OK - I'll start here...

John R · #1 02-25-2002, 05:06 PM

As a few of you know, I'm looking at an early 70s 20SF. Just the hull, no engine. It originally had a 115 20" motor and I have the chance to put on a low cost 150EFI Suzuki on there (my friend is upgrading to a 130 4stroke and I'd get everything off his boat). The problems is, the engine weighs about 460 pounds versus the original engine probably weighing in around 300-350... How much trim change would there be and whould that be too much motor for the 20" transom?

I think I would like to hold off for at least a year before going with a new engine and redoing a transom with or without bracket... The existing transom appears to be solid...

Thanks,

John

FELLOW-SHIP · #2 02-25-2002, 05:19 PM

I JUST SOLD A 18’ HYDRA SPORT I OWNED FOR 19 YEARS. I HAD A 140 JOHNSON. THE 140 WEIGHED ABOUT 450 LBS. AND THE BEAM OF THE BOAT WAS LESS THEN 8’ AND HAD A 20” SHAFT. THAT WAS A LOT LESS BOAT THAT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT AND THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTOR IS ABOUT THE SAME. I DID HAVE SOME PROBLEMS IN 2-4 & 3-5 FOOT SEAS WITH WATER COMING IN FROM THE TRANSOM WHEN I WAS DRIFT FISHING. I SOLVED THAT PROBLEM WHEN DRIFT FISHING BY ADDING SOME STAR BOARD PLANKS THAT RESTED ON AND ABOVE THE TRANSOM AND I USE TO USE A SEA ANCHOR CONNECTED TO THE BOW CLEAT TO GET THE BOAT TO DRIFT CORRECTLY. IF YOU DO THOSE TWO THINGS YOU WILL BE FINE.
FELLOW-SHIP

Billybob · #3 02-25-2002, 05:21 PM

John, are you saying that the Suzi has a 20" shaft and you're just wondering about the weight?If so, I'd say don't worry - it should be fine.But if you're asking if you can hang a 25" motor on that 20" transom the answer is no, not without building up that 5", which isn't a deal breaker either.

Trayder · #4 02-25-2002, 05:23 PM

When I bought my 20CC it came with the same 140, Fellow Ship had on his Hydra Sport. It sat great in the water, that is with over 150-200lbs of saturated foam under the deck as well and a shot transom.

Would you be keeping the boat in the water or would you keep her on the trailer?

John R · #5 02-25-2002, 05:46 PM

Thanks - that was the answer I've been looking for. I'd probably start with the 20 inch Suzuki for a year or two and THEN do a repower with building up the transom...

Thanks guys...

Reel Smoker · #6 04-11-2002, 01:34 AM

John,my neighbor has a 20 cc,he hung a 225 merc that thing has to 450 easy,anyways when it sits in the water he has to have the plugs on, and the top of the transom sits low in the water,to low. A floatation bracket might help if you decide to go with a heavy motor.You can ruin a great self bailing boat if your not careful.Reel Smoker.

Snookerd · #7 04-12-2002, 03:41 PM

John-I met a guy on Wed. at my boat ramp who has a 1969 20 SF and runs a 200 Johnson. He showed me the transom plate that was added to raise to a 25". He said the boat was used commerical. He paid $1,600 w/o a motor. He's pulling over 50 mph and it sat fine in the water.