1999 seacraft repower

[Bushwacker]

Craven, if you do a lot of trolling, a 115 E-TEC may actually burn less gas than the 140 Zuke, as all the test data I've seen shows that they burn less than the 4-strokes when they're operating in the stratafied charge region, below about 1500 rpm. My 150 burns 0.5 gal/hr at 5 mph and about 900 rpm and I'm sure a 115 would use even less with 1/3 less displacement. I've made several long trips with mine of 200-700 miles, loaded very heavy and cruising at 27-28 mph and consistently average about 4.3 mpg with minimal idle time. I use the I-Command gauge which accurately tracks fuel consumption, and on shorter trips closer to home with lighter loads, numerous idle zones and trolling, I'll often average 5 mpg on a typical day trip. I'm sure the Zuke is a 5 mpg rig and a fine motor that I considered back in 2006 when I was looking to repower. Like you, I think the 20' hull rides and handles better with a lighter motor, since I ran mine for 31 years with a 300 lb 115. My first choice was the 115 E-TEC but they were not yet in production at the time, so I went with the 150. I've ended up running with much heavier loads than I expected, so I've enjoyed the extra torque of the 150, but the 115 is a very strong motor and more than adequate for the Seafari if your happy with a 25-30 mph cruise speed.