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  190 MONTAUK: Capacity Plate Horsepower

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Author Topic:   190 MONTAUK: Capacity Plate Horsepower
fishinchips posted 12-16-2013 09:19 AM ET (US)   Profile for fishinchips   Send Email to fishinchips  
In 2007 the 190 Montauk says maximum power is 115-HP. I think the following year, 2008, the maximum power is 135-HP. Now it is 150-HP. Can a 2007 190 Montauk in the future upgrade in power from a 115-HP to say something like a 150-HP? Just wondering.
frontier posted 12-16-2013 10:01 AM ET (US)     Profile for frontier  Send Email to frontier     
I ran into the same thing when we owned a 2000-model-year 130 Sport. First year for that new design and it was factory rated for 30-HP maximum. Underpowered for a 580-lbs boat. The next year the same boat was changed to 40-HP rating. I called Boston Whaler and they said once it leaves the factory, the official rating cannot be changed. However, my insurance company had no problem with a future 40-HP engine. Maybe Boston Whaler has changed that policy; call them and double check.
Jefecinco posted 12-16-2013 10:33 AM ET (US)     Profile for Jefecinco  Send Email to Jefecinco     
I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to a 150-HP engine on any 190 Montauk. What's the downside other than expense?

If any questions arise the simple answer is that the exact same hull is now rated for the higher HP. If you are concerned with things like insurance coverage you can check with your insurer ahead of time.

When the warranty on the 135HP Verado on my Montauk 190 expires I will be upgrading to a 200-HP ECU.

If it were necessary to repower my Montauk I would probably choose the latest Mercury version of the 150 HP four stroke or a 150HP E-TEC. I now have SmartCraft gauges and DTS so the Mercury engine would probably win out.

Butch

jimh posted 12-16-2013 10:44 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
I do not believe there are retroactive changes in power rating certificates. If your hull has a capacity plate that says 115-HP, that is the rating for that hull.
Phil T posted 12-16-2013 12:04 PM ET (US)     Profile for Phil T  Send Email to Phil T     
I recall reading the horsepower "inflation" that occurs with Boston Whaler models over the years is due to the introduction of newer models of outboards by Mercury.

I would suggest that at the time the 190 Montauk was introduced, the largest engine to fit within the transom weight limit was the Mercury 115 FourStroke. This was followed by the introduction of the Mercury 135 Fourstroke that was the same weight as the 115 Fourstroke.

Recently Mercury introduced a new 150 hp motor that is not a Verado based motor. I bet it is the same weight as the max transom weight for the hull.


fishinchips posted 12-18-2013 12:04 AM ET (US)     Profile for fishinchips  Send Email to fishinchips     
spoke to a dealer of whalers. They said they go by the safety plate. If it says 115hp, then thats all they can put on. They don't want to be liable for mishaps even though you were not speeding.

I do have an email out to whaler (chuck bennett) and see what he says.

fishinchips posted 12-18-2013 12:06 AM ET (US)     Profile for fishinchips  Send Email to fishinchips     
spoke to a dealer of whalers. They said they go by the safety plate. If it says 115hp, then thats all they can put on. They don't want to be liable for mishaps even though you were not speeding.

I do have an email out to whaler (chuck bennett) and see what he says.

Phil T posted 12-19-2013 11:23 AM ET (US)     Profile for Phil T  Send Email to Phil T     
Fish -

He will say the plate is the limit. That is the regulation for the builder.

As many have discussed, an owner can increase the outboard power as they see fit.

Given that the current model is rated at 150 hp and the design has not changed, I say there is no problem.

Where the rub comes is:

Installation: Some engine dealers and mechanics may not agree to install an outboard that is larger than the capacity plate.

Owners have reported finding resistance from main line dealers but I don't recall anyone not finding an installer after some research.

Insurance - Some companies may not cover a boat that has a motor larger than the capacity plate.

Owners have reported finding companies that will issue policies.

Law Enforcement - There have been several beefy thread discussing what if any laws exist that prohibit owners from re-powering above the capacity limit.

A few searches and some reading will give you a sense of the subject.

fishinchips posted 12-20-2013 11:29 AM ET (US)     Profile for fishinchips  Send Email to fishinchips     
Thanks Phil.
I suspect that everything you said is correct.
Haven't heard from chuck bennett as yet because he is on vacation right now.

I was just wondering anyways. These 4 strokes last a long time and since gas prices are so high, I think this 115hp will suffice. Advertised performance says 6mph at best. Thats darn good in my book.

Ken

fishinchips posted 12-23-2013 10:44 AM ET (US)     Profile for fishinchips  Send Email to fishinchips     
received email from chuck.
Once it leaves the factory with that capacity plate, thats it.

Ken

jimh posted 12-27-2013 02:40 PM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
[Moved to THE GAM.]
jcdawg83 posted 12-27-2013 04:26 PM ET (US)     Profile for jcdawg83    
There are two reasons not to exceed the max hp listed on the plate. First; in the event of an accident, if the engine is larger than the max on the plate, a liability suit will be difficult to defend. Some insurance policies will exclude coverage for boats operating with engines that are higher horsepower than the boat is rated for.

Second; operating a boat with higher than the plate limit horsepower can result in citation from some law enforcement. This usually occurs in addition to another citation like BUI, life jackets, too fast in a particular area, etc. Most DNR officers do not stop boats and check for horsepower. However; once they have stopped someone, they will pile on if they can find a way to increase the "sale".

Jefecinco posted 12-27-2013 07:25 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jefecinco  Send Email to Jefecinco     
Relax, install the 150, enjoy. It's your boat so do what you want with it. Jeez!

Butch

Dave Sutton posted 12-27-2013 08:54 PM ET (US)     Profile for Dave Sutton  Send Email to Dave Sutton     
1: Drill.

2: Engraving Shop.

3: Pop Rivet Gun.

4: Worry less, live more.


.

jimh posted 12-28-2013 10:38 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
The question of powering a boat with more horsepower than its capacity plate allows is considered in

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

Jeff posted 12-28-2013 02:57 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jeff  Send Email to Jeff     
Dave, No need to drill out anything as the capacity plate on the 190 is just a decal.

If you repower the hull, I would just order a new decal from a Whaler Dealer for a later year 190 Montauk with the rating you want, be it 135 or 150 and not worry about it. No one is going to give you a ticket or sue you if you are powered it the same as offered today. Now if you were going to put say a 250 or 300 hp outboard on, well that is started to step over into the area of arguable negligence.

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