motor hp ????????
 

I was given my 1978 V20 with no motor. I am looking for one now. I just don't know what hp motor to use, but I don't have that much cash to spend. What would be the smallest hp motor I should consider running. I just want to get it up and running.

I think you would be happy with a 150hp, there are some with a little less, 120 HP (mine) and some as high a 200-225 hp

Hedge is right. There are lots of threads on this issue, and by far the concensus seems to be that a 150 is about the ideal horsepower. Someone had one with only a 90 h.p. which will get a V20 on a plane, but not much more than that. I don't know where you live, but phatdaddy posted a Craigslist for a 225 Mariner in Panama City, FL for $3k which looks pretty nice and reasonably priced.

I concur. 150 - 175. My 175 yanks it on plane and has great top end.

i have a 225 on mine. imho its not to much weight but it is to much power. i have stress cracks on parts of my transom that are obviously from the power. the boat does fly and the power is nice but i think wellcraft should have lowered max hp to 200

150

X2 (even though I have a 225 on mine, 150 is more than enough)

150hp
 

I agree 150 is the best power. I have a Suzuki 150 Super Six, runs great. 44mph top end, Cruises at 28mph and gets 3.0 MPG..

Been answered pretty well....if you can swing it get a 150. There have been a few that have said 115 was good enough for them so I would consider that your absolute minimum which was your original question. Of course if you have a newer 115 and a little older 150 I would chose the 150 hands down.

If someone was gonna give up a few hundred more dollars for a 150 over a 115 go for the 150, you won't regret it.