"C. Gull" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 1 Apr 2006 19:40:29 -0500, "RCE" wrote:


My nephew stopped by today to tell me his tale of woe. He bought a
certain
type of used boat a couple of years ago that is powered by a 175 hp
"Force"
engine. The engine overheats, despite the replacement of impellers,
etc.,
and the boat/engine repair place that he took it too won't even look at
it.
Cites cracked block as the probable problem.

They have recommended he buy a refurbished engine .... brand unknown,
except
they happen to have a couple that they have "it stock". One is a 200 hp,
the other is a 225 hp. My nephew seems to think they are a reputable
dealer
and know what they are talking about.

My nephew asked me my opinion. I asked him what the USCG nameplate said
as
the maximum horsepower for this boat was. Answer: 175 HP. I asked him
if
the dealer trying to sell him the new motor knew this and he said, yes,
but
the dealer said the boat will take a bigger engine, no problem.

I hated to burst his bubble, but advised against this. I could tell by
his
reaction that his mind is set and he's going to do it anyway.

So, am I going to be the old fashioned fool?

No and again, I say no.

If the plate says 175, it's 175 and the dealer should know better and
is in fact in violation of the law himself. Which means he's not a
reputable as your nephew thinks.

This isn't a Tracker by any chance is it?


No, but it starts with a "T". Certain model of a brand that starts with a
"B".
The thing I am not sure about is the "legality" of the placard that
identifies loading and max horsepower ratings. I think they are required by
the USCG, but if you exceed the horsepower rating can you be cited if the CG
decides to board you for a routine inspection?
I don't know the answer to this.

RCE