rebuilding/repowering a 20' center console

[Bushwacker]

Welcome to the forum John. You've asked some good questions, and there's lots of good info to be found from very knowledgeable folks here!

When it comes to powering a 20, especially with a bracket, lighter is better (for better ride and handling, and a low min-planing speed). That leads you towards a 2 stroke. If you want the smooth running and low fuel burn of a 4-stroke, a DI 2-stroke will do that, although the E-Tec's seem to be the only one that also match the low noise level.

As far as twins go, personally I look at them as more cost and fuel burn, with twice the maintenance, and twice as much to go wrong! And if you if you don't go big enough to be able to plane on one engine, you might as well go with a bigger single and a small kicker! And, as the military would say, if one of the twins quits, you still won't be able to "complete the mission" any better than if you had a big single and a small kicker! A single 130 or 150 would be cheaper, quieter, handle better, and burn less gas. A 90 hp 2-stroke would probably plane a 20 if the other one died, IF you carry a spare low pitch prop. (Maybe a plastic Comprop where you could buy a single hub and 2 sets of blades for right and left hand rotation!) As for reliability, you might be better off with a modern well maintained single than a pair of older twins that might not get the same level of maintenance.

I've made a number of posts on the subject of brackets and motor weight, so just click on my username and you can review all my posts for more info. Denny