Repowering v20

I have a 1986 v 20 with the orig. merc 150 outboard. I am thinking of repowering it. The old motor is still running great but man it is fuel hog. Im not worried about top end. Fuel economy/power to handle rough seas is my main worry. Looking for some ideas on what to go with.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by jtvdude

I have a 1986 v 20 with the orig. merc 150 outboard. I am thinking of repowering it. The old motor is still running great but man it is fuel hog. Im not worried about top end. Fuel economy/power to handle rough seas is my main worry. Looking for some ideas on what to go with.

Some of the guys here have used Suzuki 140s and love 'em...specially the fuel-sipping part...not to mention they are as reliable as can be ...I'd go w/one inna heartbeat, but my next move will be to a little more power and less weight...200 etech if I ever do it again...if Slinger's ever turns up missing, he'll know where to come lookin'!!...

[macojoe]

wow I run a 1985 175 Merc and the thing sips gas! Mine is on a heavy boat, 23' w/a Sea Ox

But like reel said if I was repowering I be getting a suzy 4 stroke, great warrt and by what I have heard great dependability!

[phatdaddy]

if the only gripe you got is mileage, you gotta buy a lotta gas to justify a $8,000/$10,000 investment in a new motor. you should be getting around 2.5-3 mpg now. most real world numbers with a four stroke are 3.5-5mpg. if & when i do get another one i would like to go with the suzuki 140.

[Pipe_Dream]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

if the only gripe you got is mileage, you gotta buy a lotta gas to justify a $8,000/$10,000 investment in a new motor.

Amen to that! Run it until dependability becomes the issue, and in the mean time be saving up to pay cash for a new engine. Cash is king!

[RABBITFISH]

Originally Posted by jtvdude

I have a 1986 v 20 with the orig. merc 150 outboard. I am thinking of repowering it. The old motor is still running great but man it is fuel hog. Im not worried about top end. Fuel economy/power to handle rough seas is my main worry. Looking for some ideas on what to go with.

What rpm range do you usually run on average? Most motors have a range where fuel economy is best. If you run towards the top end of the range almost all motors become fuel hogs..Mine generally gets around 4 - 5 gph at 3600 - 3900 rpm at 4300 rpm it jumps to 9 gph at 5000 plus it is somewhere around 17 gph. The rpm range that you usually run at determines your fuel economy, with a 150 you should be getting good to great fuel economy........