ribcraft 545 max hp

frinck · 06 June 2018, 23:38

Hi all.
I have a Ribcraft 545 with a 90hp on the back. The engine is on its way out and so I need to look at a new one. Ideally I would like a bit more power. Now my boat says it can go to 100hp max, yet I have seen other 545 with bigger engines and transom plates to back them up. My question is, would these boats be built differently or is there a reason the same boats are branded with different max hp?

Pikey Dave · 07 June 2018, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by frinck

Hi all.

I have a Ribcraft 545 with a 90hp on the back. The engine is on its way out and so I need to look at a new one. Ideally I would like a bit more power. Now my boat says it can go to 100hp max, yet I have seen other 545 with bigger engines and transom plates to back them up. My question is, would these boats be built differently or is there a reason the same boats are branded with different max hp?

Mine is rated & plated to 150hp, it was built to my spec. Your best bet is to speak to Ribcraft, rather than possibly get mis-information from well intentioned "guessers"

Andy_Rs600 · 07 June 2018, 10:42

Just to echo what PD says above - there is no way to know what's going on inside your transom and deck unless you speak to the manufacturers. If you get advice from them that says it's ok to go above the plate max HP I'd make sure you get it in writing before you do anything, since your insurance underwriter might not like you exceeding the plate maximum if something went wrong.

frinck · 07 June 2018, 15:41

Thanks for the advice. I will give Ribcraft a call. I only ask as aside from wanting a bit more power, I have a 115 in the garage...

Pikey Dave · 07 June 2018, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by frinck

Thanks for the advice. I will give Ribcraft a call. I only ask as aside from wanting a bit more power, I have a 115 in the garage...

Get some 100hp stickers[emoji6][emoji106]

Sutty · 07 June 2018, 21:13

I would send them an email quoting the HIN number and then you will have their confirmation so you can forward that to your insurance company. When you ring somebody it is surprising how soon they forget your conversation

Pikey Dave · 07 June 2018, 22:25

Tbh I wouldn’t be surprised if Ribcraft (or any other manufacturer for that matter) turn round & say go ahead, it’ll be fine, but it’s at your risk. Why should they give it in writing? As soon as they do that, they are taking on the risk for no reward. They have no idea how the boat has been looked after in the years since it was built, or what modifications have been made.

beamishken · 08 June 2018, 03:44

Instead of asking Ribcraft is it ok to overpower why not act dumb say the build plate is missing and ask what the rated power is? They may qoute the higher number from a later boat. If they do ask them if they can supply a replacement data plate and problem solved. If they qoute the lower figure but verbally confirm the extra power is fine then i think id find my own build plate with the required numbers on just to keep it right with the insurance. If there is ever an issue its unlikely your insurer will check the data plate is origional however if the plate says 100 and you have 115 that may be another matter