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First, thanks to all for the info and help I've gotten from the Whaler community. I've redone an 18 Outrage and the original Yamaha 150 (1987) is pretty shot. I can get and 02 200hp Yamaha at a good price from a friend, but am wary of overpowering the boat. I have never gone beyond the recommended HP on a boat and don't think it's generally a good idea, but I've seen it done. Any thoughts or comments--especially from anyone who may have put a 200 on an 18 Outrage--would be very helpful. At this point, this seems like it goes in the "not a good idea box."
Thanks,
Dave

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Sounds like a good combo to me, just might cut your range short if you like to go WOT a lot.

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In my mind it's a weight issue. Is the 200HP more weight than the 150HP would be? If it is, then the additional horse power will be lost by pushing the additional weight. From the liability side, who besides you will be at the helm? If your craft will be piloted by young or inexperienced persons, then the additional 50HP might be more than they know how to handle.

A 175 ~180 HP puts the 18 Outrage in the 50+ MPH range at WOT, I would think a 200HP would make it a 60MPH boat. From an engine usage or wear perspective you may never need to actually open the engine up to WOT, ever. In theory the engine will work easier to accomplish the same task and will last longer.

I know several folks that run 18 Outrage in the 175HP + range, including myself. I don't expect to ever need to push the engine to WOT except for testing props. It is nice to know that if I need to scoot, I can. You also pay the price for that ability in fuel, should you choose to use it.

It is ultimatly a decision you need to make for yourself. Are you comfortable over powering or will it always make you nervous.

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I used to run a 175hp Yamaha on my 18', but the marina that installed it got a bit uptight about the insurance liability after realizing the USCG only allows 150hp, so I had to downsize. Are you waiving insurance coverage? I would love to get a 175 back on that boat, it did 55mph no problem.

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No need to waive insurance, just be honest and tell them what you have. The marina was afraid they would be held liable. I installed my outboard myself.

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Sorry, don't want to waive insurance personally, but wont an insurance agency refuse to cover a boat if the engine on the boat is higher than the USCG rating?

Thanks!

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You have to ask your insurance carrier. There are plenty who will cover the boat just fine. Be honest and let them know your planning on repowering and with what engine. You should also check your state laws to see if they prohibit powering above the rating. The USCG does not and providing you operate your craft in a save manner they won't bother you.

Please check for yourself, both with your state and your insurance company.

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Dave

While I know of two people running their 18's beyond the rated 150 hp it really is up to you. If you feel comfortable with the extra power then consider it. If you feel it is to much power or, you are not comfortable in your own person skills with the boat do not do it. I will say it is not always you who you need to worry about. If you do over power be sure to use caution in your operation and do not let others you do not trust operate the boat.

If you do go with the 200 you do run the risk of a possible but, rare fine if you are stopped.

The two guys I know with 18's are both running twins. One has twin E-Tec 90's while the other has twin Merc inline 6 115's. So the boat will handle the extra weight and power of the 200.


Kieland

I know Safeco will right policies covering boats that are powered beyond the USCG capacity plate. They are also one if not the only company I know of that will write a policy to insure a classic whaler to it's fair market value and not the blue book value. If you need info my agent can write in most states and he is a whaler onwer as well.

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Wow! That's a lot of great info, and it confirmed what I suspected:
1. this is NOT an issue of whether the hull can handle the added weight/power.
2. it comes down to personal preferences and insurance.

So I was ready to get this 200 until I read the comment about being comfortable with other people operating the boat--a great point. I will be primarily using the boat as it's at our lake house, but we do have a lot of friends that come to visit and I want the older kids to be able to use the boat well into the future (one of the reasons I got a whaler). I think I'll keep looking for a 150.

I'm down to bottom paint and decals and hope to get pictures posted soon.
Thanks again,
Dave

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Dave -

Good idea. I would NOT let others pilot my boat without being present at the helm, or the guest pilot being an experienced, proven helmsman (180 HP on an 18' Outrage).

If your boat will be a "community use" boat at all, I recommend staying within the manufacturer recommended rated HP - for liability purposes.

150 HP drives the 18' Outrage exceptionally well. The only reason I went higher was because I'm running twins.

Cheers, and good luck!

Dave

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I have to agree, I do not plan to have anyone but an experienced person pilot my 18 Outrage (175 HP Single). I can specifically think of only 1, maybe 2 people besides myself that would ever be at the helm. Depending on how old the kids are you may consider a 150HP or you might think about a 135HP now and repower with a 150 when they are older.

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Jeff-Every state may be different, but I am fairly certain the USCG cannot issue you a fine for being overpowered. The USCG limits are advised or suggested, not what can or cannot be. This isssue has been gone over in great detail on a few of the performance boating sites I visit and i don't think there has been one real case of someone being cited for this. Maybe more of a urban boaters legend?

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Bob,

I agree that USCG won't issue a ticket specifically for being over powered, especially since a lot of the USCG / Marine Police ect boats are over powered. I think you would get a citation for operating a boat recklessly and they probably won't look at you unless your doing something to get their attention. Now in states where they have specific laws against overpowering, the local guys will ticket you.

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I personally had an over powered boat (17' Avenger with a 200 Merc) The boat was rated for a 115. I was stopped numerous times and never given a ticket. Of course the boat was capable of 70-80 mph. I agree with the above statement that it is a recommended HP rating rather than a absolute.