Tracker Engine Question

I just recently finished the rebuild of my 2002 Tracker 175 tx. I'm extremely happy with the boat, but the speed is a little bit of a drawback. I'm currently running a 2011 Mercury 25hp, but I want to upgrade. What is the highest Hp you would upgrade to? I'm also considering a hydraulic jack plate for the larger engine, and I'm hoping a 90 or 115 would suffice! Any input helps!

Look for the mfr plate that states what the max hp and weight capacity is for your hull. I think it's probably around 70-75hp max which should push it around mid 30's.

TNtroller said:

Look for the mfr plate that states what the max hp and weight capacity is for your hull. I think it's probably around 70-75hp max which should push it around mid 30's.

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Is that something that actually becomes dangerous when exceeded? Or would it still operate fine with a 90hp?

I could be wrong, but I think the 170s max out with a 90hp. Definitely looked into it before your purchase. Even if your hull could potentially handle it, I'm sure the local wildlife agent wouldn't take to kindly to it if you are ever checked.

evidrine said:

I could be wrong, but I think the 170s max out with a 90hp. Definitely looked into it before your purchase. Even if your hull could potentially handle it, I'm sure the local wildlife agent wouldn't take to kindly to it if you are ever checked.

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Yeah, I guess that is one thing to consider..but the ticket might be worth the extra speed! haha

Hopefully there is someone more knowledgeable than myself that can confirm or refute it, but I think I was told by someone that it can potentially damage your transom to go over the factory recommended max. Maybe due to extra weight or force from more powerful engine?

DarynCashmark said:

Hopefully there is someone more knowledgeable than myself that can confirm or refute it, but I think I was told by someone that it can potentially damage your transom to go over the factory recommended max. Maybe due to extra weight or force from more powerful engine?

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Thats definitely a possibility. Im more or less looking for someone who has actually put a higher horsepower on to give me an idea of if it worked and was safe or not. But it would make sense logically that it could be damaging. But without trying it, I guess its just speculation.

I had a 2004 PT175 that had a 75hp max rating, and I don't know the differences between the hull. If the transom is in good shape, the hull could handle the 90, but could end up causing damage to the hull. I had a 60 2s on my PT175 and it would push it low 30's with a fairly light load (solo at 200# and crappie gear)

TNtroller said:

I had a 2004 PT175 that had a 75hp max rating, and I don't know the differences between the hull. If the transom is in good shape, the hull could handle the 90, but could end up causing damage to the hull. I had a 60 2s on my PT175 and it would push it low 30's with a fairly light load (solo at 200# and crappie gear)

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Thats not bad at all. Ill have to check the weight differences between the 90 and 75. I couldn't imagine it would be much different. The revolution hull didn't change much from 02-04 if any, so Ill definitely look into it!

There is a formula to calculate max hp. Numerous factors are involved.
Below are several links for you to review. I'll start with the Federal Government regulations site and end up on a boat builders site that has it in common English.

Below is the Regulation and a link to the reg. Once ont eh fed site scroll down to Subpart D Safe Powering and download the file.
Title 33 NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS PART 183 BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT Subpart D—Safe Powering
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2011-title33-vol2/CFR-2011-title33-vol2-sec183-3

Another site, little easier to navigate.
https://cfr.regstoday.com/33cfr183.aspx

Boat Builders site with the rules explained and how to work the formula.
https://newboatbuilders.com/pages/33CFR_HP.html

Boat Builders main page.
https://newboatbuilders.com/pages/hp.html


Clear as mud? :mrgreen:

Hanr3 said:

There is a formula to calculate max hp. Numerous factors are involved.
Below are several links for you to review. I'll start with the Federal Government regulations site and end up on a boat builders site that has it in common English.

Below is the Regulation and a link to the reg. Once ont eh fed site scroll down to Subpart D Safe Powering and download the file.
Title 33 NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS PART 183 BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT Subpart D—Safe Powering
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2011-title33-vol2/CFR-2011-title33-vol2-sec183-3

Another site, little easier to navigate.
https://cfr.regstoday.com/33cfr183.aspx

Boat Builders site with the rules explained and how to work the formula.
https://newboatbuilders.com/pages/33CFR_HP.html

Boat Builders main page.
https://newboatbuilders.com/pages/hp.html


Clear as mud? :mrgreen:

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Thats actually extremely helpful. Ill check it out and see what I can find!

Check with the manufacturer on the max HP. They can supply a new sticker if you need one.

If the transom is in good condition, and not rotted inside, there is no reason to fear a larger engine will damage it.

Larger engines are a sticky subject in themselves. CHECK LOCAL LAWS. You can get in a real bind in some municipalities. Money and power hungry governments are looking for any reason to regulate and impose fines and fees whenever possible.

A better way to increase speed is to reduce load, raise motor, trim motor, better prop, or setback...much better than a ticket.

Insurance is usually voided or refused if the boat is even slightly overpowered. Sometimes liability is automatically applied to the operator of an overpowered boat in the event of an accident.

Not-so-long ago we would put on the biggest motor that didn't sink the boat and then see what happened. Now-a-days you really got to watch out.