OK, new question....

[Destroyer]

(Talk about building a boat by committee)...So, here's the new situation.. I have 3 boats.. one of them HAS to go... I decided that boat will be my 1973 21' Cruisers, Inc. It will be scrapped unless someone wants it (free to a good home..nothing wrong with it..send me a PM) It has a perfect running 200hp, 1991 Mercury outboard on it. I was thinking about putting that engine on my new V21, however, after reflecting on the need for speed as opposed to the need for economy, I decided to buy that 150 Johnson Oceanrunner that I spoke of in other posts.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Johnson-Ocea...item5d30fb5496 So that one will go back onto the V21 that it came off from that you see in the pics which is now mine. Now, I also have my 78 V20 with the 1991, 225 Johnson. Both the Johnson and the Mercury are 20" shafts. Both are strong runners. The Johnson is a looper. Which engine do I put onto the V20 and do I sell or store the remaining engine? Opinions and reasons for your opinion are welcomed.

[phatdaddy]

it has taken me years to learn this, but if your not using it, sell it.

[THEFERMANATOR]

If you are after economy, avoid the 150 OCEANRUNNER. They are great engines for reiability, but they do drink ALOT of fuel for there size. I would look for a 200/225 OMC or MERCURY for an old school 2 stroke that isn't that bad on fuel. Or better yet a 2.4L MERCURY.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

If you are after economy, avoid the 150 OCEANRUNNER. They are great engines for reiability, but they do drink ALOT of fuel for there size. I would look for a 200/225 OMC or MERCURY for an old school 2 stroke that isn't that bad on fuel. Or better yet a 2.4L MERCURY.

Hmmm....well, My Merc is a 2.5L, 200hp, 1991, 60* engine...but it's a short (20") shaft so it would need to be stretched to 25". My Johnson is a 1991, 225hp, (3 screw butterfly) Looper, 90* engine. And like the Merc, it's a 20" shaft and would need to be stretched. So my question is, which engine would you use, and why?

[THEFERMANATOR]

The 225 JOHNSON would probably be the best of the 3 on fuel for most all intensive purposes. I had a 2.5L 150 MERC before and that sucker drank as much fuel at an easy cruise on my flats boat as my 225 EVINRUDE did on the 20 foot HYDRA-SPORTS cruisng the same speed. The 150 OCEANRUNNER is a great engine, but will have a thirst almost equal to the 2.5L MERC. The older 2.4L MERC's seemed to be a bit better on fuel as well as the 2.0L MERC's. For all around useage I would go with a small V-6 YAMAHA in all honesty. They are a good reliable engine that isn't that bad on fuel, but parts are pricey and hard to find sometimes. I'm a big fan of the 200/225 OMC loopers, espescially the 88-91 generation. The earlier small bore engines were actually better on fuel and pulled harder up top, but had quite a few problems with reliability due to the aggressive porting. Later ones are good as well, but tend to be a bit thirstier than the earlier models because of the small exhaust ports.

[reelapeelin]

Stretch the Merc IMO...it ain't gonna use any more gas than the 150 yer thinkin' about buyin'...unless ya run around WOT w/it all the time...but that DOES sound fun!!...

[randlemanboater]

I would use the Merc, knowing a motor is good counts a lot in my opinion...you always take a chance buying an unknown used motor.

And, with the money you dont spend on another motor, you can buy a lot of gas.

[lathehand]

In my opinion Mercs rule.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

Stretch the Merc IMO...it ain't gonna use any more gas than the 150 yer thinkin' about buyin'...unless ya run around WOT w/it all the time...but that DOES sound fun!!...

Ok, well, I guess the answer is I'm going to stretch the Merc. Here's my reasoning:

I own the Merc already. That saves me $2000 (The cost of the 150hp Johnson) which I can use towards the cost of stretching the Merc. and purchasing a tower for my radar. Whatever is left, as Randlemanboater pointed out is a lot of gas money. Additionally, as he also pointed out, even though I've been told the 150 is a good engine I haven't heard it run yet, so there's always that gamble.

As THEFERMANATOR pointed out, the gas savings between the 150 and the 200 probably will be negligible, so there's really nothing to be gained by going to the 150. Plus, the 225hp Johnson that Ferm likes is already mounted to the V20, so it's not like I won't have that engine & boat available whenever I want to use it or sell it.

As lathehand pointed out, Mercs rule

As phatdaddy pointed out, since I won't have a spare engine I won't have to go thru the hassle of selling it. (Sound advice btw)

And finally, as Reelapeelin pointed out, running around at WOT DOES sound fun.

So thank you all for your imputs.. Sometimes it takes additional opinions to help see the answer to a problem. Somewhere along the line, I need to buy you guys a round or two for your help.

[smokeonthewater]

sounds like you are adhering to the K.I.S.S. theory now..... good deal.... Don't worry, if that 200 turns out to be too big, I'll let you trade it for my 115