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I have an 1986 outrage 22. Can I repower with a 250? The boat CS sticker says max 240...I saw a Yamaha 250 SHO in a 25" version and it only weights 505 lbs. I currently have a 1996 Yamaha 225 saltwater series II. I know there is the F200XB option weighing <500 lbs also. I just want to make sure I have plenty of power. I am staying away from the Yamaha Offshore series because I would have to change everything because it is all fly-by-wire setup. Any input would be helpful. I am trying to stay with Yamaha to use the same equipment.
(changed abbreviated years to full 4 digit years for clarification)
I think that you "can" overpower a boat. The question is if you "should."
I was going to buy a 20 Outrage with a 250 e-tec. I called my insurance agent and he said there would be no issue in insuring it, even thought it exceeded the value listed on the capacity plate.
I don't think that the weight on the transom would be any issue. I have about 800 pounds on my 22 (twin 115's). I once heard that overpowering could put too much stress on the transom when you are moving.
In the grand scheme though -- 10 hp over probably means nothing.
I have that hull with a cuddy (1979 Revenge 22'). I have yet to get it wet with my 200hp HO Etec but, with the original 235hp Johnson that boat scooted around pretty good. 10 hp does not amount to much but I personally would not exceed the HP plate. Do talk with your insurance agent. This subject comes up and gets beaten to death every so often. One camp yes, one no. I am in the "No" camp. Part liability if some one flys out of the boat, etc.... part I do not like going fast on water anyway. You can play games with the power. I am not familiar with Yammies but with Etec the HO series allows you to have the extra horse power with identical hp ratings. They may very have come up with that choice for the plate issues you are worried about.
Garris
As for exceeding the capacity plate, there is no documented law (state or federal) that says you can't exceed the rating. The plate refers to the manufacturer and their ratings at time of sale.
Some mechanics will not install a motor that exceeds the plate. Some will.
Some insurance companies will not cover hp that exceeds the plate. Some will.
Re-powering is a complex analysis. Keep the overpowering out of it for now and just compare all the other factors to help you narrow your selection.
Here is a story of that says a lot about hp ratings. When the Nantucket was first introduced the max hp was 115. Several years later the max rating for the same hull with a new name (Outrage 190) was 150. Today the same boat has a max rating of 200.
Why all the changes? Hp rating is partly tied to engine weight. Back in the first model year, the highest hp 4 stroke Mercury motor for the weight rating was 115. After the introduction of the 4 cyl Verado motors, the hp rating increased as each engine was offered. 135 then 150 followed by 175 and now it is 200.
All in all the goal is low weight and decent performance.
I have a 22' guardian divemaster with a whaler drive and run a yamaha f350. Perfect set up for what I use the boat for. Previous motor was a yamaha f225 and worked well in most situations.
