Quote:
Originally Posted by coltblue69
Guys, I need some opinions.
I currently have a 1986 150 Yamaha that just bit the dust and need to re-power. Have a great deal on a 2016 Yam 115 4 stroke but need to know if that will be enough power. I keep it mostly to bay fishing and occasionally in the ocean ,but mostly inshore. Most of the time its just me and a friend. Any advice? Thanks to all.
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Engine weight is more important than power on the 20' hull. Back in the 60's and 70's many were sold new with 85 hp motors (rated at the powerhead instead of prop!) Most folks have no idea how efficient the SeaCraft hull is! Modern hulls need lots of beam at the transom to handle the weight of a 4-stroke motor, so they have more drag, require more power and don't ride nearly as well as the relatively light and slender SeaCraft! That's why most folks today think any 20' boat with less than 200 hp on it is underpowered! The 19/20' hull was designed in the mid-60's for the biggest motors then available, the I-6 Merc and V-4 OMC's, which weighed 300 lbs or less. Ran my Seafari for 31 years with a 115 hp (~100 hp at prop) V-4 on the transom. With a light motor and trim tabs, you can ride very comfortably SITTING DOWN in 2' square waves at ~12-14 mph. With a heavy motor on the transom, it's harder to plane that slow and the boat won't run as flat so it won't ride nearly as well. That said, at least the Seafari has more weight forward than the CC models, so it tolerates a heavier motor a little better, plus the extra hull stiffness provided by the bulkhead, cabin top and coamings will make it feel more solid.