I am looking to buy a Pioneer 197 Sportfish. The boat is rated for a max of 175 HP and 130 to 150 recommended HP. Yamaha does not sell a 175 HP outboard. So my question is, can you get this boat with a 200 HP outboard or are you restricted to 175 or less? Please explain and thanks for the reply.
It’s done all the time, but when I bumped my glitter boat 75hp over max rated I lost my insurance on it.
I like the idea of having extra if needed, using the extra hp to run a big prop and then cruising decent at 1/2 throttle with a heavy load. When I went from 150hp to 225hp I actually gained fuel mileage cruising and speed if I wanted it.
As to the legalities I haven’t a clue, that’s the one thing I know I have never been checked on with a DNR stop.
All that said you have to realize that you are taking the risk of the added weight and stress the larger engine will put on your boat.
< Evil is simply the absence of God >
Suzuki makes a 175. I see a lot of pioneers paired up with those motors. You may be strictly a yamaha man so thats just a suggestion.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
The F150 is a great match for that hull. Are you trying to obtain a particular speed? Consider that a 200hp 4 stroke is very heavy, and will have an effect on the ride/performance of the hull.
Seems to me I read somewhere (Boats and Motors?) on CF that the 150 has a developed HP of 170-better check me on that-but if it’s true you are pretty close where you want to be.
My 150 pushes my 202 Seahunt at over 50mph-that’s all I need.
“Watch what we do,not what we say.” John Mitchell
Sea Hunt Triton 202
Yammy 150
I don’t believe insurance companies and USCG consider the horsepower listed on the data plate to be ‘recommended’ maximum, but rather just maximum … 
Thanks all for replying. Im going to research this some more.
Google USCG max hp…you’ll download a PDF for boat builders…max hp is actually determined by engine weight, not actual hp…
Alao check your pm’s…
This is a regularly debated topic, and despite the fact that capacity plates, themselves, are legally required on monohulls under 20 feet, there seems to be no actual law requiring compliance WITH the plate’s specs (but I’ve seen that factoid debated also, and honestly, I don’t know who’s right, but the things I’ve read online seem to indicate that there is no law for compliance). HOWEVER, even though I’m one of the biggest lovers of fast boats on this site, I have to tell you that I would NOT exceed the max HP on the plate if it were me. If you do, at the very LEAST, make sure that you expressly inform your insurance company IN WRITING, up front, fully, and SPECIFICALLY, that you are “exceeding the max HP listed on the boat’s USCG capacities plate” so that they cannot accuse you, later, of any concealments or misrepresentations. Otherwise, if you just tell them that you have a 200HP engine, the average company may insure the boat (not knowing about the specific plate specs), but in a claim, a judge might let them off the hook because you “concealed” or “failed to disclose” the fact that you violated the specs on the plate. Or, they may pay the claim and cancel you as a result of the situation.
Also, be aware that people have already been sued–and lost–in this state for installing engines in excess of the max HP on the plate. Doing such things almost certainly puts you at greater risk of litigation, and of LOSING in litigation, in the event of an accident involving another party. A good plaintiff’s attorney would be all over that like white on rice. Believe it.
I would not even approach a company like Travelers with a risk like that. There are a few specialty carriers that might be willing to accept them for a high price, but I wouldn’t write such a risk without expressed, written acknowledgment of the plate violation–specifically–from both the insured and the insurance company, because it is a potential E&O problem.
If I were you, I’d either go with the 150 or put a 175 on from a manufactu
Awesome info! I have plans to take a ride on one with a 150 to see how she does. im starting to shy that way anyways. Just doesnt seem worth the hassle. Thanks everyone
I have a friend with an 08 pioneer 197 dual console w/ 175 Suzuki its for sale if yur interested. Also have a friend with a 08 pioneer center console t-top w/ 150 Suzuki and it pushes the boat just fine.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
Thanks, but im leaning more towards the cc