1988 18 foot BR Seville. Max HP???????

[nachoaverage]

I just bought a Sea Ray 1988 Seville Bow Rider. After 30 Minutes the engine started missing and a week later I'm told the whole thing needs a powerhead rebuild. $4,400. Ouch. I'm thinking about finding a different engine. I can't find a Max Horse Power rating on the plate by the controls or anywhere? Does anyone know what the max is?:smt013

 

[Sundancer]

Here's a good place to start:

http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10532/Model-Archives.aspx

Looks like 135 hp would be about it.

 

[terminaldegree]

Our '85 had a 140 horsepower 3.0 4 cylinder and got around fine. I don't think 6 cylinder engines were an option for that model, and don't know if the added weight or fuel usage would cause problems in normal use. A larger motor may also require a different gear ratio and propeller.

I'm not a mechanic, but the 3.0 4 cylinder motor has been produced seemingly forever; finding a used one to swap in should be relatively easy.

 

[nachoaverage]

Thanks. It's not an inboard. I have the original spec sheet it came with a Merc Outboard Black Max V6 135. I think the same block in used up to the 150 and was wondering if I could go that high or higher. :smt024

Our '85 had a 140 horsepower 3.0 4 cylinder and got around fine. I don't think 6 cylinder engines were an option for that model, and don't know if the added weight or fuel usage would cause problems in normal use. A larger motor may also require a different gear ratio and propeller.

I'm not a mechanic, but the 3.0 4 cylinder motor has been produced seemingly forever; finding a used one to swap in should be relatively easy.

 

[terminaldegree]

Oops-- I should have seen the word "powerhead" and caught that! Sorry, I don't know much about outboards.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

I grew up with a 1990 180 with a 135 black mac with a laser 2 prop. I remember it was rated as at a max 150 hp. I got ours up to mid 50's with myself and a half tank of gas. I loved that boat. Good luck finding a new motor. It would be nice to move up to a 4 stroke.

 

[nachoaverage]

I grew up with a 1990 180 with a 135 black mac with a laser 2 prop. I remember it was rated as at a max 150 hp. I got ours up to mid 50's with myself and a half tank of gas. I loved that boat. Good luck finding a new motor. It would be nice to move up to a 4 stroke.

Thanks -I may go up to a 150. The kind people at Sea Ray said it rated for a 135? Are there any dangers in going to 150?
:huh: New to boating so I'd love some advice?

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Someone with more knowledge is going to need to chime in to help with that one. If I had to guess I would say the ratings are partially based on the weight of the motor and the strength of the transom to handle such a motor. You could always call Sea Ray and ask. Is your transom in good condition? Do you have any rot below in the bilge?

 

[nachoaverage]

Someone with more knowledge is going to need to chime in to help with that one. If I had to guess I would say the ratings are partially based on the weight of the motor and the strength of the transom to handle such a motor. You could always call Sea Ray and ask. Is your transom in good condition? Do you have any rot below in the bilge?

No rot very solid. It's in great shape. Say Ray sticks to 135HP.

 

[OldSkool]

No rot very solid. It's in great shape. Say Ray sticks to 135HP.

If you called me on a machine issue I would give you the original equipment answer too. Now if you buy it and put it on the libility lies with you. The upgrade may be quite fine but I'm not going to tell you it is.

 

[nachoaverage]

If you called me on a machine issue I would give you the original equipment answer too. Now if you buy it and put it on the libility lies with you. The upgrade may be quite fine but I'm not going to tell you it is.

I agree and would not expect otherwise. When I called I was wondering if the original 135 was the max or just choice in a range that was offered at the time. In these days when everybody wants to sue someone because they don't want to take responsibility for their own dumb choices, I would give the same answer. So if 135 was the max, i'd hope they'd say that, as they did.

Given that, what I'm trying to learn is wether it is a bad decision to put a 140 or 150 hp on that boat. Being somewhat new to this I just don't know what could happen if one marginally overpowers a boat. I'm not looking at throwing a 200hp on there or anything. And I do want to keep my family safe!!!
I'm not in any way trying to slag the fine people at Sea Ray. I appreciate the prompt and clear answer I got from them on a question regarding a 22 year old boat. Sorry if my comments implied otherwise.
regards
Tim