Ranger 520 motor upgrade ?

[Ranger-Jim]

Been running a 225ho etec on my 2002 520vx , well #2 cylinder let go last week so I started looking for a motor . There are a ton of 250's on the market at great prices with everyone upgrading to 4 stroke motors .
My question is how can I go about putting a bigger motor on my boat than it was rated for in 2002 but still be able to get insurance ??
I know the coast guard doesn't really rate boats over 20ft and I header the nmma has changed something in how they rate the boats to make it possible but I cannot find any info on it .

[bassfisher444]

There is no legal rating on boats 20' or greater. You could put a 225 Yamaha SHO on it and flash it to a 300hp.

[C&OcharlieJr]

As someone who sold insurance before selling boats, and sells insurance now, have that conversation with your agent BEFORE you do anything. The last thing you want in a claim situation is for the company you're with to deny anything based on the HP rating. I've seen it in the boating world based off physical damage, where coverage was denied based off H.P. over rating. It is a cut and dry, case closed argument and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. When I was selling boats, that was always the first advice I gave any customer who was wanting to repower with a bigger motor than the boat was initially rated for. Some companies may not care about a boat being over rated HP wise, and others will absolutely care.

Also, don't think of it solely as you're protecting your boat from damage. Think of it if you hurt, or god forbid, kill someone in an accident. If you get sued for $100's of thousands of dollars, and it is denied, that money is coming directly out of your pocket. Is the need to go 4-5 M.P.H. faster worth that potential risk? Only you can answer that question. The FIRST conversation you need to have is with your agent and ask them. I can't stress that point enough. If your agent doesn't know, they have the resources to find out for you. If they say it's ok to do it, get that in writing via email and hold onto it. Always, always CYA.

[Ranger-Jim]

It's not the speed I'm looking for, I hardly run over 45 mph and my 225ho etec is rated 248hp so its not the bigger motor i want either .it's the reliability and longevity I can get .
I cannot find a 225 motor for what I can find a low hour newer pull off motor for . The internet is full of 250hp outboards because that is what almost every 20+ bass boat runs . And they are selling at a very reasonable price .

[Pro's Choice Pete]

It's not the speed I'm looking for, I hardly run over 45 mph and my 225ho etec is rated 248hp so its not the bigger motor i want either .it's the reliability and longevity I can get .
I cannot find a 225 motor for what I can find a low hour newer pull off motor for . The internet is full of 250hp outboards because that is what almost every 20+ bass boat runs . And they are selling at a very reasonable price .

We have new 225's in stock right now, give me a call and I will put a quote together for you. We have a free installation deal going on for any of our in-stock engines (supporting parts are additional of course), even with switching engine brands. You can reach me at 1-877-827-2840

Pete

[1ranger487vs]

I run a 250 pro xs on my 518 for the same reason. Got a 16 250 for 8k 250 hrs. Lot better than 20+k.

[Ranger-Jim]

UPDATE !!
Apparently progressive allows me any motor up to a 500 hp on my boat !!!
I was on the phone with them for a while and I double and tripple stressed that my boat was only rated for a 225 and I wanted to put a 250 on it and I had to be completely 100% positive that I would be covered in a accident , they put me on hold and after talking to others at there office they said I was covered and that only a 25hp difference would not make any difference at all , they said they tried all hp ratings on my boat up to 500 and there system accepted it only above 500 it would not let them cover it .
I ask for some type of proof or written compliance and they said they do not do that but assured me I was covered .
So I guess I'm on the lookout for a 250 now !!!!
And progressive is the insurance to have !!!

[mactlman]

Get the 250!!! Or a 300!!!

[howieranger]

I had a 2002 520 DVX with a 225 Yamaha that got the Prefromance kit from Hydro-Tec that put out right at 305 HP. You will Love the performance.

[John Hagins]

There is a brand new 2024 225 Mercury listed in motors for sale right now for a really good price!

John

[local16]

I repowered my 2002 520VX in May with a new mercury 250 proXS four stroke. It seems this motor was made for the old 520s. Best thing I’ve done.

[mactlman]

https://garzonstudio.com/old/boat/capacity-decal.html


will need this also

[C&OcharlieJr]

UPDATE !!
Apparently progressive allows me any motor up to a 500 hp on my boat !!!
I was on the phone with them for a while and I double and tripple stressed that my boat was only rated for a 225 and I wanted to put a 250 on it and I had to be completely 100% positive that I would be covered in a accident , they put me on hold and after talking to others at there office they said I was covered and that only a 25hp difference would not make any difference at all , they said they tried all hp ratings on my boat up to 500 and there system accepted it only above 500 it would not let them cover it .
I ask for some type of proof or written compliance and they said they do not do that but assured me I was covered .
So I guess I'm on the lookout for a 250 now !!!!
And progressive is the insurance to have !!!

Good for you for making that call!!! I would still want something in writing from them. That's just me. I know progressive doesn't really have agents, but I would see if you could find someone that is affiliated with them to make sure. Again, I'm telling you this so that there is a paper trail on what you were told and you're completely covering your a$$. LOL.

[Ranger-Jim]

Yes I agree , I'm gonna try to get something emailed to me for sure , can never be to safe . Instead companies are always your friend until it comes time to hold up there end of the bargain !

[paulrodbender]

Yes I agree , I'm gonna try to get something emailed to me for sure , can never be to safe . Instead companies are always your friend until it comes time to hold up there end of the bargain !

Ye sir...... And the recorded call of your conversation doesn't exist.

[fishing122]

you can do what you want but one thing to consider is your transom. I had a 2000 520 and absolutely loved it. Had a ficht when i got it and almost immediately swapped it for a new 225 proxs in 2014. The thing ran like a completely different boat and picked up about 5mph. I also had 10ft poles so it was a bit over what the transom was intended to carry along with a bobs plate. After about 2 years I started to notice a bit more flex than would be considered normal. Just my 2 cents but if you intend to keep it and its in great shape its going to run just fine with the 225 and last a lifetime.

[local16]

you can do what you want but one thing to consider is your transom. I had a 2000 520 and absolutely loved it. Had a ficht when i got it and almost immediately swapped it for a new 225 proxs in 2014. The thing ran like a completely different boat and picked up about 5mph. I also had 10ft poles so it was a bit over what the transom was intended to carry along with a bobs plate. After about 2 years I started to notice a bit more flex than would be considered normal. Just my 2 cents but if you intend to keep it and its in great shape its going to run just fine with the 225 and last a lifetime.

My new 250 four stroke weighs 15 lbs. more than the old 225 optimax the boat came with.

[MoBob]

The insurance guys I know, who work insuring the Insurance companies, highly advise against it. No chance I would do that without the insurance company putting it in writing. It’s not worth risking everything you own. The insurance company will do everything they can to get out of paying, if anything serious happens.

[1BADAIR]

most tournaments wont allow it either

[mactlman]

most tournaments wont allow it either

NEVER has any tournament check my sticker for proper hp? if I have the proper insurance it is all good!