"Ideal" power for a 20' '87 Superfisherman?

[1a2b3c]

Hey guys, looking for opinions on what is the "ideal" power plant for a 20' '87 SF? I'm looking at purchasing a rig and repowering it...and what would your reasons be for your choice? Thanks for your thoughts...

[sponge]

140 Suzuki hands down.
Great power,price and fuel consumsion.
5 miles to a gallon

[Bushwacker]

"Ideal" depends on intended use and objectives! Do you want low fuel consumption or do you want to cruise at 40 mph? Do you run in flat inland water or offshore? Weight balance is important, as the 20' hull was designed in mid-60's when the biggest motors were about 300 lbs, so IMHO, the more engine weight gets above that, the more it screws up the ride and the harder it is to plane at low speed which you like to be able to do for comfort in rough water. It's a very efficient hull and will ride VERY well and cruise nicely at 20-25 mph with as little as 85 hp; some of the Tracker-built models (80's and later) appear to have plywood decks instead of balsa core however, so may be heavier and a little less efficient. Some guys on this site run 225's or more on a 20, but that hull doesn't need nearly as much power as the newer wider heavier boats! Just don't hang a 500 lb motor on it and expect it to plane at low speed and ride like a SeaCraft is supposed to!

The Zuke's are good motors and I almost bought one, but don't overlook the E-Tec's - they're light, quiet, trouble-free and the hp ratings are VERY conservative. The "150" is really a 165, and I suspect the "115" is at least 120 or 125, and would be plenty of power if fuel consumption is a big priority; will still run mid 30's. With the "150" I get about 10 mpg trolling, over 4 at cruise and average about 5 (and can run almost 50, but that's not a high priority!)

[Bigshrimpin]

well . . . I love my old merc 200. 360lbs, dirt cheap to maintain, low maintenance, 35mph cruise . . . always better than 3mpg (in any conditions) - flat calm 3.75mpg. 1979 powerhead on mid 80's mid section, 3ram Trim and Tilt, 1.87 gears, and a mirage plus 17.

If I have the money in the near future . . . I might spring for a Suzuki 150/175 to extend my range. 5mpg would be awesome for my 35 gallon tank, but it's difficult to justify when you have a good running motor.

[eggsuckindog]

150 or 175 Etec - for all the above reasons - I think they weigh about the same and the 150 should be fine - meaning hold on I don't like going slow either

[McGillicuddy]

If you're looking at E-TECS, Some guy on bassbarn is selling new '08 overstock 115s for $8750 rigged... sounds like a smokin' deal and plenty of power for a 20'. I think he's in NJ... not sure if this should be posted but just tryin to help www.thebassbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1440047

[billythekid]

IF YOU ARE GOING 4 STROKE THE 140 SUZUKI IS THE MOST POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO. I had the same delema couple of months ago. I could have had a 130 honda for a great price but it weighs 140 pounds more that the suzuki samething with the yamaha is 100 pounds heavier for less horsepower. you have to remember as others said the boat was built for a 310 LB outboard motor. The one thing I like about the 4stroke is no oiltank to be mounted and in the way.

[Mark]

[Fr. Frank]

Ideal power depends on money. If you've got 30 grand to throw away, you can get a 200 hp multifuel outboard, including diesel.

If you're on a tight budget, I really like 2.0 liter Mercury V6 outboards, which can be built to reach 175-180 hp, and still be very reliable, and push your boat at 3.3 to 3.5 mpg.

If operating expenses are paramount AND you can afford the payments on a new motor, a 115 or 150 hp Optimax or Etec, or 140 hp Suzuki/Johnson will all get you about 5 mpg, with the 115 Optimax being the most economical by less than 1% over the Etec, while the Etec costs less to purchase.

[1a2b3c]

You guys are good! I appreciate all of your opinions...that's exactly the input I was searching for...of course I want the best of all worlds so the idea behind keeping engine weight down, fuel economy, noise and speed all matter...although top end isn't as important as I'm not much of a speed demon...nor do my Southern New England waters permit such speeds...I've been a Yami guy most of my life but am considering the 140 Zuke and the 115/150 ETecs...I've seen both makes for sale on-line for roughly the same price (approx $8k)...I think what will likely be a significant factor will be whether I have a local dealer/service provider for either...stay tuned...keep the opinions coming...all good...and thanks again...

p.s. If I do make the leap I intend to re-develop a rig along the lines of Mark's 20...with a few of my own tweeks to meet the specific needs of freediving/spearfiching...