What motor are you running (20' w/bracket)???
 

Wondering what motors (4 stroke) people are running on your 20' with brackets. I'm trying to decide how much HP and weight to add to the boat if I add an Armstrong bracket.

Lightest one possible, 20 with a bracket and four-stroke will have balance issues. I run a 395lb 2.5 merc 200 two stroke on a sceptre 20 which will handle the bracket a little better than a cc and it is really still too stern heavy. I have 2 large batteries forward, two anchors, chain and other stuff to make it balance better. It rides better now but my bracket is short at 24" most Armstrong's are 30" setback which will make it worse. I had a heaver 3.0 liter on it at one time and it would porpoise and chine walk with out weight in the nose.

Suzuki DF140.

Shift weight forward where possible. And make sure motor is at the correct height.

Im' just finishing a 20SF restoration with a 25" setback bracket. I was planning on a 150 ETEC G2 until the unfortunate news about Evinrude. now I'm planning on hanging the new fly by wire suzuki 140 some time this winter. I also moved my tank forward almost a foot, and my console/LP forward 4 inches.

I'm in the same boat, literally. I have 74 20' and plan on a 140 hp. I'm just a little nervous with Suzuki. I had a pair of 300's on my other boat and they were just OK. The 140 has the right weight/hp.

Not a CC but a 20 never the less. This boat self bails with the original deck and flotation bracket. Not a speed demon as it tops out around 40 but I usually cruise around 28 normally.

strick

Thanks for alll the responses......

So I originally was going to do a Zuke 140 for the light weight but 40mph on a good day with a light load seems to be the max everyone is getting. I'm no speed demon by any means but I would like just a bit more out of my boat....I will be mounting a t-top which is of course more weight and drag. I'm just scared the 140 wont cut it....but the next jump up is almost 100lbs which is concerning. I do plan on a forward fuel tank, console forward a few more inches, batteries in the console and the recommended oversized Armstrong that Wildfire use..... it's just a lot of money and I want it to be right! I'd love to ride on a 140hp bracketed 20!

Are you leaving the interior layout the same? Fish box, dry storage in the bow, etc.

Yes....both hatches will be dry storage. Anchor will go up forward with a door. On the 71 the fuel tank was above deck under the seat on the console. A bigger tank will go below deck and as far forward as possible and under the front seat will also be storage after adding a bulkhead.

That is a sharp ride!!!!!

Is Mike at Wildfire doing your boat right now? I have talked with him about redoing my 1974 20' and really like his hands on style. He told me that because i was raising the floor a couple of inches that I could take a foot or so out of the forward storage deck giving me more room to move console / LP forward to achieve proper CG. I wasn't aware that he used Armstrong bracket though, I really kind of wanted a fiberglass bracket.... Also, I was going to go with the lightest F150 i could find but like you, would rather have more power than i need than not have enough. Let us know what you end up going with and if Mike is working on your boat. I'm looking for ideas...

Not mine.....I'm doing the boat myself.....but Mike has been instrumental in pointing me in the right direction in so many areas. I did order my Armstrong through him a few weeks ago. He has them modify them wider and deeper for a better ride and floatation....they do this at no upcharge too. They aren't cheap but are the best after all the research I have done. I saw 3 20's sitting there waiting their turn for Mike to do his magic!!! I live just down the road from Wildfire so its convenient to stop in for questions!!!!

2019 pro xs 150 with a 26" Mattson bracket...

Little heavy but underrated while the Suzuki is overrated...

Great motor. What numbers are you seeing with it......cruise and top speed out of curiosity?

Tops out at 44 likes to cruise around 35....
tempest plus 14.5x17
boat was original with a 135 tower of power when purchased. When I did the transom went with an optimax still running the original gauges and only recently had to replace the binnacle when I busted a tab off it putting new cables on.....try running 40 year old gauges and controls on those other brand motors!!!!!

Nice!!!!!!! I'm seriously contemplating the new 200 merc