Either would be plenty of power for what you want to do. Don't know if the merc would be lighter, but there is a great E-TEC forum that's similar in quality to this CSC forum and supported by some very good factory trained techs that would be a big factor in my decision!

Totally agree with Bushwacker on the 20 . . . Those large heavy motors (3.0L+ 250hp) will destroy a stock 20 seacraft in short order unless it's been beefed up and overbuilt. IMO the 20 seacraft shines at 18 - 22mph in rough water and a 27 - 30 cruise in calm water / light chop. With a light motor and good weight distribution the hull will dance and surf. With a heavy 500+lb beast the hull will drag azz around doing wheelies and never ride right. You might be able to hit 55+ WOT but it won't hold together very long . . . Just my opinion.

I had to stuff the bow more than a few times at high speed to figure this out.

Had friend with a 250 Johnson on a 20 that boat was over powered, fast squirrely and stern heavy. Got rid of it and went to a black max. Still fast, probably faster but not as heavy or squirrelly. I have a 150 etec on my 20. Still trying to get her dialed in but went from a rebel prop to a viper and changed the performance dramatically. No longer porpoises and is much quicker. Still think it is a lot of motor for the boat

I am taking the heavy 3.0 225 mercury off of my 20 and going to a lighter slightly hoped up 2.5 block. It will get me under 400 lbs and about the same hp but I will loose a little toque. But I couldn't use that any how. 20's don't need that much power to preform, I just like going fast and with the weight forward on my sceptre I can get by with it but on a cc hull it don't need the weight

ended up with a 2010 175 etec will post photos tomorrow, shes mounted up now the rigging begins!

I moved this thread to the Performance section.

DonV

yer probably gonna want a big four-blade stern-lifting prop, but that sucker is gonna fly...:cool:

Ditto on the 4B prop needed. Think stern-lift. You'll need to get REAL familiar with working the trim tabs, too. But with those things addressed, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful boat you've put together.

Im MORE than excited! i just returned from the first time getting her in the water, You all are very correct she sits low and ill definitely be needing something for my transom, I got her (according to my iphone gps) to 65 at 4800 rpm, It handled as expexted but this has been a two year process and more then happy with how she came out :) thank you to everyone especially bushwacker ( for the emails) for all of the advice

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/l...psceg4qul4.jpg