Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

If I were in your situation, I would drop it in the water and use a level and tape to , at least, approximate whether it would drain properly. Rest the level on one point of the stern above the drain, hold level, then measure inside the cockpit and outside to the water. You could do this with or without people in the boat. Sounds primitive, but, most of what I do is.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

you'll wind up going out the transom if you re-route the scuppers. . If I'm around one day I may be able to take a look with you. My boat's a little stern heavy with an i/o.
I'd be a little hesitant to exceed max hp, but that's me. Make sure you check that transom real well for flex before you go torquing up that motor too much.
PM me if you have any questions.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

Mine is a MA but with the 200 Merc #416 it won't self bail at rest with 2 in the back, not much comes in but full fuel and the baitwell has more effect too. Move forward to the console and its fine and runs out or if one person is upfront no problem. The SF may float higher without heavier cap on it not sure. You can't find much power and stay under 400 though

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

Its a boat that I'm thinking about buying and it just happens to have a 225 Evinrude on it. If I were to re-power I'd go with a 115 or 150 I think. The fact that the deck drains go into the bilge bother me. I dont think that was original, and re-piping them may be tough. Should I re-pipe the drain straight down through the hull OR take aft out the transom; I'd rather not go through the transom, how about going out each side?? My thought is to possibly sell the 225 and purchase a 150 or smaller.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

Shoot me a message if you want moral support looking at the boat this weekend.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I may need it OF.

Thanks.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

the fact of the matter is you're buying the boat for the hull, not the motor. i went through this same issue a few ywears ago. my 18 had a mercury 200 on it when i bought it. i ran it for two years (after redoing the scuppers and building a new splashwell), then sold it for a smaller motor when the timer was right. i guess what im saying is if you love the boat, get it and deal w/ the motor stuff later. just my .02

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

What insurance do you guys with the 225's have? I called several company's and tried to get insurace for my 20 with a 225 and they refused. They also were concerned with the age, 1973. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I couldn't get insurance without a survey on my '73. I went with Charter Lakes

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

try progressive-i've had excellent luck with them. Thankfully never had to file a claim!