hp

Question
Is there a way to legally reinforce a 10 ft aluminum boat rated at 7.5 hp to run a 9.6 hp motor thanks

Answer
Hi Brian...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to respond to your question.

The answer to your question is NO!

I recommend you read the "CAPACITY PLATE" attached to your boat. By law, each vessel manufacturer must display the recommended maximum safe limit of horsepower for an outboard motor; the recommended max. safe limit of the number of occupants the boat may carry; and the recommended max. load capacity in kgs. or lbs. for the vessel, which includes the combined weight of all persons, fuel and equipment onboard during fair weather operation.

Although you haven't identified the make or model of your 10ft boat (round vs flat bottom), I have tested a 9.9, 10, and 15hp engines on a variety of 10' alum. boats, and trust me, you can go out of control extremely fast. Safely recovering from your actions is not easy, and requires a degree of experienced skill to bring the boat back under proper control, and without falling overboard or injuring yourself.

Transoms on most outboard-designed powerboats can  withstand the stress and strain from an engine that is 10-15% greater than the recommended maximum hp. But, that is not to say the transom won't fail...it can and probably will under certain circumstances, and given sufficient stress and strain.

My recommendation to you is simple. If you desire more speed, buy a boat that is designed accordingly. Don't risk the lives of your passengers and yourself for the sake of experimenting and challenging your desire for speed in a 10' boat. The consequences are definitely not worth it, and you may not get a second chance.

Safe Boating
Ron Blanchet