What is the best outboard, Honda, Yamaha, Mercury?

Outclaws · #1 07-08-2007, 06:27 PM

I'm looking to repower my 20 foot center console SeaCraft. I think 150 hp should do nice. What would be the lowest hp to go with? 175 should be the max. Should it have carborators or DI ? The fuel additives are a big proublem. I'm looking at a 2003 Mercury 150 xr6 2 stroke, any good?
Also does anyone know what the fuel tanks are made out of, I was told if it's fiberglass get rid of it. Any information would be great. Thanks

Blue197320 · #2 07-08-2007, 07:28 PM

i had a 150 evinrude and it was plenty of motor for the boat. but it was tired so i repowered with a 200 merc. havent gotten that one dialed in yet cuz it has an overheating problem. my fuel tank is aluminum and its 48 gallons..

Outclaws · #3 07-08-2007, 08:20 PM

Thanks for the information. Is your boat still covered by insurance if something happens, because the boat is only suppose to have a max hp of 175? I see a lot of guys put these big engines on these small boats. I'll go with something between 115 to 150 hp. I see the newer engine are rated at the prop. Thanks again.

bunderwood · #4 07-08-2007, 08:57 PM

I have a 150 as well and I plan on going with a 200 when I repower...

Fr. Frank · #5 07-08-2007, 09:16 PM

Check with your insurance company regarding the hp limit for your boat. I have a 1972 20' Seafari OB model with an very odd original sticker that says Max HP: 240.
I have a 150 Merc that pushes it to 50 mph lightly loaded, and cruises at 34 heavily loaded. How much faster do you need?

Michael Vezzosi · #6 07-08-2007, 09:23 PM

I am running a carbed 1999 Johnson 175, after a 1980 something 200 Black Max. Merc. was rigged to explode as I purchased her back in 1995. Pretty sure I'm breaking 50 with a light load. Sucks for trolling down wind but I would not try a 4 stroke on my '79 MA. Very happy with the 175. Part II.

Outclaws · #7 07-08-2007, 10:26 PM

Maybe the older SeaCrafts can handle more hp. I don't have a sticker on my boat. 1975 I looked up the rating on the new boats. I guess 240 hp would bring it up to hull speed.
All information and opinions are appreciated. Thanks

NoBones · #8 07-08-2007, 10:32 PM

My 1970 SF was rated for 225HP. At todays standards that would be a rocket!! I currently run a carbed (tricked -out)
1998 200 HP Merc. I carry 80 gallons in a custom aluminum tank. Top speed with a light load is 62 mph. It gets a little spooky above 55 mph, it starts to chine walk on the trim tabs, by the way which are 12 x 24 Bennett's.
I have friends that have 175HP and they are more then satisified. A 150HP at todays standards would be more than sufficient.
Good Luck, Ken

ocuyler · #9 07-08-2007, 10:34 PM

I have an Evinrude 85 HP on my 1970 20CC. WOT is 34 lightly loaded and 28 heavily loaded. Other than go really fast, it does everything you would ever want.

I am looking at an Evinrude 115 eTec for repower.

Trey1096 · #10 07-09-2007, 12:22 AM

From my experience, a lot of weight should be placed on dealer support availability in the area where you’ll be keeping/using the boat.

Where I live, Suzuki and Yamaha dealers are not nearly as plentiful as BRP and (especially) Merc dealers.

The internet makes things easier if you have an outboard you can work on and you can wait a couple of days on getting parts, but it’s still easier if you can make a 10min run to the dealership to get that part that broke on Saturday morning that’ll keep you from loosing the whole day, or weekend.

Trey