[Fr. Frank]

The smallest motor you should put on a 20' is the 2-stroke 85 hp Yamaha, which produced an honest 94-95 hp.

I think the best motors of the last 10 years for an original 20' SeaCraft that are readily obtainable for under $4k, because of their power to weight ratio, may be:

• the 2-stroke 130 hp V4 Yamaha at 358 lbs, or
• the '98-'04 2-stroke 130 hp V4 Evinrude at 349 lbs, or
• the '00 to '05 Suzuki 2-stroke DT140 I4 at 364 lbs, or
• the '99-'04 Mercury 125 hp Saltwater I4 at 347 lbs, or
• the '02-'08 Tohatsu/Nissan HPDI 120 or 140 hp I4 at 347 lbs.

All are under 370 lbs, all produce at least 125 hp at the prop-shaft, all have good endurance records when meticulously maintained.

If I had a good service-providing dealer for any, I would choose the Yamaha. However, since the best local service in my area is for Mercury and Suzuki, I would choose on that basis. Never buy a motor for which you cannot get excellent local service. You need a good relationship with your outboard service provider.