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Just purchased the boat and trying to repower to a Yamaha In Line Four 115 HP. Boat only rated up to 100 HP. How can I get a higher rating for the boat in order to install the bigger motor. A 90 HP four stroke weights only 10 lbs less. Thanks.
The capacity plate lists the maximum horsepower allowed by the manufacturer to install at the time of first sale. It does not restrict you from exceeding the rating.
There is nothing to stop you. There is no Federal, State or USCG regulation prohibiting it.
If you insure your boat, you will want to discuss coverage with your agent. Some companies do not offer coverage, many do.
Some dealers will not install a motor that exceeds the capacity plate. Some dealers will. Shop around or DIY and then have it checked over by the dealer to sign the warranty card.
I would double check with your states boating regulations as I believe the previous blanket statement to be inaccurate. I do a large percentage of my boating in Wisconsin which has a regulation in their Boating regulations Handbook which expressly states it is illegal for anyone to operate a motorized vessel with a H.P rating that exceeds the capacity plate. Now, I do not believe such regulations are meant for borderline cases such as yours but more for the guy who is trying to mount a 150 H.P outboard on a dinghy. I also have seen companies online which will make a capacity plate that says pretty much whatever you want and I am sure no DNR personal will be versed in H.P limits for classic Whalers from memory.
115 4 stroke on a Montauk works great! I transitioned from a 90 2 stroke to a 115 way back in 2001 and it transform the performance of the boat in everyday as if I bought a new boat and motor. When I repower my current boat, a 17 Outrage, which is rated for max 120 I want to go from 115 to either 135 or a 140 Suzuki.
Jgortva - DNR has a 3rd party company produce a handbook of rules and guidelines that states it is illegal to operate a boat that is overpowered, BUT it is not clear that it the law.
I am unable to find a citation of the actual statute.
It would be nice to have that and then we can factually say, in all states except Wisconsin.
