1969 20' engine choice

[samuelcooper]

That makes sense, esp if the difference is just 7 lbs. The larger pistons would not weigh as much more as what is bored out of the block - all else being equal. Haven't completely ruled out the Suzuki. Had a 15 that was great and never gave me any trouble.

BTW, the old Johnson 175 I took off weighed 385#'s, according to the manual.

[Bigshrimpin]

115 and 140 have different trim systems, gear ratios, etc. Maybe those small differences add up and account for the difference in weight.

[dljohn69]

I run an E-Tec 175 on my 1976 MA CC and am quite pleased with the engine. I am on plane very quickly and have recorded a top speed of 51 mph at 5350 rpm on the gps. That being said I am sure that the 115 would do a good job as well. With the Florida rain storms I like to be able to get in quickly. With a 21" prop I cruise at around 3500 rpms at about 32 mph.

[samuelcooper]

I haven't made up my mind completely but I think I may be leaning toward the 150 now. Over the 45 years I've been around boats, I have rarely heard anyone really unhappy about being overpowered but a lot of people are unhappy about being underpowered!

[Fr. Frank]

I once rigged for her owner a 20' CC, installing a 20" Merc 225 on a mechanical jackplate, with a low water pickup & nosecone. Cruised in the intercoastal at about 3800 rpm at 45 mph. Top speed was 62 mph at 6000 rpm running a 32" overhub chopper style prop.
The real story here? It was owned by 24 yr. old female attorney from Palm Beach who was given the boat by her Dad as a present for passing the bar exam.
It was fun to watch her flying down the waterway at 60 mph in a SeaCraft with a huge rooster tail behind her.

Do you need that much power? No, of course not. Sure is fun, though.

[eggsuckindog]

I think that would be a excellent choice, especially since I read the numbers above from the 175 ETEC, those are great #'s and I have a 200 Merc. Go to www.usavemarine.com and ask about the 150 ETEC, he is a big dealer and can ship it and give phone support if needed, might save some dollars but not sure where you are.

[Ikan Besar]

I am currently redoing a 69 SF 20 ft. (Will raise transom 5 in and deck 3 or so for tank and bailing).

If you are raising the deck 3", you can more or less look at whatever engine you want (within reason). The deck in mine was raised 2.5" and I have a 75 gallon tank along with a Suzy 140 and everything is fine (no splashwell, no plugs in scuppers, etc).

[finestkind]

I've got a 115 suzuki on my seafari. She runs great, great planing speed, great troller. Tops out at 38mph on gps. 28 cruise. Would love a 140 suzuki. Seafari a little heavier than a cc i'd think it would go great!!!! Good Luck!!!

[oldbluesplayer]

Finestkind - a lite blue Seafari on Cape Cod ? - was that you I saw last summer, mid July, outside of Barnstable harbor ? I was trolling in the red Seafari -

Interesting that you have a 115 suzi and get 38 mph gps - well above mine - what pitch / dia. prop are you able to run with that ?

ps - I'm also watching the ultimate Seafari thread with interest - I have a hard time believing that that's not too much top for that boat.

Bill

[finestkind]

Yea bill I'm not sure what pitch or prop size it has but I do need to find out because I ran a ground out at billingsgate at 9:30 at night(ouch)!!!!! Had to sleep the tide out and finally got off around midnight!!! LOLOL oh well Live and learn!!!!! The poor stainless prop didn't look so hot after that so I have to get a new one for this season!!! And yes I am too also watching the ultimate seafari! I think it's great the kid thinks like me!! Yes I do think it's a little high but hell only one way to find out!!! I myself am hoping ot make or get a hard top made for my boat I don't want it to high just high enough for me to stand up. I'm short so I only need it around 5'10. Once I have that then I can get up on top and see how it is!!! But I wish him luck with his creation !!!! I think it looks great (not to fond of the flat steering wheel though it doesn't look to cumphy)