Power upgrade

Daytona675 · 23 February 2017, 21:02

Hello, I am new to the forum and to boating so bare with me. I currently own a 15' SIB powered by an older Evinrude 25 2 stroke. It moves along quite nicely but I am looking to upgrade to a 40hp 4 stroke, mainly to pull a tube and wakeboard. The boat has a trailer so I am not worried about removing the motor often. My question is (and it may be stupid), the max motor weight the boat is rated for is 263lbs. The motor weighs in around 220lbs. Is this cutting it too close? The transom is 1.75 inch fibreglass. Let me know what you guys think. The motor in question is a 2006 Mercury 40hp shortshaft carburated.

Cheers,

Adrian

Xk59D · 23 February 2017, 21:26

what is the max HP the transom is rated for?

the weight is fine.

Daytona675 · 23 February 2017, 23:04

Rated for 35 hp. I have asked the manufacturer and they didnt give me an official OK but they did stress the boat one foot larger that is rated for 40hp uses the exact same transom as mine. I took that as a good to go with the 40.

Xk59D · 24 February 2017, 08:43

In which case I would check with your insurance if they will cover the non conformance of the rating plate.

If they are happy then the 5hp wouldn't bother me as you are within the weight limit and 35hp engines are far from readily available.