20' seacraft performance???
 

Im rebuilding a 20' seacraft and will be putting a bracket and thinking a zuke 175. Wonder if anyone has an idea of what kind of performance I could expect to see with this setup.

I think old school consensus is that zuke 175 is kind of heavy, nearly 200 lbs heavier than the 300 lbs motors the 20 was designed for. Read Bushwacker's sticky about his experience with a 430 lb etec on a Seafari 20 w/Hermco flotation bracket.

My 20 has a 300 lb 115hp motor and performs quite well. In our SoCal swells, 20 knots makes you airborne most of the year so no real need for a 50mph.

Properly rigged you should see close to 50 mph wound up. Having so many power options, I would recommend against that much weight, but someone else will insist you ll be fine. Good luck on your resto and keep us posted on your progress.

Sawzalled SeaFari Open Fish @ +/- 2,000# w/ Bracket , light load, perfect prop
Zuke 115 = 41 MPH
Zuke 140 = 46 MPH
Zuke 175 = 51 MPH
(might need tabs to stop it from "galloping")

Yea got a quote from my local etec dealer and was shocked at the price. Im not a speed demon and have also been looking at the merc 150. its roughly 20lb heavier than the etec. the zuke is a bit heavier but they have one heck of a deal on those motors. Bushwhacker has given me great advice and recommends the etec. I am wanting to get a 4stroke so the merc may be the best option with its low weight.

not to mention the merc is a good bit cheaper than its competitors.

etec 431lb
4S merc 455lb
zuke 485lb

83 20sf with new Suzuki 175
 

I just repowered mine with a zuk 175. I have had to play with understanding how to properly trim the boat, as I am used to being able to trim my other boat up like a bass boat. I only have 6 hours on the engine, so WOT has only been a coupe quick burst as suggested by the mfr. Said all that to say this, is is performing well. 45 mph WOT, but I had 4 in the boat. Real smooth rides. I do have 3 batteries under the console, with 2 heavy trolling motor batts towards the front of the console. I do have trim tabs, but I'm still learning how to use them. It cruises at 35mph at around 4000 rpm. I am very happy.

If you can get a good deal on Zuke's and local dealer is reputable, I'd pick the 140 over the 175, as it's quite a bit lighter, about same as the V-6 E-TEC. The 20' hull is fairly weight sensitive, and much more so when you stick the motor way back on a bracket. Plus I doubt you'll be able to use all 175 hp due to porpoising and chine walk!

What 115 HP motor do you have that weighs 300 LB. My 1997 Yamaha 115 HP C115 weighs 330 LB .

Gillie has an I-6 Merc "Tower of Power"; I've heard that the early ones were as light as 260 lbs! My 1975 Evinrude 115 V-4 weighed 300 lbs also. The 1960's vintage motors that Moesly designed the 20' hull for were MUCH lighter than anything available today, so it's VERY important to consider that when you start looking at a new motor!

most of the 23's were rigged with twin inline 6 mercs (which have a combined weigh of equal or less than one new v6 four stroke 250)

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...album07/P2.jpg