Best Engine Size

barnacle · #1 03-08-2003, 08:28 PM

I am repowering a 1975 20ft CC and I am wondering which engine to go with. THe boat is set up for a 20" engine. I was told with this boat to keep the stern light. It has a 135 mariner on her now. I am going with either a 115 or a 150 Evinrude DI engine. THe weight difference is 50lbs between the 2. Any input would be great. I will be posting pics in a very days.

Mark · #2 03-08-2003, 09:38 PM

Have you considered the 115 or 140 4-stroke Suzuki? In time, we will all be running 4-strokes, why not jump on board now?

captbone · #3 03-09-2003, 12:34 AM

I agree go with the 140 4 stroke suzuki or Johnson, they are the same exact engine.

barnacle · #4 03-09-2003, 11:25 AM

Im not a 4 stroke person. I like my 2 strokes. THe DI engines are cleaner, burn less gas and are alot cheaper to upkeep than a 4 stroke. THere is no oil changes, no computer programing that needs to be done every 200 or 400 hrs. (I forget which)by a dealer, no timming chains to worry about. Plus dont hit something with a 90, 115 or 140 Johnson or Suz. 4-stroke with a stainless steel wheel. The crankshaft is off set on these engines. THe crank is gear reduction. THere is a very good chance that the gear will fail when stricking something. Now not only are you doing gearcase work but power head work as well. THe valves have no clearance. IF this gear breaks there goes the valves thru the pistons. Dont get me wrong the 4 stroke is a good engine. Im just a 2 stroker.

barnacle · #5 03-09-2003, 04:03 PM

Thanks. Im worried about the floor scuppers sitting still. I may go with the 115 to keep the stern weight down. Not sure yet.

Mark · #6 03-09-2003, 04:32 PM

Joe,

I had a 1986 Yamaha 130 Saltwater Series on my '71 20'CC and it was fine sitting still if there were no people in the boat (in the slip). However, as soon as people were introduced into the equation, the plugs had to be put in the scuppers - I doubt 50 pounds one way or the other would have changed that situation.

Briguy · #7 03-09-2003, 09:07 PM

Joe, come on. MORE POWER!!!!! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] 50lbs is nothing. You can move your batteries up front or simple put a 25lb bag of lead shot in the bow. A 115 will be a little sluggish with 3-4 people in the boat. Sub 40mph speeds always leave us wanting. Since you are a dealer, cost will be negligable too. GO WITH THE 150. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

captbone · #8 03-09-2003, 09:33 PM

the 150-175 Johnson and Evinrude can weigh less than most 115hp.

Jon G · #9 03-10-2003, 01:47 AM

Joe for what its worth I have a 115Merc. and it does about 35-36 mph at WOT and will cuise at 25mph. I think the 150 would be a good balance of power and economy it will move the boat with power to spare and won't guzzle the gas like a larger engine would. Its all in what you intend to do with the boat to, if you use it with a light load all the time the 115 would be ok if you plan to use it with a full load normally then go with the bigger engine. My engine is pretty new so a repower is not in my future but I think I'll go with a DI 150 when I do. If you search under 115 you'll find a couple other posts here as well.

Bigshot · #10 03-10-2003, 05:40 PM

Why not consider the 135 DI? I hear they are about the same HP as the 150's. Being a dealer I would drop a 200 on there and a flotation bracket and get that thing haulin ass. But then again a 150 on a jackplate would be fun too. Does the 135 & 150 weigh the same? The lead weight idea is a goodie if you are only worried about scuppers at rest, no matter what you put on it, they will allow water in with people in the boat.