225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I'm looking at a 20SF, 1974, it has a 1998 225 Evinrude, I'm concerned about the amount of weight and the cockpit not self bailing as it should.
Any opinions?

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I have a 1998 225 EFI Merc hanging on 1973 20' and have no problems with it self bailing. Even with me standing back there only a very small amout fills in. Hope this helps.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I also had that question.

I will be looking for an engine (hopefully soon) and that could expand the search.

How much weight would be "safe" to go back there?

I do have the original fiberglass splash well that will go on and that could stop some of the water that could come in.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

There are some concerns though as mine has the original 20" transom so if you get a good wind and tide you have to think about water coming over the transom in a storm. That being said that has been the case with many 20" transom models even with lighter engines. Im enjoying sunny FL right now but will be home on sat and give you the exact weight of my merc, I'm guessing 480ish? As well the EFI models are a touch heavier.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

Almost forgot, I have had a difficult time getting insurance with that power as the boat is rated for 200hp from what I'm told. And mine being a 1973 has no USCG plate. The benefit is I have won a few races he he.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

drop it in the water and check it out. I think I know the boat you're looking at and it's on a trailer.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I have a 1995 225 Ocean Pro Johnson on my 1971 20 SF. It is a little ass heavy. I have to keep the plugs in the deck and watch a little with a following sea. The boat has been in Ft. Lauderdale and it has done a lot of off shore fishing and been great. Now i brought it up to Vermont and it spends the summer in Lake Boomaseen. It's a screamer w/225. mid 50's easy. If I repowered I would probably step down to a 175 or 200 to save some weight. I would not be afraid of a 225

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I also have a 20" transom w/ a 225. I don't have a problem. I have added an additional auto bilge pump because I have to keep the plugs in the deck. It doesn't self bale with that much weight in the stern. I also watch it when we have a heavy rain. I don't trust those bilge pumps.

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

I Think that for the added HP the risk are not worth the reward. Unless your running on a lake

Re: 225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)
 

Oldfielder, this is probably the boat your thinking about. She shows her age but has potential. The problem is that the cockpit deck drains empty into the bilge which I hate and would change, so by putting her in the water now would not tell me if she would self bail once I re-piped the cockpit drains down through the hull.

Any ideas??

John

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!