What is the HP rating on a '78 V20
 

I thought the Max HP on the V20 was 200. If you look at the specs on the 1978 brochure it says max 240 hp. Which is it?

I have a 77 and now a 87. But before I bought either all I could find is the max was at 200 hp. I have a 150 on the 77 and it seems to do just fine. The 87 has a 200hp on it. Not sure on how it will handle but will find out Saturday. But I. personally won't go over 200 .

It varied over the years...but if the literature from the factory says the '78 was 240 max, you can count on it...but look closely...is that I/O rating or OB rating?...I do recall it being > 200 for OB some years...

Like said in another recent post..if you're repowering, look closely at the transom...it may be RATED from the factory for 200+ HP, but that was long ago before time and water worked their dastardly deeds on the inner core...

Look in the "History" section here on the site. The 78' catalog says max hp 240. The 79' catalog says 230 for i/o and 200 for Outboards. Looks like it went to 235 for Outboards around 1985.

I'd also add that in addition to power, weight is a factor on the outboards. The four-strokes can weigh as much as 100 lbs more than the equivalent 2 stroke. Plus, I know some of the older V20s had lower transoms (for 20 inch OB shafts), so that extra weight can really matter. I purchased a 2 stroke e-tec a few years ago and the weight difference between the etec and the new 4 strokes was a big considerations for me.

That 1985 rating of 235 probably corresponds to the year OMC came out with the V-6 235 power on their Sea Drive motors, or the same year the 235 regular outboard came about. I know Wellcraft made full transom boats specifically for the SeaDrive motors. Stick with 200 hp or less and you can get all the insurance you want.

in the J/E motors on the 88 up carbed 200 / 225 motors they are alike only the carbs changed so you are find with those in 225's as well.

the J/E 235 came out in 1978 and went thru 1985 it was around alot of yrs. But in 1985 J/E came out with the 275 and 300 hp outboards and in 1986 the 200 , 225 were born.