1974 20' Sceptre

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by Step Up

I just inherited this boat for free. yes Free and with a clean title. The boat has a 6 cyl. I/O that is in running condition. It will need rebuilt to trust the boat. So my Choice is the rebuild the 6 or I have a 20 inch Yamaha 130 2 stroke that runs great. Should I stay I/O of close in and go bracket.

That's a rare model with a huge cockpit but a clever layout that allows easy access to the bow for docking, anchoring or fighting a fish like a CC model, but with much more room, storage and weather protection than a CC! I'd say your decision depends on where you're located and how you intend to use the boat. I saw palm trees in your pics in another post, so I"m guessing Florida. If you plan to keep it on a trailer, I/O corrosion issues should not be a problem, but if you plan to leave it in the water, I'd lean toward the OB.

The CG of the I/O will be further forward, so it will be better balanced and ride better than an OB, which may be a factor if you'll be using the boat offshore or in rough conditions. If it's in running condition as-is, why not give it a try and see how you like it before making a decision. A compression test would give you some idea of how much work it needs. If you're handy with wrenches, I would think you could rebuild the engine for less than the cost of installing a bracket, but if the outdrive needs a lot of work, the economics might work out in favor of an outboard on a bracket since you already have a suitable motor (it's plenty of power for that boat BTW, unless you want to race!)

If you do a lot of diving, a bracket would be a nice addition, although it will make the boat stern heavy, even with your relatively light motor, and you don't have a console you can move forward to offset the aft-shifted motor. With a bracket, plan on installing large trim tabs, a fin on the AV plate, and running a 4B stern lifting prop. If you decide to go with a 30" Hermco bracket, you would be able to use the 20" motor as-is! (I have a 25" motor, but had to install a small jack plate and raise the motor 6" above the highest point I could mount it on the bracket to get the AV plate above the water!)