used motor for 20 MA?

[CaptCurt]

This is along the lines of a couple other threads in this section.

I am going to put a new(er) motor on my 20' Master Angler project. It currently has a 175 Merc (1979), which I have decided I don't want to fool with repairing. I am looking at several used motors, most of which are 150's. For the kind of water I'll be in, I don't really think I need anything over 115-ish.... but I don't want to under-power the boat.

What is the smallest motor I should put on a MA? Any specific motor recommendations? My price range is under $4000 if that helps any.

[Fr. Frank]

The smallest motor you should put on a 20' is the 2-stroke 85 hp Yamaha, which produced an honest 94-95 hp.

I think the best motors of the last 10 years for an original 20' SeaCraft that are readily obtainable for under $4k, because of their power to weight ratio, may be:

• the 2-stroke 130 hp V4 Yamaha at 358 lbs, or
• the '98-'04 2-stroke 130 hp V4 Evinrude at 349 lbs, or
• the '00 to '05 Suzuki 2-stroke DT140 I4 at 364 lbs, or
• the '99-'04 Mercury 125 hp Saltwater I4 at 347 lbs, or
• the '02-'08 Tohatsu/Nissan HPDI 120 or 140 hp I4 at 347 lbs.

All are under 370 lbs, all produce at least 125 hp at the prop-shaft, all have good endurance records when meticulously maintained.

If I had a good service-providing dealer for any, I would choose the Yamaha. However, since the best local service in my area is for Mercury and Suzuki, I would choose on that basis. Never buy a motor for which you cannot get excellent local service. You need a good relationship with your outboard service provider.

[CaptCurt]

Thanks Frank, that is exactly what I am looking for!

[CaptCurt]

After a little searching.... those are hard motors to find! Can anyone recommend a good source?

[eggsuckindog]

I have 200 I would say 150 will work fine, you will probably find a better deal on them just because of availablity. The Mercs carbed or EFI are solid in 2.5L - I have an EFI and really like the FI. The Rudes are fine but not sure on weight difference between those two and that will have carbs only - go lighter. Do not go with the Rude DFI motors in that vintage but the carbs are fine.

[gofastsandman]

Rude 150/175 365#s dry. Smoke and drink, but a good design.
Cheers,
GFS

[Seacraft84]

I just bought a '77 MA with a '95 175 Johnson. Yesterday running into the wind(steady 15mph)and current I could get 28-29mph @ 4000rpm. 43mph @ 5600rpm. With the wind and current 31-32mph @ 4000rpm. 47mph @ 5600rpm.
That was half a tank of gas and my skinny arse.

Trim tabs and spray rails are going to be the first investment!!!

CaptCurt PM if you would be interested in the motor. I am planning to close the transom in and redo the rest of the boat next winter and was going to sell the motor then and go by a new motor. This will give me an excuse to go ahead and get some new power!!

[eggsuckindog]

Rude 150/175 365#s dry. Smoke and drink, but a good design.
Cheers,
GFS

thats pretty good my 200 is 416, not sure on 150 Merc's but that 50lbs would offset the baitwell I'd bet.

[CaptCurt]

I just pulled the trigger and bought a 140 Suzuki, here's a link (until they take it down since it is SOLD!):

http://www.diamondsuzukimarine.com/Pre-Owned.htm

Any suggestions on props/pitch?

[jorgeinmiami]

Nice engine and I like the price