New Engine Advice for 2001 20 Seacraft MA

[fishstu]

My 2001 Mercury 150 EFI ( 2-stroke) locked up yesterday - crankshaft bearings I think.

So - will probably will be re-powering - I think the 150 hp engine is a good balance of speed , fuel efficiency and weight for the Seacraft 20 hull. It was pretty quick - can't run at its top cursing speed in any sort of sea, gets up and go's with 5 on-board. I dont need a bigger engine than 150 hp.

BUT - I am open to:

The light weight Yamaha 115 4-stroke, the heavier Yamaha 150 4-stroke.
The lighter weight Mercury 115 4 stroke and Mercury 150 4-stroke.
Etec engines - the 150 probably.
Suzuki engines also would be considered.

Around here Yamahas are considered the most reliable, I see a lot of etecs and hear good thing about them - but hear from die hard Yamaha owners problems with etecs :-)

Reliability, ease of maintenance, engine life and fuel consumption are factors with reliability the main factor - I want to crank the engine up and go fishing.

I am in CT so service would be important.

Looking forward to hearing every body's options and experiences. ie performance of 115 hp, effect of heavier Yamaha 150, how the boat sits, water coming thru the scuppers etc.

Thanks