Max horsepower

weight is more of an issue than hp. probably opti or evinrude's new G2 would have the best power to weight ratio.
 
235HP is what they were factory rated at, but keep in mind that was a 235HP outboard that weighed less than 400 pounds. As outboard weight went up, I believe they dropped back to 200HP again in later years. Keep it light most importantly. I would think the new 4 cylinder 4 stroke YAMAHA, or one of the direct inejcted 150-200HP outboards would be just fine. A few here run newer 200HP large displacement direct injected outboards and say they are good also. But I would stay light to keep the stern higher when fishing to minimize water intrusion through the scuppers. I would avoid engines like the 225 HONDA, MERCURY VERADO, and other large V-6 4 strokes.
 
I have the same boat. Just ran it for the first time with 2008 etec 200HO yesterday (about 220hp at prop). Didn't have it propped quite right as it was only turning 5100rpm, but at about 52 mph it started to chine walk. We had a very light load (half tank fuel, no gear, 2 adults). Prop was 21" Viper.

Based on the foregoing I would think 225hp is "more than you need" type max and 200 HP would be sweet spot, assuming your priority is a fast cruise over economy.
 
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I replaced a 225 Evinrude looper with a 150 etec that I love. Now that I'm not as poor as I used to be I'd probably go for a 200 if hanging a new engine. I like the etecs, but wouldn't hesitate to run a new 4 cylinder four stroke 200 Yamaha or maybe a Suzuki depending on your local dealer/mechanic support situation.
 
Everyone has their favorite, but for me, I have a 1991 Mercury 200 hp 2.5L engine that I absolutely love. Boat moves when I want it to and loafs when speed isn't an issue. I know that Wellcraft for a lot of years sold these boats with a 150 hp engine, and there are a lot of ppl on this site that swear that combo is just about perfect, but for me the 200 is where I want to be at.
 
Destroyer said:
Everyone has their favorite, but for me, I have a 1991 Mercury 200 hp 2.5L engine that I absolutely love. Boat moves when I want it to and loafs when speed isn't an issue. I know that Wellcraft for a lot of years sold these boats with a 150 hp engine, and there are a lot of ppl on this site that swear that combo is just about perfect, but for me the 200 is where I want to be at.
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x2....mine is a late 80s Merc 2.4 200, that has been built and tweeked just a touch. I couldn't be happier
 
504V20 said:
I have the same boat. Just ran it for the first time with 2008 etec 200HO yesterday (about 220hp at prop). Didn't have it propped quite right as it was only turning 5100rpm, but at about 52 mph it started to chine walk. We had a very light load (half tank fuel, no gear, 2 adults). Prop was 21" Viper.

Based on the foregoing I would think 225hp is "more than you need" type max and 200 HP would be sweet spot, assuming your priority is a fast cruise over economy.
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So what prop are you running now ? The REBEL prop is most commonly recommended with the Etec's ....... Hitting 52 mph at only 5,100 rpm is very fast....... look forward to speed report when you're tuned properly and getting 5,600 rpm.
 
I run a 250 but that is overkill. It allows for a lot of power across the RPM range and runs close to 60 mph. I ran a 1980's model 2.4 liter carbed Mercury 200 hp for a time.(like 175 hp by todays rating method) It ran great and was better suited for the boat because it was over 100 lbs lighter than the big 250. Be aware, heavy 4-strokes don't work well on these hulls. They were designed with lighter power in mind as that is what was available at the time. I'm not saying it won't work as many would say the 250 I run won't work. Shhhhh- just don't let it hear you say it...
 
RidgeRunner said:
I run a 250 but that is overkill. It allows for a lot of power across the RPM range and runs close to 60 mph. I ran a 1980's model 2.4 liter carbed Mercury 200 hp for a time.(like 175 hp by todays rating method) It ran great and was better suited for the boat because it was over 100 lbs lighter than the big 250. Be aware, heavy 4-strokes don't work well on these hulls. They were designed with lighter power in mind as that is what was available at the time. I'm not saying it won't work as many would say the 250 I run won't work. Shhhhh- just don't let it hear you say it...
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Happy to hear that! I just bought myself a 1989 V20F-CC with a nice and bulky Mercury 250 EFI and I'm very curious to test the performance next summer!

What prop du u use? I have a 21" SS High-five but I'm thinking about changing to 3-blade?
 
Ricrob said:
Happy to hear that! I just bought myself a 1989 V20F-CC with a nice and bulky Mercury 250 EFI and I'm very curious to test the performance next summer!

What prop du u use? I have a 21" SS High-five but I'm thinking about changing to 3-blade?
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A high five is a good prop for getting on plane, thats it. What prop you need has alot to do with how you plan to use the boat. I like the large diameter mirage type props for most uses myself. Not the fastest, but good holeshot, faster cruise speeds, and good economy because of excellent bite.
 
To finish Ferm's thought I use a 3 blade Mirage copy made by Quicksilver without the PVS (vent holes) 21 Pitch. Not the fastest but great all around performance. Big round eared blades with some cup on the trailing edge for extra bite. Good bow lift, good cruise, both speed and mileage wise.
I had an EFI once. Sold it to a guy on here. Those motors drink lots of petrol...
It was the fastest motor I ever tried on my V-20 at 61.7 mph officially turning a 23p Tempest to the limiter at 5800 RPM.. Lots of prop slip but the stern lifts a little more with the Tempest and that prop likes trim. See signature picture of the 250 EFI strung out on the Suwannee River a few years back. That was when I weighed 270 lbs. Now that I am 175 lbs. I am sure I could reach 62 ;-) :beer:
Click on the picture to see how much boat is actually out of the water. The keel is touching water just in front of the console. Aired out for a old F-20 fisherman.IMG_3861-Copy (2).jpg

IMG_3856 (2).jpg
 
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Ridge every time I see pics of your boat runnin like that it make me want to hurry up and get mine buttoned up and out on the water!!!
 
my 91 v20 is running a 300hp mpi small block with a bravo leg in mine.
i turn a 18" mariage plus prop and my WOT is 5200
really stern heavy and had to put tabs on it to stop it from porposing

its a heavy boat with all the downriggers, radar arch/rod holders, 6" full canvas top, stereo, 9.9 kicker, dual batterys, prawn puller with traps etc etc etc

my max speed is around 42 knots, but cruises ar 30knots at 3200 rpm getting 2.5mpg according to the smartcraft gauges. jumps up on a plane in 2-3 seconds. i could have saved some weight and probably gained top end with an alpha leg but found a complete bravo package instead
 
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