'76 Champion Engine Rating

[76Champ]

Im planning on restoring my 76 from the bottom up in the next few years and am thinking it might be worth it to get a new motor for her when its all done. Ive only found one other boat even close to mine online and it has a 90 horse on it. Mine has a 88 and I'm wondering what the max horsepower i can put on it and be safe? I'm not planning on a big boy just a little more. Also what factors go into determining engine size?

Not sure if anyone knows since the boat is so old but I'm praying that Lea in her infamous wisdom can figure it out!

[pmgoffjr]

'76???
The coast guard formula is length (feet) x width (feet) doubled, minus 90.

17' boat with 6' beam would calculate 114 hp (10% variable is admissable)

[76Champ]

so they rate it by size of boat not by any construction methods?

My boat is 19' something long. I have no clue the beam but i'll figure it out and go from there.

And yes its a 76. Grandpa bought it brand new and passed it down to my father when he passed away and now its pretty much mine.

[pmgoffjr]

A boat manufacturer can choose to rate it lower, but never higher than the coast guard formula, and it stops at 20'. Any twenty footer is only rated by the manufacturer.

[76Champ]

Awesome. Thanks i appreciate it!

[Lea]

I hope you will keep us posted on the progress. That is so neat!! A 1976 Champion!

[76Champ]

I plan on starting the restoration project after the first of next year, and don't worry i'll take lots and lots of pictures.

[Lea]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 76Champ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I plan on starting the restoration project after the first of next year, and don't worry i'll take lots and lots of pictures. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Looking forward!!!!!!

[cart7]

Typical Tri-V's of that era were 17 1/2 foot with a 74-76" beam. Most were rated for 115HP. Most would safely handle a 150.