Important Factors to Consider before Repowering your Boat's Engine
Posted on: 1 December 2017
Have you noticed that the engine to the only boat you have ever owned is growing tired and are unsure of what you can do to rump up its performance? Do not despair because you are not alone. Most first-time boat owners are usually left wondering what to do the moment their boat's engine starts to slow down in performance. Repowering your boat's engine is the best option you have to provide additional horsepower and performance. However, you need to consider a few things before embarking on repowering the boat's engines. The factors highlighted in this article will help you get the whole process right and consequently save time and money.
Manufacturer's Horsepower Recommendation -- Boats have a maximum and a minimum horsepower recommendation provided by the manufacturer. Therefore, if you want to rump up your engine's performance, just make sure that the repowering is within the boat's minimum and maximum horsepower range. Adding horsepower above the recommended limit will only lead to an increase in fuel consumption as opposed to increased power.
Engine Weight -- The weight of the engine on your boat plays a significant role when it comes to repowering. It is because the more powerful an engine is, the heavier it is. If you place a heavier engine on your boat, then there is the likelihood that it will lower the freeboard thereby causing the vessel to bob up and down even when riding in calm waters. For example, if your boat used to have a single 300 hp Mercury Verado that weighs 635 pounds and you replace it with a twin 150 hp Mercury Four-Stroke 150 each weighing 455 pounds, then you will have added an extra 280 pounds to the recommended weight. Therefore, before you decide on repowering your boat's engine, make sure you know the exact weight/s of the engine/s.
Age of Boat -- The engine works hand in hand with the stern drive as well as the gear for peak performance. Therefore, if you decide to keep the old gearbox and the worn out stern drive, then you will be putting the repowered engine under unnecessary pressure. Additionally, you will be wasting money on the project because you will not get the best out of the engine. Thus, if the boat is old make a point of replacing these parts when you decide on repowering the engine. If yours is a relatively new boat, then a simple upgrade of the ancillary components that assist the motor in running optimally.
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