is my motor too big?

[PatinIdaho]

See if this is readable.
I have a 35hp Johnson on mine converted to tiller. Only gets to 28mph (gps) I want to change to remote with a 50hp

 

[onthewater102]

Well, in CT it is apparently illegal -

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_268.htm#sec_15-140m Reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree.

(a) A person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree when he (1) operates a vessel at such speed or maneuvers a vessel in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of another person, (2) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity, having regard for weather and other operating conditions, (3) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded or powered in excess of the maximum capacity information stated on the United States Coast Guard capacity information label or the capacity information label of the manufacturer affixed to such vessel, or (4) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel the capacity information label of which has been altered, defaced or removed. (b) Any person guilty of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars. (P.A. 89-388, S. 13, 27.)

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

onthewater102 » Mon Aug 04, 2014 2:15 pm[/url]"]Well, in CT it is apparently illegal -

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_268.htm#sec_15-140m Reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree.

(a) A person commits the offense of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree when he (1) operates a vessel at such speed or maneuvers a vessel in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of another person, (2) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity, having regard for weather and other operating conditions, (3) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel loaded or powered in excess of the maximum capacity information stated on the United States Coast Guard capacity information label or the capacity information label of the manufacturer affixed to such vessel, or (4) operates or, as owner, permits the operation of a vessel the capacity information label of which has been altered, defaced or removed. (b) Any person guilty of reckless operation of a vessel in the second degree shall be fined not less than fifty dollars nor more than two hundred dollars. (P.A. 89-388, S. 13, 27.)

Doesn't sound like a felony.

 

[New River Rat]

Charger25 » 04 Feb 2014, 07:46[/url]"]Seeing as how I was not going to get out of getting a ticket, I asked ,If I'm in the boat alone (which I was) Who the hell is going to throw it to me ? [-X Well............. he was not happy .....and I still got the 75.00 fine :LOL2:

The constabulary wants you to offer assistance to other boaters in distress. Here in VA you can be fined for not helping in an emergency situation.

 

[onthewater102]

lckstckn2smknbrls » 04 Aug 2014, 15:57[/url]"]Doesn't sound like a felony.

Certainly not - but as it was contrary to my earlier post I thought it was worth mentioning...

Actually, the really s#!tty part about it is in a later section where the officer is allowed to impound your boat and has no liability for damages - without any requisite to exercise due care or something to that effect. I know most people have electronics on their boats, it would be really easy for an @$$ hole cop to bust up your gear and just laugh it off.

The whole thing really pisses me off - I understand overloading creating an unsafe condition, but there is no limit on HP in a car on the road, or a motorcycle - just a speed limit. If your motor isn't so heavy as to create a flotation safety issue why the hell is the nanny-state coming in to say how much power it can produce??? What does it matter if I'm obeying the speed limit? I can ride a motorcycle with no-helmet on but can't strap a 15hp to a 1236 jon boat?

 

[jethro]

Here in NH it's one of those often unenforced/overlooked laws. It's very similar to overloading your GVWR of your truck, but it is a law. Technically every boat needs to display a HP rating and GVWR plate. Those plates are mandated by the US Coast Guard- a Federal agency. And similar to your vehicle, it almost certainly wouldn't be an issue unless something happens, but let's say it does... Say you are out minding your own business and then some drunk in a 5000lb fiberglass wake boarding boat crashes into you and people get hurt or God forbid, worse... you are going to unfortunately be scrutinized by default, and having a motor over the US Coast Guard GVWR is not ideal in that situation.

So, like a lot of things in life, it's probably not going to be an issue, until it becomes an issue.

 

[jethro]

onthewater102 » 05 Aug 2014, 08:36[/url]"]

lckstckn2smknbrls » 04 Aug 2014, 15:57[/url]"]Doesn't sound like a felony.

but there is no limit on HP in a car on the road, or a motorcycle - just a speed limit. If your motor isn't so heavy as to create a flotation safety issue why the hell is the nanny-state coming in to say how much power it can produce??? What does it matter if I'm obeying the speed limit? I can ride a motorcycle with no-helmet on but can't strap a 15hp to a 1236 jon boat?

Cars do have GWVR just like boats and believe me, they sure have tried to limit hp on cars and bikes. The HP ratings on boats are generated by the structural integrity of the boat. You can put a 300hp on a 17' boat, just has to be the right boat built the right way.

 

[MrSimon]

Overpowering boats comes up a lot.

Its usually illegal, voids warranties, nullifies insurance coverage, and can potentially result in hefty fines or worse.

However, its also usually relatively safe and won't cause anyone any problems.

You have to decide for yourself how much you want the extra power. Are you willing to take the risk?

 

[Kismet]

My experience with DNR officers, and Fish and Game folks is that they are pretty professional and mostly, courteous, unless some "client" is deliberately belligerent.

I've never encountered a malicious LEO, so I think suggesting

" it would be really easy for an @$$ hole cop to bust up your gear and just laugh it off."

is way off base, and an undeserved generality. I think these folks deserve my respect.

But this is my experience only, and heck, I'm only in my 70th year.

:roll:

 

[onthewater102]

jethro » 05 Aug 2014, 09:46[/url]"]... The HP ratings on boats are generated by the structural integrity of the boat...

Absolutely wrong - the coast guard rating system is a function of length and width adjusted for the bottom design of the boat, the height of the transom and/or the steering layout (remote vs. tiller)

You could have a rotted log for a transom by design that wouldn't support an electric trolling motor and so long as the boat was long and wide enough it could be rated for 300hp.

 

[onthewater102]

Kismet » 05 Aug 2014, 09:59[/url]"]My experience with DNR officers, and Fish and Game folks is that they are pretty professional and mostly, courteous, unless some "client" is deliberately belligerent.

I've never encountered a malicious LEO, so I think suggesting

" it would be really easy for an @$$ hole cop to bust up your gear and just laugh it off."

is way off base, and an undeserved generality. I think these folks deserve my respect.

But this is my experience only, and heck, I'm only in my 70th year.

:roll:

I've never been anything but polite to the pricks around here, never gotten a ticket but been been harassed on numerous instances having my boat examined by the same cop two days in a row for a fire extinguisher, pfd's and the contents of my livewell while he ignores the boat load of local yokals who are clearly drunk (and likely his friends.) But my experiences aside, even within both the state and local police they're known as a bunch of self-righteous tards.