16 Cruiser Engine Possibility

[ContagiousYJ]

Hey all - I have a 2005 16 Cruiser (love her like crazy) and am considering repowering with a Honda 60.
Here are my thoughts - please tell me if I'm crazy!

- The tag inside my boat states Max engine rating of 55hp
- 97% of my boating is on lakes above 6,000' elevation
- Generally, an engine loses 3% of its rated power for every 1,000 feet of altitude.
- This means I am losing at least 18% of my engines rated power

Based on this information, does this mean that if I were to repower at 60hp, and considering the power loss due to altitude, I would be within the safety rating of the transom?
Technically, I'd be pushing just under 50hp at 6,000'
Weight difference with a 60 is negligible

[thataway]

Should be no issues. You will run a different prop at the elevation of Flaming Gorge than at sea level. Generally 1" prop decrease per 1,000' after 3,000 feet, or 4" for Flaming Gorge..However since you are gong up in HP over the 40 that you may have now, probably half of the pitch would work best--or 2" reduction over what the boat would use as sea level prop.

[ContagiousYJ]

Thank you, Bob - I have searched and read through enough posts in the forum to respect your knowledge and response!
I have not seen the pitch change numbers you listed above and find them to be very helpful!
From the Gorge to Yellowstone Lake, I tend to enjoy the higher elevations and think this approach will serve my little CD-16 well.

[T.R. Bauer]

I have confidence it will be just fine.

[ContagiousYJ]

Thank you - I think this approach will work out well!

[Safetythird]

Will your insurance still cover you if you have an accident while operating with a motor not rated for your vessel?

[T.R. Bauer]

[ContagiousYJ]

Definitely an interesting thing to consider - hadn't even thought of that!