Max horsepower
 

Hi what is the maximum horsepower for 85 V20 center console with a 2015 brand-new engine

weight is more of an issue than hp. probably opti or evinrude's new G2 would have the best power to weight ratio.

235HP is what they were factory rated at, but keep in mind that was a 235HP outboard that weighed less than 400 pounds. As outboard weight went up, I believe they dropped back to 200HP again in later years. Keep it light most importantly. I would think the new 4 cylinder 4 stroke YAMAHA, or one of the direct inejcted 150-200HP outboards would be just fine. A few here run newer 200HP large displacement direct injected outboards and say they are good also. But I would stay light to keep the stern higher when fishing to minimize water intrusion through the scuppers. I would avoid engines like the 225 HONDA, MERCURY VERADO, and other large V-6 4 strokes.

I have the same boat. Just ran it for the first time with 2008 etec 200HO yesterday (about 220hp at prop). Didn't have it propped quite right as it was only turning 5100rpm, but at about 52 mph it started to chine walk. We had a very light load (half tank fuel, no gear, 2 adults). Prop was 21" Viper.

Based on the foregoing I would think 225hp is "more than you need" type max and 200 HP would be sweet spot, assuming your priority is a fast cruise over economy.

I replaced a 225 Evinrude looper with a 150 etec that I love. Now that I'm not as poor as I used to be I'd probably go for a 200 if hanging a new engine. I like the etecs, but wouldn't hesitate to run a new 4 cylinder four stroke 200 Yamaha or maybe a Suzuki depending on your local dealer/mechanic support situation.

Everyone has their favorite, but for me, I have a 1991 Mercury 200 hp 2.5L engine that I absolutely love. Boat moves when I want it to and loafs when speed isn't an issue. I know that Wellcraft for a lot of years sold these boats with a 150 hp engine, and there are a lot of ppl on this site that swear that combo is just about perfect, but for me the 200 is where I want to be at.

x2....mine is a late 80s Merc 2.4 200, that has been built and tweeked just a touch. I couldn't be happier

So what prop are you running now ? The REBEL prop is most commonly recommended with the Etec's ....... Hitting 52 mph at only 5,100 rpm is very fast....... look forward to speed report when you're tuned properly and getting 5,600 rpm.

I run a 250 but that is overkill. It allows for a lot of power across the RPM range and runs close to 60 mph. I ran a 1980's model 2.4 liter carbed Mercury 200 hp for a time.(like 175 hp by todays rating method) It ran great and was better suited for the boat because it was over 100 lbs lighter than the big 250. Be aware, heavy 4-strokes don't work well on these hulls. They were designed with lighter power in mind as that is what was available at the time. I'm not saying it won't work as many would say the 250 I run won't work. Shhhhh- just don't let it hear you say it...

Happy to hear that! I just bought myself a 1989 V20F-CC with a nice and bulky Mercury 250 EFI and I'm very curious to test the performance next summer!

What prop du u use? I have a 21" SS High-five but I'm thinking about changing to 3-blade?