Engine too big??

**donahue_85** · 06-05-2009, 04:59 PM

I have a 1986 15' 4" Hydra-Sports Bass Boat. It is rated to handle a 75 maximum HP. I am going to put a 120 V4 Johnson on it. I am curious to know if I will be okay with this engine. I don't want to get it out there & something bad happen. I appreciate the info!!

I know that if this thing works okay, my boat should almost take off & fly at WOT!

**wogi** · 06-07-2009, 11:03 AM

On this website I dont think "engine to big" has ever been asked! I think you will be fine, just stay away form the water natzie's or lose the factory rating plate. Just my 2cents

**jetwash127** · 06-07-2009, 11:43 AM

I don't think there is such a thing as engine too big!!
Just keep a eye on engine mounts and transom.

**donahue_85** · 06-07-2009, 04:30 PM

As I said, my main concern is about weight & torque. My boat has never had any kind of work done preping it for this kind of HP, so I don't want to get out there & it fall apart on me! I thought I should be okay too, but I really want some other opinions. Please keep them coming!!!! Let me know if this is a good or bad thing. I will be a pissed MF'er if this thing falls the F apart on me! Not y'all's fault by any means, but I really want to make sure I'm atleast 3/4 safe before I take the kids fishing & stuff. Thanks a lot for the input!! It does help!

I don't know if any of you are from the Charlotte Harbor area, but I have some friends that own a fiberglass repair shop here called All Fiberglass Repairs, they are quite knowledgeable & helpful. They have given their opinions & all seems good in their eyes. Please, if you have any objections, tell me now!!! Before I mount the motor & haul ass!!

**donahue_85** · 06-07-2009, 04:38 PM

Wogi, what do you mean by the water nazi's? FWC? They have never stopped me before, but with this much power, I WILL be stopped sooner or later.

**donahue_85** · 06-07-2009, 04:42 PM

Jetwash, thats the thing, I don't want to have to worry about looking back at the transom to see if it will fall off. I would like to run a jack plate, but the cost of one is an issue for me. I'm on a strict budget!! The wife won't allow much more than what I've already spent.

**cltch** · 06-07-2009, 05:07 PM

How thick is the transom? Is it solid? Do you have knee braces running from bottom/stringers to the transom? If you go with a jackplate and the motor you may want to look at adding knee braces if not already there, and they couldn't hurt the process now with just the motor. But, as far as overpowering, it is quite frequent on here! Goodluck! Keep us posted how it goes!

**donahue_85** · 06-08-2009, 11:18 PM

I will let you guys know how it turns out. I plan on mounting the engine this coming weekend if I get a chance. As for the stringers, I have no idea what is in there. I've never tore into the hull to see what the inside is like. I get what you mean about the braces though, not a bad idea. Only problem I have is that my batteries & fuel cell are right there in the way of where I would have to do said work. I'm pretty sure it should be okay, but as I stated before, I really like second opinions! I might try to get in there & take a look to see if it looks good for sure.

**grendle** · 06-10-2009, 10:33 AM

i was thinking about going to a 200 on my bass boat (because there are several available here ) would removing all hp engine badges be a simple effective way to hide it ? the boat is rated for a 175 and has a 150 on it now.

**KingRootinTootin** · 08-14-2009, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by donahue_85

I have a 1986 15' 4" Hydra-Sports Bass Boat. It is rated to handle a 75 maximum HP. I am going to put a 120 V4 Johnson on it. I am curious to know if I will be okay with this engine. I don't want to get it out there & something bad happen. I appreciate the info!!

I know that if this thing works okay, my boat should almost take off & fly at WOT!

i think a merc 150 XS would be a better choice

but seriously, Enjoy!

**wideglide55** · 08-14-2009, 09:08 PM

If it still floats when you launch it then it ain't too big.I knew a guy with a 19ft Laser that had a V/8 OMC on it,he stopped to pee one day and walked back to stand on the transom,it looked like it was ready to sink!