"Ideal" power for a 20' '87 Superfisherman?

[Snookerd]

I only have this shot from the Sebastian trip. This is a 1987 18SF with a 140Suzuki. Notice those 3 heavy weights I am standing next to............. ......When the Zuke salesman says you can put 4 people in the back of the 18SF and still be able to have the deck height above the water line, this is what he means

[zach]

I'm putting a Merc 175 Optimax Pro XS on the back of mine, and for me, this is ideal.

If you don't mind fielding questions from your non-expert boating friends on why you didn't purchase a 4-stroke (because that is what everyone is doing), then I would seriously consider staying with either the e-tec or optimax. You can never have enough power and they are just as efficient if not more in certain settings. The 175 Opti and 200 small block e-tec weigh as much as the 140 Zuke.

[gofastsandman]

The e tec has no break in or maint for 3 yrs. I`m curious what the maint cost is for the Zuke. All I`ve spoken with love them .
GFS

[Snookerd]

140 suzukis are around 8k. We got ours for 7K with the 6 yr warranty because it was a left-over. Add rigging,controls,tax and it was 9200 out the door.

[Briguy]

My 2001 115 Suzuli 115's run like the wind and sip fuel. I recently was out with a fishing guide with a 250 etec. I don't have time to go into details but HE would never choose etec again! Also how about 40-50 bucks a gallon for oil? Yikes! And you can do most of the maintainance on your 140 by your self.

Just ask yourself a simple question. If (whatever brand car you currently drive) offered an etec, would you get that as an option?

140 Zule all the way.

[eggsuckindog]

Brian I know you have Zukes and they excellent engines - the 140 would a good option BUT that 1 gallon of oil at 100/1 will go further than 2 oil changes - moot point

I am a 2 stroke fan admitted, that being said and having a Merc 200 on my boat - IMHO the Etec's are probably the best engine being built today - power-weight-sound-fuel-maintaince-and probably longetivity. As I said a 150 will damn near throw you out the back on a 20, a 200 almost did on a 22 Sea Ray Laguna after the owner was already warned to hold on replaced a 150 Merc

I would not put a 115 of anything on it, including an Etec, just not enough mid range power and the fuel would go down working harder -JMHO

[eggsuckindog]

PS Todd is the only guide in the whole state I think that seems to have had any issues - maybe its his dealer ???

[Bigshrimpin]

Brian I know you have Zukes and they excellent engines - the 140 would a good option BUT that 1 gallon of oil at 100/1 will go further than 2 oil changes - moot point

eggs - at 100/1 . . . 1 gallon of oil will be used every 96 gallons of fuel. 1pint for 12 gallons. I love DI motors too . . . but I don't think that is equivalent to 2 oil changes in a 4 stroke.

[CaptainHoppy]

Deep,
I have a 1973 20SF w/ 1998 150 Mercury and it performs well. Although there are times I wish I had about 25 more HP, mine runs plenty strong, 3.8MPG, and tops the boat @ 42 WOT. I do not need the speed as much as would like additional power off shore (rough sea conditions) etc.

If I was to buy new, I would strongly consider the 150 E-Tech or 175 Suzuki. I have a 47 gallon tank and they both would perform well for power and range.

Good luck