20' max motor weight
 

Can anybody tell me what the max motor weight is for a 20'er? I'm considering a F150 which weighs almost 500lbs. Currently running a F115 and its a little lacking on top end.

That's a lot of weight. Guys do it but these were designed for 300 lbs motors. Experiment with props before ruining the ride of her. If you do go with the 150 move everything as far fwd as possible, tank, batteries oil, console, everything and get trim tabs, that is a must

Getting an optimal prop would be a much better idea. Even the F115 is heavy for these boats.

Trying 2 or 3 props is also far cheaper than a repower.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm really leaning toward keeping the 115 and adding trim tabs for a slower plane.

I put a 2001 200 merc on this summer it weight 416 pounds on the tag, mny scupper are still just out of the water at rest and when I stand in the back the water only gets the gutters in the deck wet sd fif the 93 150 evinrude I took off

Thats what I have too and about the limit

Thanks for all the input. The boat is new to me as of a couple weeks ago and I'm used to going a little faster but I could definitely get used to the quiet motor and good fuel efficiency of the F115. I think I'll give it a fair shot before considering a replacement.

I have a 1998 Merc 225 EFI weighing in at 475lbs on my 20 SF and it still self bails. The transom has seen its day after 40 years but i leave the plugs out at all times

I have an 18' powered with a 150 Salt Water Series Merc 2001,' the scuppers sit below the waterline.

maybe move the batteries under the console or something, all V6's weigh about the same but I have 2 under the console as far as possible and it bails at rest until some 200+ person going to the back - depending fuel and baitwell load

my '94 200 weighs in at 415 - seems the 98 225 weighs a bit more

it seems the Yamaha's are the weight pigs of all brands?

I was very happy w an etec 150

Look at a Honda 115 or 135 if you want to see the heavyweight. Right at Yamaha 200 weight.

20' max motor weight
 

My first post! Re power for a new to me 1973 Seafari. After reading what
others have done and not wanting to overload my boat I am thinking about
the new 2014 90hp e tec pontoon model to get the gear reduction to
turn a larger prop (maybe four blade).. My fishing is mostly trolling at
2 1/2 mph most of the day and hopefully being able to plane at something
above 20knots going in and out. Only have the 30 gal tank and may wish
to try a few overnights............

That should work on a 20 footer. Rumor has it 70 is the minimum. I have 100 hp and like it.

20' max motor weight
 

Also in my thoughts was the 2014 yamaha four stoke 70hp at 256lbs....

Primetime, welcome aboard. The etec 90 will be more satisfying. 335 lbs on a Seafari is the best weight to power ratio your going to find and youll wonder if yiur fuel gauge is even working. I think maybe Bilgerat had an old 70 on his Seafari, but I think the 90 will prove a better choice as that 20-25 extra ponies will prove significant in that range.

I have a 367 lb F100 Yamaha. Jetted for non ethanol gas, but otherwise great. I think top speed with a F70 might be underwhelming. Or even a 2 stroke 70, if it exists.

PrimeTimeBob, I have a stripped down Bowrider with the 90 HP, 20" (2 to 1 gear) E-tec Triple. I have the boat down to maybe 1400#'s because I almost always have a load of 'Stuff" in it, plus 3 people that pushes me back up to almost 3000#'s when I'm the water. I have recently settled on at Power Tech 13" X 14" wheel and the following occurs - planes at 3000 RPM, makes 18.9 knots at 3400 RPM, Spools up to 5300 making 29.8 knots. It is unbelievable on fuel at 1500 RPM or less. I ran idling between 1000-2000 in two Christmas Boat Parades last year and logged 46 miles on the plotter. I topped the tank off with 5-1/2 gallons. If you "mash" on my name it should take you to my home page where it has a "Dredge Marshtackie" Album. (It's the only boat on this site with rust streaks running down the hull) BTW - the 25" E-tec 90 triple has the larger and lower ratio gear-case on it that is the same as the 150 - I believe. I hope this adds to you assessment of all data.

Very useful information....thxs...bob