Originally Posted By: cobble cruiser
Originally Posted By: ondarvr
The USCG actually has no rule about it, it's a suggested HP rating, there is no requirement to follow it and the USCG has no authority to enforce it.

Any enforcement is done by the local authorities, and only if they have it as a law on the books. Many locations/regions have nothing to say about it.



This is directly from the Coast Guard, with the link below it.

They do not and cannot enforce over powering a boat, they can do something about a boat being operated in an unsafe manner though.

MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER – The maximum horsepower
information listed on the capacity label is a guide for
selecting an engine for a boat. It’s not a violation of Federal
Regulation to install or use a larger engine. Boaters should
check state regulations for restrictions. They should also
take a look at their insurance policy regarding horsepower.

http://www.uscg.mil/d1/prevention/Na...ing_Safety.PDF


Super interesting as we have been given a mathematical equation to follow in order to stay under max HP guidelines. I know Glen has been very strict about it (believe me ive tried to make exceptions wink ) . In fact, we recently had a USCG officer tell us a particular HP size was a no no on our standard Alaskan models. I can note that equation when i return to the office on Monday. As far as i understand, there are exceptions for government or commercial operators but the hull would have to be designated as such and labeled properly. This just what i have understood for the last 7 years anyway.


Yes, the CG has a formula to calculate the recommended HP for boats under 20', it's a quick Google search away. They like to imply it's a rule or law, but it really only establishes a guideline for the builder, after that it's up to the boat owner.

That's the reason I cut and pasted the statement on it from the CG themselves. People frequently don't believe it until they actually investigate it. Next comes the insurance issue, but people never check that either, they just assume it isn't allowed.