Recommended safe limits of engine power: The maximum limit of horsepower (engine size) based on the boat’s gross load capacity. If you have a boat that was built before 1972, came from overseas or was home-built, you may not have a capacity plate, … Simple enough, right? Before you consider calculating the boat load capacity yourself, please do check for the capacity sticker. With that said, adding a strong engine to your pontoon is perfect if you plan using the boat for watersports or transporting a large number of people. If the Factor is over 52.5 and the boat has : Remote Steering and at least 20" Transom Height. If you don’t exceed the horsepower rating, you have the peace of mind in knowing that should it capsize, it won’t sink, and passengers can hold onto the sides until they are rescued. Additionally, fishing boats must have a weaker engine that doesn’t cause enough ruckus to scare away nearby fish. Maximum number of adults: The maximum number of adult persons that your boat can safely carry. With that info, there is an electrical formula you can use to convert that info to hp. The maximum HP is determined by calculating the boat’s factor (the length multiplied by the width) and then looking up the allowable engine size in a table. Gasoline is expensive, and choosing the larger engine will end up costing you a lot more money down the line – for one mile-per-hour! The boat’s capacity plate will list the maximum horsepower for your boat and can usually be found located near to the helm, steering area, and in full view of the captain. When you’re trying to determine the amount of horsepower you need, it’s essential to consider the weight of the boat. Doing this will only cost you more in the long run as you’re required to spend more on gasoline. All inboard and outboard boats under 20 feet in length must have a maximum capacity, listed in both persons and pounds, stamped or printed on a clearly visible plaque. For more advice, hints, and tips please explore Pontoonopedia. horsepower. Additionally, it’ll create unnecessary stress on the bottom of your boat and can even flip your boat over. Fitting your boat with the strongest engine possible won’t do much for you if you’re using the pontoon for cruising and fishing. According to federal law, motorized boats that are less than 20 feet in length must have a capacity plate in the steering or helm area. The result you get is your maximum HP. You can then see what effect changes to weight or power will have on top speed. If you do, and discover that you are one of the lucky ones who owns a boat with that elusive sweet spot, your search for the best cruising speed is over and you can stop reading here. 32 examples of the maximum horsepower on pontoon boats. Understand that the capacity recommendations for your boat are meant for boat operation in good weather conditions. Horsepower only has to do with engine weight. What does horsepower rating on a capacity plate mean? A long time ago OBs were rated at the prop which means 140 at the prop could be more than the rating for the boat. The result you get is your maximum HP. Small personal watercraft like kayaks, inflatable pontoon boats, and anything less than 20 feet in length are not required by federal law to have a capacity plate. Use this Boat Horsepower Calculator to estimate the power required to efficiently move your skiff. :rolleyes: The engine wasn't putting that much hp out at 100+. According to the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), these age and horsepower restrictions apply to any person who operates a pleasure craft for recreational purposes in Canadian waters.. Knowing how much the maximum horsepower is allowed on your boat is an essential piece of safety information. 1. The amount of horsepower you choose will impact your fuel efficiency, too. Spare yourself expensive repairs and avoidable trips to the emergency room by following your pontoon’s safety regulations. Your Boat’s Gross Load Capacity and Horsepower Recommendations. For that matter hp curves always fall at higher rpm. The dealer you are working with will be able to tell you the maximum horsepower rating for your boat, and how to optimize the boat’s propeller for best performance. Part of that process will involve calculating how much load the boat can carry, including the weight of the engine (relating to horsepower). Most pontoon boats are designed to serve a specific purpose, which is why they have the maximum horsepower rating that they do. People who like to spend the day cruising and lounging on the water don’t need a lot of power, especially if the pontoon is primarily used for smaller waterways. Your pontoon boat isn’t designed the same way that a powerful speedboat is, so it’s not going to be able to handle making a turn with an overpowered engine and will likely capsize. A good rule of thumb is that you'll need 5 horsepower per ton of boat. Pontooners.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Once you’ve determined why you want to buy a pontoon boat, you can then start thinking about what type of engine you need. When the boat is manufactured it will be designed and built to strict safety guidelines. In fact, pontoon boats generally work better as cruising vessels that can be used for light fishing and friendly get-togethers. You must be aware of the federal regulations for your boat’s engine power (horsepower) and gross load capacity (maximum weight). Granted, it’ll never have the same feel as some of the sleeker, more aerodynamic boats on the water. In addition to giving you a maximum for passengers and cargo, the manufacturer will also spell out the absolute maximum boat horsepower. Maximum weight or maximum number. If you plan on going to a larger than stated maximum horsepower you will be doing so at your own risk and should proceed with caution. I still don't see how they can tell. According to federal law, motorized boats that are less than 20 feet in length must have a capacity plate in the steering or helm area. If you do, and discover that you are one of the lucky ones who owns a boat with that elusive sweet spot, your search for the best cruising speed is over and you can stop reading here. The horsepower limiting regulations can be found in 33CFR183.53. The only reliabe way would be to use the motors current (amps) draw and voltage. These age and horsepower restrictions from the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs) apply to any person who operates a pleasure craft for recreational purposes in Canadian waters.Persons under 16 years of age are prohibited from operating a pleasure craft that is above these specified horsepower limits. How Much Horsepower Do I Need for My Boat?