hp rating is determined.
"They bitin' up river on that topwater"