found different capacity plate for same boat

[kepplebailey]

I'm lost. I have a 99' fisher freedom 200dlx with a 40hp Force. My capacity plate is rated for 1440lbs and 75hp max. I have looked online at used boats and the fisher 200dlx brochure add. They have either pictures of the capacity plate or claim the boat is rated for 1440lbs and 90hp outboard max. I don't believe I can get a new plate from what I read, but if I ever wanted to upgrade outboards, I would rather have a 90 than 75 if possible. How can one boat have two different plates? http://www.boats.com/listing/gallery.js ... 0721&pic=7 that is the website I found the picture of the plate, and this is the brochure for the boat. http://www.stampersboatbarn.com/freedom200dlx.htm

[BoatCop]

The links you gave didn't state the year of the boat(s). It's common for one year to have different specs from other years.

The difference in HP may be due to slight changes in the material used, construction methods, and other factors. It's also possible that the manufacturer used a more precise method to figure HP.

If Fisher is still in business, I'd call them and see what they say.

One thing to note, is that USCG safe loading standards only apply to mono-hull outboard boats, less than 20' in length. Boat manufacturers will often put capacity plates on their boats (after proper testing) not legally required to have them, primarily for liability reasons.

[kepplebailey]

Sorry,..... I should have mentioned the boat in the picture with the red seats is a 99 also. It is exactly as mine looks. The 2000 year model has different navigational lights up front and the previous years before have cup holders in the front seats, and other slight body style differences. I understand that the coast guard capacity doesn't necessarily apply to pontoons, but insurance more than likely will, so if I could get the plate to change it would be great. My kids are young but growing. We want to keep the boat b/c it is a great boat, we would just need more power to haul the weight as they grow. I'll try to call Fisher and see, it just seems I read a lot about people contacting the companies and getting no responses when it comes to the capacity plates. But, I guess all they can do is not answer.

[dbltrblpapa]

Fisher was bought by Tracker Marine (in the 90's I believe). They stopped producing boats under the Fisher badge after the 2009 model year.

[sunnyside]

Had a very similar experience with a 2013 South Bay 522 CRTT. The placard specified 250 HP max and all the literature (online and brochures) indicated 300 HP max. I contacted South Bay Customer Service and they mailed me a new placard to install showing the 300 HP max power. If I were you I'd contact customer service and see what they had to say. They just may send you a new placard with the higher HP power and you could safely upgrade if desired.

[kepplebailey]

I'll try and call Tracker and see if they are any help. Fingers crossed they can give me info on it. Is there no way to find boat spec for different makes and models like you can for cars?

[GXPWeasel]

I'll try and call Tracker and see if they are any help. Fingers crossed they can give me info on it. Is there no way to find boat spec for different makes and models like you can for cars?

Not that I know of, or have ever heard of. There seem to be a LOT more options and designs that go into the boating indurstry, than go into the automotive industry.