Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

Anyone out there running a single 115 four stroke on a 20 foot cuddy? Is this enough motor or should I hold out for something bigger?

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

It's all relative. Your top end will probably be about 32 to 35 MPH depending on your load and prop. A 140 will bring you to about 42mph.

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

I have a 115 Merc (Yamaha) 4s on my 16' Whaler. I love that motor. She weights around 2500 pounds with the motor, fuel and 2 skinny guys. With that load and motor, she struggles a little to get on plane, but has amazing mid-range acceleration and a top end over 40.

A SeaCraft 20, would weigh more than that and I would fear that she might be tough to get up unless the prop were tweeked. But I think it could be done successfully.

Having said all that, I would personally consider a Honda 130 or Suzi 140 as a minimum 4 stroke. Trayder had the 140 on his 20, so he could speak to this with experience.

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

I once had a 74 Seafari 20' with a Chrysler 105. I had a cupped 15p bronze prop. Got on plane easily with 4 people, topped out at about 27-28 mph, cruised at 24-25. If you're not in a hurry, a 115 will do you just fine. Not many people are stupid enough to run more than 30 mph all the time in the open ocean anyway.

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

I am not looking for speed but i dont want to be underpowered! I have a 135 merc now that is doing OK. I dont want to struggle to get on plane with a boat full of dogs and dive gear. I usually cruse at 24-26 mph comfortably. I want no smoke and no noise when I'm trolling. Better gas milage would be nice too! Scotty.

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

You can purchase the Johnson 140 4 stroke for about the same price as the Yamaha 115 4 stroke, ~$8000.

Choose your poison.

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

GF who makes the Johnson? Do they or do they just put their badge on it? Any one running one here? Thanks for the info. Scotty

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

Scotty,
Suzuki makes all Johnson 4-strokes.

Re: Is a 115 four stroke enough?
 

Hey Scott thanks, What do they give for a warrenty? Do you get six years? Scotty.