Outboard Options for Classic 20

[Windrider]

Hello, all, new member here.

I am with a California State University. The University has owned a 1977 Seacraft 20 for decades - probably since she was new. First she was used by the Marine Biology Department as a research/dive boat. When they were donated newer/larger replacements, they were very sorry to see her go. After sitting idle for about 5 years, she came to my program at the university, Sailing. I hope it isn't a mortal sin on this forum on use a Seacraft as a coach boat and for towing around sailboats! We love this boat far better than the Whalers commonly used for this purpose and recently won a grant to be able to restore her. She needs it! The threads on restoration here will be invaluable.

But first, I hope you will help me help me make a decision about a new outboard. She currently has a Yamaha 130 two stroke, I don't know if this is the original engine or not. We do have a grant to purchase a new outboard. The current outboard seems a bit heavy for this boat; we have had to put lead weights in the bow, along with two anchors and their chain, in order to keep her reasonably level. She seems very low in the stern, though, and did flood twice during this year's unusually heavy rains.

What we want out of a new outboard is something less of a gas guzzler, quieter, better able to take extended idling and low speed operation, and still have enough power to tow our sailboats. It would be nice if it was lighter, too, though that may be a tall order. On our grant proposal, we asked for a Mercury 115 four-stroke, but comparing weights, this might just be too much. The specifications plate on the boat, that should have the info I need on maximum engine weight and HP, has long since been oxidized into oblivion.

I should mention that we are towing sailboats that weigh 2 1/2 tons, sometimes more than one at a time. In fact, we were racing against a rival University and needed to tow the sailboats to the starting line due to light winds. The other university's 20' Whaler was having problems towing their boats, so I ended up towing the ENTIRE fleet of 8 boats (2 1/2 tons each)! The good old Seacraft with her 130 did it in style at around 5 knots.

I would be pleased to hear suggestions for new outboards for this old girl that will help her continue to be such an excellent safety boat. We promise we'll take her fishing once in a while when she's done being fixed up!