Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by bktuna on 04/12/10 - 9:12 AM

I will be gettign a new engine for the 1986 18 guardian that i am redoing... after talkign to some people, a few mentioned that i should go with a 200, for the extra weight of the commecial hull... i think Wahler has this hull rated for a 150 hp... any suggestions or comments..

Edited by bktuna on 04/12/10 - 9:13 AM

Posted by whalerman on 04/12/10 - 9:28 AM

Hi, I have the 1990 outrage 19', same hull as yours, with the E-tec 150 and it's plenty of grunt out of the whole and cruise arround 3200 rpm. Prop is the 14 3/4"x 17" viper and see arround 5600 to 5700 max rpm. AV plate is 1 1/2" above the keel. 150 to 175 would be great for that hull, IMO. Weight your hull to see just how much heavier it is to the standard one. Would be interesting to know.

Posted by Phil T on 04/12/10 - 10:46 AM

While weight is not an issue, I would consider the difference in the performance and cost.

If you are a go fast guy or carry a full load and want the performance, it makes sense to go with a 200. The performance guru's can ascertain what your WOT speed would be with a 200 hp.

ASIDE - I never understood why Boston Whaler's commercial division does not upgrade the horsepower ratings when the commercial hulls weigh 400 lbs or more than the recreational variant. This practice is still done today.

Posted by Mike on 04/12/10 - 11:26 AM

I ran a Outrage Cuddy 22, which at 2250 lbs and a '99 Johnson 175 would top out at 40mph. Given that, with the exceptions mentioned by Phil, I think the 150 e-Tec on a Guardian 18 would be more than sufficient.

Here is a link to the: Guardian Spec Sheet Download

Posted by Derwd24 on 04/12/10 - 11:49 AM

Also, take a look over on the Etec Owners Group website, there was a thread or two talking about what a strong engine the 150 is and how because of that, there's not a huge difference between that and the 175 and 200, all of which are the same displacement.

Posted by bktuna on 04/12/10 - 11:57 AM

ill always have a a decent load 2-3 gusy at a min of 200-250 lbs, and bait coolers etc etc...

Not sure up in the air...

Posted by kamie on 04/12/10 - 5:25 PM

Phil,

the hull is under 20 feet LOA so upgrading the HP is not an option for Whaler. The max you can rate that hull for is 175HP.

bktuna,
I assume you would rig the engine yourself? Most shops won't rig an engine over the HP rating due to liability reasons. Have ou weighted your hull? I realize what the Whaler published weights are, but most commercial hulls are abused unless you purchased a new bare hull from Whaler.

Posted by bktuna on 04/13/10 - 5:28 AM

Whaler has it rated for 150 hp, we know this... as far as proper HP, i dont think that there is a different of allowed HP from 150 - 200... Both blocks are the same, weigth is the same etc... its a matter of top end speed, the dealership says that under 4000 rpm's prbably wont know the difference bt the two....

He powered a similar Guardian , with a 150, and the owner wished he had alittle more power behind the hull...

Just confused, want to make the right choice, and not regret...

Posted by heyHermano on 04/13/10 - 10:58 PM

#10

I'm curious what your final decision is going to be. I just picked up pretty much the same boat as you but with only 90 hp, and I'll be looking to upgrade soon.

Posted by whalerman on 04/14/10 - 5:54 AM

#11

Hi,again, just wondering which 200 are you considering as there are two of them, and yes different blocks. The 175 should be more than enough grunt out of the hole, if that is what you're worried about. Again, did you weigh the hull yourself. Published weights and actual after years of use are differant, on some occasions. Your friends 18, was it an e-tec 150 or something else? What prop was he useing? engine hieght? all factors to consider.

Edited by whalerman on 04/14/10 - 5:58 AM

Posted by Yiddil on 04/14/10 - 6:03 AM

#12

Im in the process of repowering a nantucket with 2050 in lbs and im using a 150 ETEC...kamie and I have had this discussion recently as I considered a 175 and a 200. Its what every that year model is rated for...even though the same boat in 2010 is rated for 200, you have to go by the raing plate and thats not interchangable from year to year...of course if your buying an engine and doing it yourself and your not concerned about insurance of litigation issues...have at it:)

Posted by bktuna on 04/14/10 - 6:50 AM

#13

I will not be installing the engine myself....

The dealer said that he would recommend the Power of the 200... casue the hull was heavier, and he knows a guy with the same boat that wished he went with a 200.

Still not sure what i am doing... i think that the 150 will be fine, alot of times more HP doesnt nessarcily mean better performance - i mean the boat with probably haul a$$ - i have to check insurance/legality - if more hp is an issue/ then a 150 it will be

Posted by awayland on 04/14/10 - 11:31 AM

#14

I recently went through the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety course with my 12 year old son and those guys stated to everyone that if a boat is over powered they can take your boat! Maybe you should ask them, I bet they tell you to stick with the rating plate on the boat.

Posted by Phil T on 04/14/10 - 1:27 PM

#16

It would be appropriate to cite the rule (federal or state) that states a boat will be confiscated due to overpowering.

There have been many conversations on this subject and from what I have read, there is no federal or state regulation against an individual doing it however some insurance companies will not issue coverage.

Posted by number9 on 04/14/10 - 11:00 PM

#17

Some state boating laws say having more than rated HP is in violation. The USCG can write an owner up for excessive if deemed to be unsafe for the boat's use.

Posted by CES on 04/15/10 - 3:45 AM

#18

The USCG Aux actually said that your boat could be confiscated if it's over powered? Wow, that doesn't seem right at all. Like Phil mentioned above, I'd like to see the laws/rules that state the confiscating of an overpowered boat.

Posted by awayland on 04/15/10 - 6:07 AM

#19

CES wrote:
The USCG Aux actually said that your boat could be confiscated if it's over powered? Wow, that doesn't seem right at all. Like Phil mentioned above, I'd like to see the laws/rules that state the confiscating of an overpowered boat.

Yes that is what they said. Maybe it's a scare tactic, the state make every boater take this course. When in class, I thought of this sight because I see lots of people asking that question... should I? If you do, maybe you want to put on the decals or cover for the lower HP motor.

Edited by awayland on 04/15/10 - 6:24 AM

Posted by CES on 04/15/10 - 6:29 AM

#20

Ya, it sounds like a scare tactic to me. Unless they can back it up with proof, than all they are doing is spouting off.

I'm certainly interested in knowing the truth. Though I'm not overpowered now, I just want to be informed.

Posted by number9 on 04/15/10 - 6:58 AM

#21

The instructor giving that particular CG Aux course was blowing smoke. They're not always the most knowledgeable of the local group members, usually the one's instructing like to hear themselves talk.

Posted by kamie on 04/15/10 - 6:15 PM

#22

There is no federal law against a private citizen dropping an outboard of higher HP rating than the manufactures rating. Many shops won't rig the engine due to liability issues and you should tell your insurance company. If they insure the boat with full knowledge of the HP rating of the hull and the HP of the current engine, they will cover claims.

Several states have state laws against overpowering, FL being one of them. You should check with your state.

bktuna, if you want the extra HP then go for it. If you feel that you can handle the power. If you need an insurance recommendation then PM me and I can send you to my agent who I have my boat insured thru. They are very knowledgeable whaler people.