20 Master Angler 115 ETEC v. 150 ETEC

[GradySailfish]

Hi guys, nearing the end of my 20 Master Angler project and I'm looking at power. I am torn between the 115ETEC and 150ETEC, and I'm looking for advice about which one of the two to get.

Let me just say, I'm not a top speed fanatic, most important to me is efficient, comfortable mid range cruising, so thats why I'm contemplating the 115.

Pricing wise there is a couple grand difference, but I may still go with the 150.

Suggestions ? Also helpful would be people with that motor chiming in to give some performance stats. I'm guessing upper 30's top speed with a 23-24 knot cruise at about 4.5GPH for a 115.

[SOS]

With my suzuki 140 on a 20SF, I sometimes feel underpowered. Especially if it kicks up a bit offshore and I have 4 people in the boat.

Not a problem when there are only two people but I would like the added security to know there is more power than "needed".

If I was to rebuild and repower this boat I would put a 175 on it. I am not a speed demon but would like to cruise around 40 instead of maxing out at 40.

SOS

[Ikan Besar]

With my suzuki 140 on a 20SF, I sometimes feel underpowered. Especially if it kicks up a bit offshore and I have 4 people in the boat.

I agree and have the same boat/engine. The one caveat I would add is that four people is too many regardless of what engine is on that hull - there simply isn't space. If I frequently fished with four onboard, I'd be looking at buying a larger boat.

[CaptLloyd]

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With my suzuki 140 on a 20SF, I sometimes feel underpowered. Especially if it kicks up a bit offshore and I have 4 people in the boat.


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I agree and have the same boat/engine. The one caveat I would add is that four people is too many regardless of what engine is on that hull - there simply isn't space. If I frequently fished with four onboard, I'd be looking at buying a larger boat.

Ditto...

If you are chosing between 115 and 150, go with the 150

Just my 2 cents.

Lloyd

[strick]

Go with the 150. You may find that you will burn less fuel with the 150 then the 115 given that the 150 will have to work less to push the boat. Why you no like 4 stroke?

strick

[65Bowrider]

I'm not going to be a contrarian here, but just some info on a 115 Etec.

I have one mounted on a 19' Bowrider. When punching out of the hole, it'll keep up with a 150...but then I will soon fall behind on top speed.

WOT will do 39-40 mph, 2-3 people, half + tank of gas.
That is also without any bimini or T-top.

It primarily depends on what you want your top-end speed to be. Either one is a good choice.

[GradySailfish]

Hi guys, I like the ETEC for a number of reasons, but I'm not saying its any better or worse then a 4 banger.

That said, I'm pretty friends with an Evinrude dealer and he's a very standup guy and recommends the 115. He said that on his 20 Mako (same weight, if not heavier) the boat tops at 38 MPH and cruises at the mid upper 20's at 3.9 GPH (per Icommand)

Thats perfect for my application. When I asked about the 150 he said no sense to spend the extra money.

I'm still in the air about this, so we'll see.

BTW I'm not planning to put many people on the boat, 99% of the time it will be me solo, sometimes with someone else.

Thanks for the responses.

[wavelength]

I'd go with the 150, I have a friend who has one and loves it. I am redoing another friends Shipoke and he was wanting a 115 ETEC and the dealer who is also a friend said to stay away from the 115. Everyone they have sold has been back for a varity of problems. We went with a 115 2 stroke Yamaha.

[htillman]

I had a MA with a 150 Merc (old motor) but it ran great and therefore would go with the 150. You have probably added weight to the boat with your rebuild and will like the larger engine at the end of the day. I have a good friend that would not let my friend put a 4S Suzuki on his boat and convinced him to go with a 300 ETEC. The friend lives by Evinrudes. If you can afford it go with the bigger engine. Only question, how much heavier?

[eggsuckindog]

No question you MUST put at least 150 on it, NO if ands or butt's - if you go with the 115 you will kicking your own butt. The boat needs the HP, they are heavier than an SF and the hull works better with HP its a performance hull and it rides higher at cruise with the HP. Don't make me come up there