225 on a 20SF (too heavy?)

[BoniB]

I'm looking at a 20SF, 1974, it has a 1998 225 Evinrude, I'm concerned about the amount of weight and the cockpit not self bailing as it should.
Any opinions?

[jwclbi]

I have a 1998 225 EFI Merc hanging on 1973 20' and have no problems with it self bailing. Even with me standing back there only a very small amout fills in. Hope this helps.

[jorgeinmiami]

I also had that question.

I will be looking for an engine (hopefully soon) and that could expand the search.

How much weight would be "safe" to go back there?

I do have the original fiberglass splash well that will go on and that could stop some of the water that could come in.

[jwclbi]

There are some concerns though as mine has the original 20" transom so if you get a good wind and tide you have to think about water coming over the transom in a storm. That being said that has been the case with many 20" transom models even with lighter engines. Im enjoying sunny FL right now but will be home on sat and give you the exact weight of my merc, I'm guessing 480ish? As well the EFI models are a touch heavier.

[jwclbi]

Almost forgot, I have had a difficult time getting insurance with that power as the boat is rated for 200hp from what I'm told. And mine being a 1973 has no USCG plate. The benefit is I have won a few races he he.

[oldfielder]

drop it in the water and check it out. I think I know the boat you're looking at and it's on a trailer.

[horseman]

I have a 1995 225 Ocean Pro Johnson on my 1971 20 SF. It is a little ass heavy. I have to keep the plugs in the deck and watch a little with a following sea. The boat has been in Ft. Lauderdale and it has done a lot of off shore fishing and been great. Now i brought it up to Vermont and it spends the summer in Lake Boomaseen. It's a screamer w/225. mid 50's easy. If I repowered I would probably step down to a 175 or 200 to save some weight. I would not be afraid of a 225

[horseman]

I also have a 20" transom w/ a 225. I don't have a problem. I have added an additional auto bilge pump because I have to keep the plugs in the deck. It doesn't self bale with that much weight in the stern. I also watch it when we have a heavy rain. I don't trust those bilge pumps.

[jorgeinmiami]

I Think that for the added HP the risk are not worth the reward. Unless your running on a lake

[BoniB]

Oldfielder, this is probably the boat your thinking about. She shows her age but has potential. The problem is that the cockpit deck drains empty into the bilge which I hate and would change, so by putting her in the water now would not tell me if she would self bail once I re-piped the cockpit drains down through the hull.

Any ideas??

John