Motor size

[Dave Hirshberg]

I'm getting to the point where I'm shopping motors. I've got a 20 Sceptre with a 20" transom and 60 gallon tank. For those with experience will a 115hp push it ok or do I really need a 130 or above? I really don't want to go to a v-6 motor for weight and fuel considerations if I can avoid it. ANd financially I'm limited to a used motor. Any thoughts?

[rudders_midship]

I have a 1978 20' sceptre with a 2003 115 V-4 Johnson 25" which has the V-6 lower unit. I get 32 knots max which is plenty up here most of the time out of the river you can only do 16 or 17 knots anyway I would deff raise the transom 5" it would be worth it.

[Briguy]

Dave,

Go with a 140hp Suzuki 4 stroke. You'll probably hit 40mph and burn 4-6 gph at cruise. There is a dealer here in Sarasota who can probably do the whole deal for about 8k. Let me know when you are serious. Your other choices are to go with a rebuilt carb motor you could probably hang on the back for under 4k. As far as resale, once you have that 4 stroke on the back, she'll get a lot more bites if you choose to sell it down the road. Good luck.

[gw204]

The older 2.0 liter V6 Mercs. (135, 150...and a few very early 175s) were very reliable and easy on gas. I had a 1985 2.0 150 on my 20' Grady and it would cruise me at 28 mph and burn less than 7 gal/hr. They weight under 400 lbs too. You should be able to pick up a rebuilt 80s model for pretty cheap.

Just a thought. Good luck.

[Dave Hirshberg]

Thanks guys,
With unlimited funds my first choice would be the 140 Suzi but I'm limited in funds right now. My cousin is an OMC Tech so I sort of lean that way on used motors (built in mechanic). But I'd probably snap up a used 130 yamaha at the right price. I guess my main question is will a late model 115 Johnson push this boat with 60gallons fuel and 3 adults? They show up pretty often for sale down here and remember I've gotta have a 20" motor so it narrows the feild a bit.

[Dave Hirshberg]

Sorry Rudders,
I didn't see your post the first time, must have scrolled by it by accident. You told me what I need to know. Do you have that splash well cowling on your boat? If so how does it work? I was thinking that it could be left off with a 25inch transom but I'm putting it back on my 20 inch for safety, plus It will keep my 8yr old in her seat and away from the motor.

[rudders_midship]

Yes I do have the spash well in place I suppose you don't need it but I kinda like itI may put a peice of hevey plastic in top of it and use it as a built in cutting board this year or maybe a drink holder

[Dave Hirshberg]

Good Idea. I'm in the process of repairing the cracks in mine right now. Its one of the few parts I have left and also the one in the worst shape. I like the cutting board cupholder idea. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[cSickNick]

I had(going now with a new Suzy DF140) an old '87 115HP 25" Yamaha on my 20' Seafari. The best WOT i hit was 34MPH.

Up here in mostly choppy NE days for fishing/trolling, it served me well. I will admit, on a flat calm day (which does not happen often) ..... it really feels dog slow!

So you main question, "will a late model 115 Johnson push this boat with 60gallons fuel and 3 adults". Sure! Will you be happy with the performance, maybe. Might help your decision, if someone has a 130HP to see if there is a significant diff in the performance #'s.

I like the rule of min HP = 75% x 175HP(max for my boat) = ~130HP.

Also note, the Florida boys seem to like their HP. So they might feel that the 115HP is underpowered, where in NE it seems to be more of the min HP.

Hope this helps ... Good Luck - Nick

[ocuyler]

For what it's worth, Mr. Potter has had 2 Seafaris rebuilt by Hermco with 175 2s on a hermco (potter) bracket. You would think he would have a good feel for what was "just right".