The Horsepower ratings on boats were an invention of the insurance industry.
To me they have always been a suggestion not a hard and fast rule.
You need to verify for 175 - 200 hp that your transom and stringers are in great shape and maybe even tie the transom and the stringers with Stainless plates.
The last time I did a HP jump I used 1/4 stainless plating on the inside and outside of the transom as much as the boat design would allow.
The inside plate was joined to the 2 main stringers with stainless brackets.
Why such an undertaking ... I put 200hp on a 16" Carlson. ( If memory serves me well the boat was rated for 135 hp.)
The hull took the beating very well.
Remember when you modify your boat to "GO Fast" you and only you are responsible for the trouble you may cause!
The question I would ask is: How fast do you really want to go.
I'm in the process of rebuilding a stock 260 hp Scimitar to double the horsepower (500+ no DYNO work yet) and I'm 70.
I'M new to this but I have a question. I purchased a 1982 Carlson Glastron 535M 35 yrs ago and it came with a 1982 Mercury 150 black max. The boat says max hp 140. This boat has been kept inside since it was new and still is like new. My question the boat hasn't seen daylight since hurricane Katrina for fear of hitting something with all the debri. I know it will run I have always sprayed oil and rotate'd engine but electrically the insulation is starting to flake off the wire! The question is I always thought if I replaced the engine it would be a 200hp Mercury Optimax or have considered 175 optimax! Anyone ever see this boat with a 175 or 200hp and if used by a 55yr old would it handle it?
