Max H.P for a 20' Seafari.

[bigeasy1]

I've been kind of looking for a used outboard for the 20' Seafari I recently aquired, to replace the seized up 150 Johnson that's on it.

My question is that the Original Seacraft capacity plate says max hp is 140 hp.So let's say that I get stopped by the Coast Guard for what ever reason,will I be in trouble for running a power plant in excess of the capacity plate?

If the above is a non issue,then what would you think is the minimum and maximum horse power limits for this 20' Seafari.I would most likely be going with a two stoke for the weight savings.
I really don't like the low transom,so I'm going to fabricate some kind of raised splashwell tub to keep the water out.I did contact Don(HERMCO)and he still has the mold for it,but as he said,it would cost as much as I paid for the boat.
As much as I'd like to have him make one up,and i thank him for getting back to me quickly,but I can't justify the expense.I'd also like a new E-Tech for it but that's not going to happen.
I just want this to be a reliable bang around boat for some inshore fishing in the salt water.
for whatever I can catch.My Tsunami is my serious fishing boat.

I will say however,that I really never cared for the looks of the Seafari,but now that I see it in my yard every day,I've come to love the looks of it.