2008 18explorer max HP 115?

[IowaAngler]

I am wondering why my boat is only rated at 115 max hp. It's the same length as the TR18 @ 18.6. I know the hull is a little different, but is that the only reason? Any thoughts.

[SeaPro Admin]

I'd be interested in the reason too. I suspect it's because of the stepped hull design but it sure would be nice to hang a 150 or 200 on the transom.

[llsdjv]

Probably just marketing. Allows a cheaper package. Look at the 189 trx and 18 trx currently. There the same length width and weight but different hp rating

[berudd]

Probably just marketing. Allows a cheaper package. Look at the 189 trx and 18 trx currently. There the same length width and weight but different hp rating

I'm sure that is part of it. They made a TR-186 that year that was rated for 175. The Explorer was listed as a few hundred pounds less but I could never get a clear answer as to if that was really they hull weight or the boat with rigging. I have doubts they would make to hulls the same size and put less glass in one so the could sell it with a 115. It would be cheaper and simpler to make them all the same and stick a different hull plate on them.

[IowaAngler]

sooo...do you think re-powering up to a 150 would be feasible?

[Bob McKenzie]

I'd check with your insurance and if you fish tournaments chances are you'll be over your max plate rating rule, most tournaments are against this

[IowaAngler]

Thanks for the tip.

I'd check with your insurance and if you fish tournaments chances are you'll be over your max plate rating rule, most tournaments are against this

[berudd]

I'd check with your insurance and if you fish tournaments chances are you'll be over your max plate rating rule, most tournaments are against this

True about the insurance but I don't think many small, local tournaments care one way or the other if you boat is over max hp.

[auam72]

Not sure of years, but Triton did produce an Explorer 18 HP, that was rated for 150 hp. Also had an 18 SE that was rated at 150 hp also, I believe.

[06 SB]

Personally, I would get a 150, and have a new rating decal made. Garzon Studios can make them. That boat was eventually rated for 150 anyways.

[IowaAngler]

I like that idea, my boat would haul a** with a 150 on it.

Personally, I would get a 150, and have a new rating decal made. Garzon Studios can make them. That boat was eventually rated for 150 anyways.

[berudd]

Since I have a 2008 Tr-186 I also have the catalog for that year and in 2008, the 18 Explorer was rated for a max hp of 115. But, you would not be the first to exceed the HP recommendation of a boat. Some insurance companies don't care. But, some locales do and the USCG does, I believe, if you are on navigable waters. Also, as mentioned, some tournaments care. Simply printing out a decal (to replace the metal plate in the boat?) will not be sufficient for these bodies. You're insurance company goes by the hull's VIN which you can't change. Some might even consider it fraud.

[Rhyce]

My mechanic here in Australia is running a 250 pro xs on custom jackplate on a 17 explorer rated to 115. Skis a bit with it propped with a bravo1 or high5 for performance no dramas touching 80.

[auam72]

Not sure of the year, 2009 ?, but Triton did produce an Explorer 18 HP that was rated for 150 hp.

[berudd]

My mechanic here in Australia is running a 250 pro xs on custom jackplate on a 17 explorer rated to 115. Skis a bit with it propped with a bravo1 or high5 for performance no dramas touching 80.

Yeah I'm sure the USCG rating plate has no weight in Australia.

[berudd]

Not sure of the year, 2009 ?, but Triton did produce an Explorer 18 HP that was rated for 150 hp.

Yes they did. Not sure of the yeah. Maybe after they dropped the 186. I know when I was looking 3 or 4 years ago there where still new Explorers on lots with 150s.