Best choice for repowering 20' MA

[Topflitegraphics]

Trying to decide what I should look for but all I am getting is more confused. If you have seen my project thread, you now that I am in the process of enclosing the transom and already have a bracket w swim platform to hang on the back.

With all of my heart attack bills, the new budget is tight and I refuse to strap myself with a motor payment. I had a buddy that was going to give me an older Evinrude but that fell through. As such, I am strictly looking for a used engine.

My confusion is what type of previously loved engine should I look for? I don't want to hang too much weight on the back nor do I need/want a rocket-ship. Used Etec's are hard to come by which leads me to think that people simply don't sell them. I have seen a few 115hp Etec's but not sure if that would leave me under-powered. The only 140hp Suzuki 4-stroke motors I am seeing are from 2002-2004. Are those as good as the newer Suzukis?

What engine do you guys think combines the best price/power/weight balance for a 20' Master Angler with a bracket? Lastly, I would also like something a little bit quieter than say my 1992 3.0L Mercury 225 was on the back of my 20' Sailfish. That thing was a screamer but dang was it LOUD.


HELP!

[Vezo, Part II]

I understand your dilemma, and have enjoyed your build. My MA has a 175 looper, and to be honest, I haven’t heard her run under a load in a few years. 375 pounds IIRC. It’s awesome power to weight with the 70 gallon fuel option.

My 20 Seafari has a 150 Etec, which I LOVE. All the torque, damn close to as quiet a Yammi 4 stroke, and way more fuel efficient. If she crapped the bed, I’d be looking 175-200 Etec, but I understand the financing issue. Beautiful boat. Best of luck however she is powered.

Michael.

[DonV]

Just happened to see this because I know the owner. Not sure what your budget is.

http://mbgforum.com/topic/8045-2018-...#comment-66337

[Topflitegraphics]

thanks for sharing but need to spend about 1/2 that or maybe even less if I can. Although that does seem like an awesome deal for someone.

[strick]

There were some corrosion issues with early zuke 140's I have I think an O6 on my 20 and its a great motor. The new kid on the block to look at is the new merc 115

strick

[uncleboo]

Originally Posted by strick

There were some corrosion issues with early zuke 140's...

strick

I'll vouch for that!

[Topflitegraphics]

Originally Posted by strick

There were some corrosion issues with early zuke 140's I have I think an O6 on my 20 and its a great motor. The new kid on the block to look at is the new merc 115

strick

Is 115 hp enough for a MA with a bracket?

[Topflitegraphics]

As far as weight goes, what is the heaviest I should consider? I know that she will not be self bailing and already have a monster bilge pump plus another pump on the deck as the previous owner used to plug the deck drains and used the pump on the deck to purge the water.

[strick]

You would be the first to put one on a 20 MA with a bracket. Have a zuke 140 on a 20 sceptre (with flotation bracket) standard deck. Routed the scuppers out the transom put on Flow-Max Ball Scuppers and they work fine. I really think the HP/ motor choice is a very personal decision..some guys are fine just putting around and some want the haul butt. I had a 130 Yamaha on my old 20 SF with bracket and it did very well with 2 people.

strick

[kmoose]

Avoid the 02-04 140 Suzuki. Those model years had metal casting plugs put into the aluminum engine holder and were very bad about corroding at that point. The fix is almost impossible. All newer years are fine.