What motor are you running (20' w/bracket)???

[Thepistonhead]

Wondering what motors (4 stroke) people are running on your 20' with brackets. I'm trying to decide how much HP and weight to add to the boat if I add an Armstrong bracket.

[flyingfrizzle]

Lightest one possible, 20 with a bracket and four-stroke will have balance issues. I run a 395lb 2.5 merc 200 two stroke on a sceptre 20 which will handle the bracket a little better than a cc and it is really still too stern heavy. I have 2 large batteries forward, two anchors, chain and other stuff to make it balance better. It rides better now but my bracket is short at 24" most Armstrong's are 30" setback which will make it worse. I had a heaver 3.0 liter on it at one time and it would porpoise and chine walk with out weight in the nose.

[CaptLloyd]

Suzuki DF140.

Shift weight forward where possible. And make sure motor is at the correct height.

[rcoster38]

Im' just finishing a 20SF restoration with a 25" setback bracket. I was planning on a 150 ETEC G2 until the unfortunate news about Evinrude. now I'm planning on hanging the new fly by wire suzuki 140 some time this winter. I also moved my tank forward almost a foot, and my console/LP forward 4 inches.

[Seacraft1974]

I'm in the same boat, literally. I have 74 20' and plan on a 140 hp. I'm just a little nervous with Suzuki. I had a pair of 300's on my other boat and they were just OK. The 140 has the right weight/hp.

[strick]

Not a CC but a 20 never the less. This boat self bails with the original deck and flotation bracket. Not a speed demon as it tops out around 40 but I usually cruise around 28 normally.

strick

[Thepistonhead]

Thanks for alll the responses......

So I originally was going to do a Zuke 140 for the light weight but 40mph on a good day with a light load seems to be the max everyone is getting. I'm no speed demon by any means but I would like just a bit more out of my boat....I will be mounting a t-top which is of course more weight and drag. I'm just scared the 140 wont cut it....but the next jump up is almost 100lbs which is concerning. I do plan on a forward fuel tank, console forward a few more inches, batteries in the console and the recommended oversized Armstrong that Wildfire use..... it's just a lot of money and I want it to be right! I'd love to ride on a 140hp bracketed 20!

[uncleboo]

Are you leaving the interior layout the same? Fish box, dry storage in the bow, etc.

[Thepistonhead]

Originally Posted by uncleboo

Are you leaving the interior layout the same? Fish box, dry storage in the bow, etc.

Yes....both hatches will be dry storage. Anchor will go up forward with a door. On the 71 the fuel tank was above deck under the seat on the console. A bigger tank will go below deck and as far forward as possible and under the front seat will also be storage after adding a bulkhead.

[Thepistonhead]

Originally Posted by strick

Not a CC but a 20 never the less. This boat self bails with the original deck and flotation bracket. Not a speed demon as it tops out around 40 but I usually cruise around 28 normally.

strick

That is a sharp ride!!!!!