Re: 20' HP ratings
My 1972 20' Seafari OB model has a small metallic OEM decal under the helm that gives the serial# and maximum capacities. It says "Max HP: 240"
I run an older 150 Merc V6, and can reach 50 mph in the right conditions. It originally came with a '73 Chrysler 120 hp, and planed easily with that motor, with a top speed of 25 mph.
On the other hand, I had a customer back in 1984 who bought a new 20' SeaCraft CC hull, and requested from the factory a new sticker raising her max OB HP rating from 175 to 250, and the Seacraft factory did, in fact, send her the revised decal. We then installed one of the big-block 3.4L V6 Mercury 250 HP outboards on her boat with a hydraulic jack-plate. We got a top speed of 62 mph.
We also sold a used 23' SeaCraft SeaVette OB model placarded for 600 hp Max, and rigged with twin 225 Mercs that same year. Top speed on that one was 73 mph, but measured only by AirGuide speedo using a paddle-wheel pick-up.
How much power do you need? The fish aren't that fast [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
__________________
Common Sense is learning from your mistakes. Wisdom is learning from the other guy's mistakes.
Fr. Frank says:
Jesus liked fishing, too. He even walked on water to get to the boat!
Currently without a SeaCraft 
(2) Pompano 12' fishing kayaks
'73 Cobia 18' prototype "Casting Skiff", 70hp Mercury
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