Re-Powering my 20 footer MA

[ROBCAR]

I am almost done with my 20ft 1979 MA (pics to come). And after all that work, I need to decide what engine and horse power to use. So far, I am considering the new E-TEC from Evinrude because of the weight issue over the four strokes. But HP...I am not sure between the 150 and the 200. Will a 150 hp be enough for this type of boat? Given that I would like to get on a plane without extreme efforts and cruise a decent speed.

thanks in advance for the help......Rob

[Caymanboy]

IMHO, and I am new to both the boat and the site, but from reading past post and my own experience, I don't know what you will gain by putting a 200hp on there, it seems the hull maxes out around 50mph give or take, there are some folks running 140 Zukes and 175 mercs that due as well as my 200 Yami, soo for the $$ spent and the fuel burn$$$$$ Besides, how often are you going to run at 50? I think in retrospect if I had gone with a 150 it might have been better, that being said if I find a good 225, might have to try it!!!!!

[ROBCAR]

I seem to agree with you Caymanboy ....I just hope that a 150 will put me a bit over 40 mph......maybe????

[fdheld34]

Hell...a 115 ETEC would be just fine in my opinion..propped correctly etc. etc.

[ROBCAR]

yes...the correct prop will make a difference (i hear) ...will this be based on trial an error, starting with a 19 or 17 pitch?

[datngrizz]

The data on my 78 MA puts a limit of 175 HP...I would not go overthat or insurance may be tough to get.

[ROBCAR]

good point dat!..thanks

[SteveH]

I was thinking the same thing Datngrizz was thinking. if you go over the max horsepower rating, you run into insurance coverage issues. Plus, as noted on many threads over the last three or four years I have frequented this site, the 20 footers seem to be a little stern heavy and can have some drainage issues (at the scuppers) if you have have too much weight in the stern. My dad and I had a 20 ft MA for about twenty years. Fantastic boat, but it is not a flawless vessel, but what vessel is. We had a 1978 150 merc and subsequently a 1986 175 merc. It absolutely screamed with the 175, and it was not a very heavy engine compared to the newer four strokes. The newer two stroke 150s are probably as strong or stronger than the 1986 175 we had. IMHO, the e-tec 150 would seem to be good match for the 20 footer. It is relatively light and strong. If you get a bracket, like the one HERMCO builds you would probably have more options. You could also consider "ball scuppers"; never have I used them but I have heard good things.

[mnwnvc]

I am very happy with my Merc 115 Opti on my 20. Can hit 40 gps without max rpm.

[ROBCAR]

GREAT INFO...I MAY JUST GO WITH THE NEW 150 ETEC. NOW, WHAT ABOUT THE PROP?...DOES ANYONE HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS ON A MASTER ANGLER?