Etec 130 or 150 for 20 ft Master angler

[Flatbroke]

I've been reading this forum for several years and just got a user ID so I can ask questions and comment.

I bought a 1970 20' Seafari I/O about a year ago. I have been struggling with the idea of converting it to a center console. I have also wrestled with leaving it as an I/O and giving up all of the floor space associated with the I/O box or converting it to a bracketed outboard. Between the 4-strokes, Optimax and E-tec I couldn't get beyond the weight issue.

I have a good friend who is on the Evinrude Pro staff. He offered me his 6 month old 115 HO (127 hp) at basically his cost - aka about 1/2 price. I really wanted more power so I went and discussed my predicament with my local Evinrude Master mechanic who is highly respected in Brevard County.

He told me that the 115 and 130 have an exhaust valve in the lower unit that helps them make that hp in the smaller package. He indicated that it was, or had the potential to be, problematic. His comment was "If there is any way you can take the weight of the 150 go with it. You won't regret it."

I hadn't seen that discussed in this thread so i just wanted to share what I had been told.