I’m looking at buying a 1988 16 footer that needs repowering. I have a line on a used 2011 Mercury 60hp 4-stroke outboard and was wondering if this is too much motor. Is anyone else running 60hp on this boat? Assuming the weight of the motor is manageable, what would be the downside? The rating plate on the boat says 55hp max, but is 5hp more enough to quibble over? Thx in advance.
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60hp on a 16’ C-Dory
- Thread starter Roamad
- Start date
What you will find is NO DEALER will hang it. They are afraid of the liability. So, if you buy the motor and hang it yourself you will be OK. That said…..if you are ever involved in a on water accident the opposing attorney will fillet you if they get the chance.
I think it would be tough to insure, but that’s just an assumption.
I’d call your agent and see if it’s okay first.
I think it would be tough to insure, but that’s just an assumption.
I’d call your agent and see if it’s okay first.
T.R. Bauer
New member
kcohen4":8n4teh8v said:What you will find is NO DEALER will hang it. They are afraid of the liability. So, if you buy the motor and hang it yourself you will be OK. That said…..if you are ever involved in a on water accident the opposing attorney will fillet you if they get the chance.
I think it would be tough to insure, but that’s just an assumption.
I’d call your agent and see if it’s okay first.
You're probably right that dealers would be reluctant. But in regards to being in a heap of trouble in an accident, they would have to prove that the engine's 5 extra hp caused the accident, or at least contributed to the accident and that would not be a slam dunk by any means. That is if there ever even is an accident.....which there probably won't be. Many of the claims anyway are bumps and bruises at slow speeds where hp doesn't matter. Anyway, just my perspective and your waters to navigate. Calling your agent is a good idea, but I'm not sure they will actually be knowledgeable. I know mine is not - complete idiot as far as boats go.
If it were my boat I wouldn't even think twice about putting the 60hp on it that is already paid for and runs well unless it is a big heavy pig that impacts the boat's handling. In that case, I would just sell the 60 and buy a new 50 hp engine of your choosing and enjoy years of trouble free boating. They really are not very hard to rig by the way, but they do take some tools, effort, and knowhow. I would have it done on a Friday night after work and be out on the water Saturday morning - probably with a huge grin on my face.