Repower for my 20ft CC SF
 

Looking to avoid any buyers remorse as I am about to pull the trigger on a new 115 hp E-Tec for my 74 20 ft. CC SF. Dealer incentive is pretty good with 5 year warranty, SS prop and rigging thru 3/31. I also like the weight to power ratio.
I have had a good experience with a 90 E-tec on my Seaway for the past 5 years but just want to get a final read from any of the willing CSC membership as to the pro's and con's of their E-Tec experience.

Any input/ comment is most appreciated.

Thanks!

Fishing from the Piscataqua to Buzzards Bay, I have similar power that is heavier (100 hp four stroke Yamaha) on a 20 footer and I am happy with it. I think that a light 115 hp outboard would be great. I don't own an E-Tec, but the 50hp we used in the chase boat at work was reliable.

I cannot comment on the e-tec but here's what i can tell you.

I restored mine spring of 2012. Found a deal on a new in crate 2005 yamaha 115 2 stroke carb'd motor. Didn't really want to buy it (thought it was underpowered) but couldnt turn the deal down. Quite simply it is a very good match for my boat.

Mine will cruise all day long 27 mph at 4200 RPM. WOT i can touch 35 mph on flat water, trimmed out with a light load. At cruise mine sips fuel. I cut the tank down to 55 gallon and i dont even know what my range is, but it's alot.

That 115 etec is more ballsy than mine. If your boat is light i would not be at all surprised if you can get into the upper 30's with a light load. At 25 mph with my engine trimmed all the way down, i can skip across a typical 2 foot Chesapeake Bay chop and ride by other similarly sized boats that are taking a beating.

Just something to consider I was quoted a price for a 115 and 150 etec and the price difference was $1200. It's a great deal for sure with five year warranty and free gauges, controls. I am leaning towards keeping my thirsty 1988 blackmax that has not let me down yet.

do you have a top?

repower
 

Do have a T-top!!

I do not have a top on my boat.

My focus for the 20 was a very simple fly fishing and light tackle platform. Since i am a terrible fly caster, the top just gets in the way on such a small boat.

That's why, when mentioning my performance, i always note how light my rig is. I don't know if a 115 would perform as well on a boat carrying some water, and with a top. However, there are others on the forum with similar thoughts carrying much heavier loads that i do.

Certainly the hull will handle a 150 or bigger, mine does pretty well with the small, light 115.

-Mike

remember that these boats came with smaller motors and definetly with less power per rating than what your considering. If i was having to repower i would probably go with the E-tech also, and im running a 200XRI mercury now. love my motor 395lbs and big balls!!!!! only down side is shes old and likes fuel! but still runs great.

Thats a pretty strong 115 by what all of us are used to, I had a 115 merc on my 18 and it was fine, that will be stronger. When you jump to V6 the weight changes alot, either the 115 or the 130 which are 4 cyl, not sure on any price dofference but the 130 seems a very good match, can't be much difference.

Wish. Could help. But I never saw the gaps when I took mine for a power trial before I bought it. After I bought it I started taking it apart. Mine is also a 20 with a 19990 merc 115. Wehad40 gal inboard and two men, if I were to guess we topped out at 33 or 34. Just a guess. Can't wait to get it back together and test it out. I'd guess a115 will be just fine. For me a 130 would be perfect. But I'll run the 115 into the ground first.