Lowe 1448m Build

[WV_Musky_Hunter]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site, seems like a good place to ask what I'm needing to know!

I have a Lowe 1448m. It's around an 06 model I believe, but pretty much brand new! It has probably been on water +-10 times! Here's what I'm wanting to do!

I want to make it like a G3. Take out middle seat, add center console, then build a front deck from console to the front of boat. Add a 25 jet with trim. Wanting to use all aluminum framing and flooring! Maybe spray it with bed liner!

The boat is only rated for a 25 hp. Will a 25 jet be enough to push a 1448 with the added weight I'm wanting to add? Anything else I need to consider? Thanks!

Also, if anyone has built a jon with console and has pics that would help would be awesome!

Thanks everyone!!

 

[bassin]

i think you will want bigger then a 25hp. i have a 16/48 with a 40/30 yamaha jet and can get around 30-32 mph with just myself. my 16/48 is rated for 35hp. once you add the deck, steering console weight and gear i doubt you would be happy with 25hp. i would be more happy with a 60/40 jet on my 16/48 set up but the 40/30 jet gets the job done.

 

[WV_Musky_Hunter]

Would the 40/30 Yamaha be more the route I should go? How would that work since my hull is only rated for 25 max? Could I get a fine for having a bigger motor?

 

[bassin]

i was always told hp rating is based on flotation and flotation is only there so if your boat sinks you can retrieve it? as far as fines i have no idea. where i am we dont have to worry about fines for being over the hp rating limits of our boats. lots of people here way over power their boats. a friend has a 150 on a 16/52 rated for 35hp and i have seen 300hp on a 17/52 several times. never heard of anyone around here being checked? you would just have to check your local laws? i dont want to give you any bad advise.

 

[bassin]

i think you would be pretty happy with a 40/30 jet on a 14/48 if you decide that is what you want to do. Is the outboard you are looking at a 25/20 jet or a 40/25 jet? i know tohatsu has a 40/25 jet and it has 25hp stickers on it. i think all new jets ratings are at the pump and not the head/crankshaft hp rating.

 

[onthewater102]

Ratings are a function of the length of the boat, width of the transom, height of the transom, bottom design (flat, chine etc.) and steering position (tiller vs. remote)

That boat will be rated lower than a boat produced by the manufacturer of exactly the same dimensions having a counsel steering setup rather than a bench/tiller.

Can't help you on what the official rating is for a jet motor setup as it relates to the hull ratings - never looked into one myself. You'll probably have to register the boat as home-made in order to change the plate on it if you're trying to keep everything legal, but if you don't live in the Socialist Republic of Connectistan so you might have an easier time with all that...