130 Honda 4 Stroke on a 20FT CC...Too Heavy???

pcolafsu · #1 03-30-2010, 01:00 PM

Hello,

I am new to owning a SeaCraft and would love some feedback on the best HP to put on the back of my 1978 SeaCraft. It is the 20' CC model and has been almost completely restored. I have come across a 2003 Honda 130 Four Stroke for $3200 with all controls. My only concern is the weight of the motor combined with the HP. Can anyone share their thoughts on whether or not this is ample power? Thanks

RS · #2 03-30-2010, 01:08 PM

That's what I have on my 20MA, along with Troll n Tabs (maybe another 40#). I don't have any problems and get ~40mph WOT. Also, no problems getting on plane with a 15" pitch SS prop.

Hope that helps.

MarkJ · #3 03-30-2010, 07:09 PM

I also have a Honda 130 on my 20' Seafari. Its seams a little heavy but not bad, I just shift my gear to the bow. I get about 37mph on the GPS with the standard aluminum prop, two people and gear. Fuel economy is good too.

eggsuckindog · #4 03-30-2010, 11:08 PM

How much does it weigh?

pcolafsu · #5 03-31-2010, 01:05 AM

It weighs right at 505 lbs.

I'm getting mixed reviews. I posted this same question on The Hull Truth with people basically telling me this isn't the best idea. Not sure where to go from here.

Bushwacker · #6 03-31-2010, 01:31 AM

The 20' hull was designed in the mid/late 60's when the biggest OB motors were about 300 lbs. The 7' beam is relatively narrow compared to new boats, which is one reason it rides so much better. If you make it stern heavy with a 500+ lb motor, it won't ride as well and you'll have trouble getting it to plane at 12-13 mph for a comfortable ride in rough seas, and self bailing at rest will be a problem. Been there, done that.

Will it work with 500+ lbs of motor? Sure, and a lot of guys on this forum run 400-500+ lb motors . . . it's hard to find a 300 lb motor these days! And the Seafari is a little less stern heavy than other models, so it's more tolerant of a heavy motor. Also Potter raised the cockpit sole in about '74, so the later models will self-bail a little better. My point is that a lot of folks have never operated these boats with a light motor and IMHO, don't appreciate how well they ride and handle when they're balanced per the original design specs.

I ran a 300 lb 115 V-4 for over 30 years before I repowered with a 429 lb motor sitting 30" further back. Although the big flotation tank on the Hermco bracket kept waterline within about 1" of previous configuration, initial low speed planing performance was terrible . . . wouldn't plane below about 18-20 mph. By changing to a stern-lifting 4-blade prop, and adding a Doelfin I finally got back to where I was with the old motor!

Would I do anything different if I had it to over again? No, except maybe go with a little shorter bracket, but I do like that big swim platform for diving, and I think the solid transom is a big safety factor. But the only 4 stroke I considered was the 140 Zuke since it's about the same wt as the E-Tec. However I wanted the extra omph of the larger displacement, and I seem to be running with heavier loads than ever, so the extra power is nice to have for those conditions.

Although Honda makes great motor's, I'd prefer a 140 Zuke
because of it's lighter weight, chain driven cams, and the offset driveshaft/greater gear reduction. If you don't care about weight, the 175 Zuke is about the same weight as the 130 Honda, although I have no idea what a used Zuke goes for these days.

pcolafsu · #7 03-31-2010, 01:47 AM

Thanks bushwacker, that makes perfect sense. I was just talking to a buddy about this and have come to the following conclusion...

Purchase the Honda 4 stroke for $3250. If it works fine then great, if not, I should be able to sell it for roughly $5500 +, take the extra money and buy a light weight 135 to 150 HP 2 stroke.

In your opinion, what is the best used, most reliable and lightweight 2 stroke for my 78' SeaCraft? Something that could be purchased for $5500 or less.

Basspond · #8 03-31-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

In your opinion, what is the best used, most reliable and lightweight 2 stroke for my 78' SeaCraft? Something that could be purchased for $5500 or less.

I think the top two most recommended 2 strokes for 20s on CSC are the older mercs and the 130 yamaha in terms of trying to keep weight down.

I have a 150 ox66 yamaha on my 20 and I love it, but keep in mind my transom and deck were both raised...

eggsuckindog · #9 03-31-2010, 04:30 PM

505 will not work very well, I'm at 410 and thats pushing it. Mine is a V6 Merc and I think all are about the same from 150 to 200. No early Opti's 2003 or after but the EFI Mercs are fine. Carbed Rudes are good but no DFI until 2003 like the Opti's. 400 is about tops IMHO but there are really no choices below that - that 130 Yam is fine also

Bushwacker · #10 04-01-2010, 01:34 AM

The carb'd 60 degree V-6 Johnrudes (150/175) are fairly light, and also worth considering. However I'd avoid the late 90's models, built when OMC was beginning to struggle before the bankruptcy. An engineer I worked with before I retired became the chief engineer at the OMC/BRP test center near Stuart, and told me that BRP really cleaned house and made dramatic improvements in quality when they took over, so he was very enthusiastic about the later motors.

However the main thing with any used motor is it's condition, compression, maintenance history, etc. Those factors and availabilty of nearby dealer support is probably more important than a particular brand; most motors are pretty reliable IF properly maintained.