posted 08-18-2009 11:23 PM ET (US)            

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The 1987 Outrage 20 (20'-3" loa) is rated for a maximum of 200 HP.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/specifications.html

posted 08-18-2009 11:24 PM ET (US)            

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You have asked a frequently asked question. See the answer:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/FAQ/#Q6

posted 08-18-2009 11:50 PM ET (US)            

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quote:

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What is the maximum power that I can have on it that is legal?

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200 HP

posted 08-19-2009 12:00 AM ET (US)            

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Sorry Jim. FAQ #6 is:

"Can I exceed the rated Horsepower?"

He did not ask that question.

posted 08-19-2009 11:31 PM ET (US)            

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kainoa,

I have the maximum rated 200 hp Yamaha on my Outrage 20 and it is a perfect match for this hull.

Jeff

posted 08-20-2009 08:13 AM ET (US)            

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CONTINUOUSWAVE has not tried to collect and organize information about state boating laws. There is an organization which does collect information about state boating laws. See:

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
http://nasbla.org/

On their website they have a tool for locating and comparing boating law by state:

http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/

I have never felt the need to attempt to collect and organize this sort of information here on CONTINUOUSWAVE. I recommend you use the resources of this other organization and their website to continue your investigation into the variances in boating laws from state to state.

posted 08-20-2009 08:25 AM ET (US)            

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Now that we are well into the second decade of the connected internet, most state government agencies with regulatory powers generally have a website on which they provide electronic copies of the regulations they enforce. To discover if your state government regulates the power of the motor used on a boat with respect the maximum horsepower rating of the manufacturer for that boat, I suggest you locate the website of the agency in your state that regulates boating and read their regulations.

I also suggest you contact an agent of that division of your government or a law-enforcement agent who is assigned to marine patrols, and discuss with them their understanding of the regulations. If the local law-enforcement agencies have adopted an understanding of horsepower limitations which prohibits use of a motor that exceeds the rated horsepower shown on a manufacturer's rating plate, and are using that as guidance for enforcement, even though not explicitly stated in the published regulations, you would be well advised to adhere to those limits.

posted 08-20-2009 08:31 AM ET (US)            

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When operating a boat in any particular legal jurisdiction, the operator of the boat is responsible for awareness and compliance with the local regulations. Generally if there are unusual regulations which apply to a body of water they will be posted. For example, if a particular lake has a restriction regarding horsepower, it will usually be prominently posted at a boat launching ramp or other site where access to the lake is available. Or, if a local government has imposed a speed limit on a body of water, they will post a notice in a prominent manner to advise boaters.

It is not reasonable to expect that others will conduct investigations for you into what laws govern boating in your local area. As the operator of the boat, you must acquaint yourself with the rules that apply to your local waters. Perhaps the easiest way to become informed is to contact the local law-enforcement agency with a marine patrol on those waters. This will be much more effective than soliciting others on the internet to conduct the investigation for you.

posted 08-20-2009 12:32 PM ET (US)            

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Kainoa, if you want to know if Hawaii has a law against overpowering a boat a call to the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation might be able to confirm this.

http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dbor/borcontact.htm

As for your current set-up, I think 180 Horsepower on a Outrage 20 will be a nice power option if the weight isn't a problem. Although the new DF90 is light for a 90 HP 4 stroke at 341 lbs, two of them must weigh over 700 lbs with oil and props. Does your boat handle the weight well? How does it sit in the water?

I see quite a few of Suzuki motors here on Oahu lately. Which island are you on?

posted 08-21-2009 02:22 AM ET (US)            

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Howzit Perry,

I did install 2 DF 90's , with SS props, 15" diameter and 15 inch pitch. These motors are lighter than the ones had on before. I use to have twin 70's Evinrudes and they were fine, the only problem I had was it never had enough power with a full load of fish also they were 10 years old, problems was starting to creep up on me,as far as the boat sitting in the water with these new engines,it sits a tab higher and planes off faster. You asked which island I was on it's Kauai. Do you fish? How long have you lived there?(Oahu) or are you a local person? Anyway I think with the twin 90's I'm still under the required recommendation for my boat. If I not mistaken,it was Tom who gave me a website that tells you what is the recommended HP for different sizes of boats, and mine is 200HP.