Looking to upgrade 40hp to 70-115hp

[Smallie Seeker]

Recently bought a 2011 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 with a 40hp EFI 4 stroke. At time of purchase the boat had only been on the water 14 times, and less than 30 hrs on the motor. It was originally won in a BPS contest by a guy who doesn’t fish. He sold it to his buddy, the guy I got it from who barely fished with it. So no one ever paid full retail price and I got a deal too good to pass up on, despite having a 40hp. 
So now I’m looking to sell/trade up to a bigger motor and while reading up on the subject, I’m hearing that although the boat is listed from the manufacturer as 75hp max, you can get coast guard approval for up to 120hp based on the hull length/width. Does anyone know if this is true? Since the Merc 75-115 is the same weight/block just different restrictor plate and ECU, would it be worth it to go bigger than 75hp? And lastly, which boat shop would be best to contact regarding the upgrade? I stay in St Charles county but am in Branson almost monthly. Any help or advice is appreciated! 

[Dutch]

Maybe Wrench on here or Kelly at Ulrich Marine in Branson West or Pat at Tri Lakes Marine in Spokane.  You might also sell it and buy a loose motor from Bass Pro.

[MrGiggles]

I wouldn't go any larger than the data plate, and I doubt you would find any shop that would install a motor larger than recommended.

Tohatsu has a new 60hp triple that is pretty attractive at only 215lbs. The Mercs are over 120lbs heavier. 60-75hp is just fine for that size boat. 

[Smallie Seeker]

1 hour ago, MrGiggles said:

I wouldn't go any larger than the data plate, and I doubt you would find any shop that would install a motor larger than recommended.

Tohatsu has a new 60hp triple that is pretty attractive at only 215lbs. The Mercs are over 120lbs heavier. 60-75hp is just fine for that size boat. 

The only way I would have a motor bigger than a 75hp installed is if it was okayed by the coast guard first. 

[fishinwrench]

5 hours ago, Smallie Seeker said:

I’m hearing that although the boat is listed from the manufacturer as 75hp max, you can get coast guard approval for up to 120hp based on the hull length/width. Does anyone know if this is true?

Not true. 

I know this......If (god forbid) you are involved in a boating accident, and your boat is overpowered......you are automatically responsible for the accident.   Regardless of who is ACTUALLY at fault.   

Insurance companies know this, and will still sell you insurance on the vessel and accept those premiums....but will immediately deny any claims. 

[Smallie Seeker]

32 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

Not true. 

I know this......If (god forbid) you are involved in a boating accident, and your boat is overpowered......you are automatically responsible for the accident.   Regardless of who is ACTUALLY at fault.   

Insurance companies know this, and will still sell you insurance on the vessel and accept those premiums....but will immediately deny any claims. 

Just the info I was looking to hear. Thanks Wrench.
It looks like some model years the PT 175 was rated up to 90hp, but they changed it to 75hp in 2011. I guess the speculation is the that the change was to possibly force more sales of the PT 190 if you wanted a bigger motor, since the hull wasn’t changed on the 175.
So it looks like I’m in the market for a 75hp. Thanks fellas. 

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I had a 175TXW whch is basically the  same boat. Started with a 60hp 4 stroke. Then i got a 75 optimax and it ran really good. Had the opti Flashed to a 115, Put a Jack Plate on it and spent way to much money chasing speed.  IT was fun and fast. IF you are going to upgrade just go with the 75 to keep it legal. The 75 is plenty on that boat and will get you running in the 40's. 

[Smallie Seeker]

15 minutes ago, aarchdale@coresleep.com said:

I had a 175TXW whch is basically the  same boat. Started with a 60hp 4 stroke. Then i got a 75 optimax and it ran really good. Had the opti Flashed to a 115, Put a Jack Plate on it and spent way to much money chasing speed.  IT was fun and fast. IF you are going to upgrade just go with the 75 to keep it legal. The 75 is plenty on that boat and will get you running in the 40's. 

My main concern isn’t top speed, just getting on plane better. Would feel safer with more power when things get choppy. The 40 is a dog getting out of the hole when loaded down. 
I gotta ask, what did you top out at with the 115?

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Best i got was 52, but before i flashed it with the 75 it was low to mid 40's.  I didnt really mess with the motor height or props when it was the 75 because i knew i was getting it flashed and didnt want to spend more on props.. It gets real expensive chasing every last mph. I had a 6 inch plate on mine and with the 75 hanging off the back it really made the nose of the boat high. Kinda like fishing up hill.  Those boats are already a little nose high to begin with.   Ive been in someone else's that has a 75 4 stroke mounted straight to the boat like it came and its a perfect set up, pops up on plane quick an will run low  40's no problem.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Forgive the hijack,  but how would you go about finding the original hp rating data of a hull.  I have an old Landau 14 foot, and I think 60' on bottom.   Can't remember, but it's wide.  The plate was sun bleached and painted over when I got it.  It has an old Merc 9.8, but it isn't much.  Never reached over 10 mph.