How to Determine a Boat's Outboard Motor Horsepower
- 1). Read the metallic tag on the center or right side of the motor's swivel bracket to determine the horsepower rating, if the boat is already equipped with an outboard motor,
- 2). Go to the stern of the boat for which you wish to determine the maximum allowable horsepower rating, if it is not already equipped with a motor. Locate the label on the starboard, or right, side of the boat's stern.
- 3). Read the label, placed by the manufacturer and required by federal law for all single hull boats of "less than 20 feet in length except sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats." The label, a "U.S. Coast Guard Notice," shows the maximum capacity of the boat, in terms of people, cargo and horsepower. The label is permanently affixed to the boat.