[Fitz]

I think 200hp is a really good match for the V20 hull. My 1975 hull is rated for 230hp (twin 115s in the day), and I find that 200 gives it ample power under any circumstances. It planes effortlessly and economically at 3,200 rpms, even with a good load. Unless the engine you're considering is very heavy, I don't think you'll be disappointed with a 200.

I have a 1989 Evinrude 200XP that weighs 450lbs. I run a 14.5 x 18 stainless prop. When I first bought the boat I experimented with some other props, but I settled on this one and have never run anything else. I use the boat for a wide range of activities – cruising, skiing, tubing, and inshore and offshore fishing, and I regularly carry several people and a lot of gear. The 14.5 x 18 prop doesn't give me the fastest speed or best mileage, but I'm more interested in all-around performance. I can always run at least 47mph even with a full load, and I can always run in the specified 5,000 - 6,000 max rpm range for my engine. That combination also provides immediate response and superb torque whenever I have to hammer it to get through a nasty inlet.

If my engine ever dies I'm going to repower with a 200 small block Etec. It has a little less displacement, but it's very close in weight to what I'm currently running and from everything I've read the difference will be negligible. That said, I do hope I get many more years out of my sometimes thirsty but otherwise very reliable and powerful engine.