repower for 1977 20' CC

[tjhilsabeck]

Thanks for all the info. I didn't know about the new 2 strokes and Tahoe. That's a relief. I'm going to save all the weight possible. I'm leaning toward the E-tec 115 or maybe the Optimax 125.

[conchcuzzy]

I personally prefer taking it easy on my motors and would rather be slightly over powered than slightly under powered. When i bought it, my 18sf had a 2000 Johnson 150 ocean pro with a 4 blade 15p that cruised at 30mph @ 4500 rpm and pushed the boat about 40mph wot @5500. When I repowered I looked at the 115, 150 and 175 etec. The Yamaha 4 stroke was never an option due to the power/weight ratio.

The dealer is an old friend and a real pro with lots of Seacraft experience. He would not sell me the 115. Let me tell you I'm glad I listened to him and went with the 150. The boat now cruises 35mph @3500rpm and hits 50 mph at 5,300 rpm wot.

The 115 might be perfect with no crew and little or no load. But with the family, lunch, toys, gear, etc. you'll probably either feel a little sluggish or be forced to run it harder than you like. Given my experience with the 150 on my 18' I would be surprised if you're happy with a 115 on a 20' but your mileage may vary.

You'll pay about 11k for a new etec 150 with controls. Mine came with a 6 year warranty and will pay for itself in fuel savings alone in less than 3 years.

[CHANCE1234]

I think you got a hell of a deal on a new 150 etec!!

[Bushwacker]

[QUOTE=conchcuzzy;222493]I personally prefer taking it easy on my motors and would rather be slightly over powered than slightly under powered. . . . The boat now cruises 35mph @3500rpm and hits 50 mph at 5,300 rpm wot.
/QUOTE]

FYI - if that's a 2013 motor, OPTIMUM WOT rpm for it is 5500-5750, so IF your RPM is accurate (I-Command gauge), you're overpropped and lugging the motor by 200-450 rpm, which is quite the opposite of taking it easy on the motor. What prop are you running now and is the top of your AV plate above the water when you're up on plane? If the AV plate is underwater you might be able to pick up 100 rpm or so and improve fuel mileage by raising the motor. Check out this great website for more info: http://www.etecownersgroup.com/post/...-etecs-6502778

[fly4navy]

[QUOTE=Bushwacker;222500]

Originally Posted by conchcuzzy

I personally prefer taking it easy on my motors and would rather be slightly over powered than slightly under powered. . . . The boat now cruises 35mph @3500rpm and hits 50 mph at 5,300 rpm wot.
/QUOTE]

FYI - if that's a 2013 motor, OPTIMUM WOT rpm for it is 5500-5750, so IF your RPM is accurate (I-Command gauge), you're overpropped and lugging the motor by 200-450 rpm, which is quite the opposite of taking it easy on the motor. What prop are you running now and is the top of your AV plate above the water when you're up on plane? If the AV plate is underwater you might be able to pick up 100 rpm or so and improve fuel mileage by raising the motor. Check out this great website for more info: http://www.etecownersgroup.com/post/...-etecs-6502778

Do your homework (as I'm sure you will if spending 9 -11K). I stand by my power/boat combo. I have fished it loaded (4 crew and gear...and up to six for pleasure) in lots of chop and the 115 does everything you need. Lots of crew weight will impact the hull performance...not the engine. More power will get you an extra 10 kts at the top end (that you will virtually never use) and suck down more gas than necessary

[eggsuckindog]

I'm not going to get into an pissing match but it will be very underpowered with any 4S under 150 and you will not be happy. The Etecs are the best option but even there I would look for the V4 130 which was just changed to a V6.

[fly4navy]

Originally Posted by eggsuckindog

I'm not going to get into an pissing match but it will be very underpowered with any 4S under 150 and you will not be happy. The Etecs are the best option but even there I would look for the V4 130 which was just changed to a V6.

Sorry...but that is ABSOLUTELY an in correct statement

[eggsuckindog]

You guys up there are too used to lobster boats, if you rode 20 to 85 miles one way in the gulf you might understand. The boat just rides completely different as they do with twin power vs single, a switch I also made, so I do kinda know what I'm talking about. I didn't say it wouldn't get on plane, just said if he's buying a new motor there may be better options.


JMHO but I've owned or driven every model except a 25 with various power, rule of thumb on most boats at 50 to 60% of max rated HP is underpowered - just say'in

[seakat]

I had an etec150 on my 1999 SeaCraft20, loved it and never felt overpowered.