rebuilding/repowering a 20' center console

jfc6866 · #1 02-03-2011, 05:09 PM

New to this forum, I've got a 1969 20' center console that I'm in the middle of a restore and can't decide what to do for powering. I've had Don Herman build a twin bracket and am considering a twin engine installation. My thought was to find leftover a pair of yamaha 90 2 strokes, anyone ever heard of a 20' with twin's. 2nd option is a single 200hpdi or a 250 four stroke. The deck level has been raised alot so, water coming in is not an issue. Don says the twin bracket will offset about 800lbs in buoyancy, so just sitting shouldn't be a problem. I'm worried once the boat gets up on plane with alot of weight what will have to be done with trim tabs to counter, Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John Carpenter

ricknewman · #2 02-03-2011, 09:00 PM

HI JCARP, welcome to the gang. I had a '75 20MA with twin 70 hp Johnsons mounted on the transom. No issues with the twins but when I repowered with a single 175 I was much happier. I'm not a big fan of twins and if it were me, a 150-175 2 stroke would be my choice. A 250 4 stroke on a 20 is overkill IMHO whether the bracket can offset that much weight or not.

Bushwacker · #3 02-04-2011, 01:44 AM

Welcome to the forum John. You've asked some good questions, and there's lots of good info to be found from very knowledgeable folks here!

When it comes to powering a 20, especially with a bracket, lighter is better (for better ride and handling, and a low min-planing speed). That leads you towards a 2 stroke. If you want the smooth running and low fuel burn of a 4-stroke, a DI 2-stroke will do that, although the E-Tec's seem to be the only one that also match the low noise level.

As far as twins go, personally I look at them as more cost and fuel burn, with twice the maintenance, and twice as much to go wrong! And if you if you don't go big enough to be able to plane on one engine, you might as well go with a bigger single and a small kicker! And, as the military would say, if one of the twins quits, you still won't be able to "complete the mission" any better than if you had a big single and a small kicker! A single 130 or 150 would be cheaper, quieter, handle better, and burn less gas. A 90 hp 2-stroke would probably plane a 20 if the other one died, IF you carry a spare low pitch prop. (Maybe a plastic Comprop where you could buy a single hub and 2 sets of blades for right and left hand rotation!) As for reliability, you might be better off with a modern well maintained single than a pair of older twins that might not get the same level of maintenance.

I've made a number of posts on the subject of brackets and motor weight, so just click on my username and you can review all my posts for more info. Denny

jfc6866 · #4 02-04-2011, 11:28 AM

Thanks for the input. My reasoning for thinking about twins was that I'm going to use the boat as a tender over in the bahamas and wanted to be able to get back. If the boat will plane on a single 90 that's a bonus. Not a big fan of a kicker engine because I find I get lazy and don't run it as much as needed and then when I need the kicker it won't run. I'd appreciate if anyone has performance stat's on a bracketed 150hp thru 200. The smaller I can go and still get great performance the better. I don't really care about 2 stroke versus 4 stroke, the noise of a 2 stroke and the oil tank isn't a issue. I had a 200hpdi on a wellcraft v-20 steplift before this boat and that would hit just 50mph with only myself in the boat.
thanks again,
John

SOS · #5 02-04-2011, 12:04 PM

A 175 would be my choice if I could pick one. The 140 works well and sips gas but I'd like more power to plane easier when i'm fishing with a heavy load. Topping out at 40mph is ok, but i wouldnt mind hitting 50.

175 Zuke or 175 Etec would be my choices.

Good Luck and post us some pics!
SOS

jfc6866 · #6 02-04-2011, 02:29 PM

Thanks, will post some pics this weekend.

jfc6866 · #7 02-04-2011, 02:51 PM

One other thought, Don Herman said If I put a single on I need 30" shaft and twins 25" shaft. In just looking if I drop below 200hp it doesn't seem any of the engines are offered with 30" shaft, any thoughts?

Fr. Frank · #8 02-04-2011, 04:40 PM

5" extensions kits are readily available for just about any motor 75hp and above except most 75-115 hp 4-stroke Yammies and all Suzuki . But I understand the Yammie shafts extensions will be available later this year.
Go to Bay Manufacturing

I know of nothing available for any Suzuki.

McGillicuddy · #9 02-04-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

One other thought, Don Herman said If I put a single on I need 30" shaft and twins 25" shaft. In just looking if I drop below 200hp it doesn't seem any of the engines are offered with 30" shaft, any thoughts?

I would double check that with Don. Those numbers apply on a 23' but not so sure on a 20'

Maybe Bushwacker (HermCo bracket, Etec 150) will chime in again. I think Denny's Etec has 25" shaft...

jfc6866 · #10 02-04-2011, 05:20 PM

I had double checked with Don before I bought the bracket, he had made this one special as the width was less than the one for the 23'.

As for the engine extension kits, I didn't know they were available, will check into that. I'm leaning toward yamaha anyway as I've had good luck with the 3 yamaha's I've had before.
Thanks,
John