Fuel efficient hp

I'm new to the site and have been reading the forums regarding various power plants pushing the V20. The minimum seems to be a 115 outboard vs a 350 GM with ??? HP. The V20 can be a master of many tasks, however, this is what I would like your opinions on: boating in the Chesapeake with occasional trips offshore (20-25 mi) with several beer bellied buddies on board (and otherwise loaded) would a 115 be sufficient? Would a bracket with a (115) improve the performance? The 350 would handle ANY squall the Chesapeake could throw at the V20 but the additional weight on the rear, fuel consumption, fuel tank(s) size, maintenance, etc. are also considerations.Fuel economy/speed with the occasional power to plow through a squall are important - I'm not looking to pass a 26' Robalo with 350+ HP hanging off the transom. And last, the 3.7 Mercruiser seems to have it's "special qualities" like me , but would a 3.0 4 cyl. I/O be enough grunt given the above? Thanks WT.

[macojoe]

IMO all that is needed is a 150hp, this will give you the push for you beer belly friens and pretty good gas miles.

as far as big seas, I don't care if you have a 100 or 300 hp motor, V20's are a stable platform, but they were never made to be a speed boat!!
They key to waves in a V20 is slow and steady when things get ruff.

Macojoe, other than the "all seeing eye" thanks for the post. For your perspective and appreciation ... I had a Maco 25'. Beautiful boat off shore and in the "Chesapeake chop", however, a "wet" ride. When in a squall or off shore in "seas", full throttle was needed to plow from one sine wave to the next with a 225 Merc. . The V20 has a better bow flair and is shorter/ lighter. I would not intentionally go out in the same conditions as the Mako, however, as we know stuff happens. Just looking for the best package to keep me on the water vs the gas pump/repairs. Thanks.

[Seacrets]

What MJ said x2

[reelapeelin]

Agreed...150 OB is as balanced a powerplant for a V-20 as it comes...

[randlemanboater]

My Johnzuki 140 4 stroke will move my V FULLY loaded just fine, and it gets 5 mpg!

But to answer your question, WILLY's old V had a 115 on a bracket and he said it did just fine.

[HookedOnMarsh]

Since 150 seems to be about the best HP/MPG size to put on the V20, then what should I expect with a 175? I've seen these boats with 120 on the back and they still pull tubes like a ragdoll. Will fuel economy be worse or better in rough waters with the bigger motor since it has the extra HP over the 150? I want to go offshore with mine too out of Pass Christian, so I know I will be seeing 2-4 footers sometimes coming back from out there.

[macojoe]

I use to get 2.5 to 3 mpg with my 175 yamaha, Like with anything if you hop on it you are going to use more gas. Some motors are better then others, but if proped right and tuned well you will get 2 to 4 on most 2 strokes

[Vic]

I really like my 175 on a bracket. Gets decent milage and can move on when needed.

[Hammerhead]

Dunno if an I/O is an option but, I like the 165 inline 6 Cly. Speed wise it hits 40 with a light load but, I usually cruise at 25-30. In rough seas it's very stable if you take it easy,..usually about 20-22 knots. Maintenance is easy, and parts are plentiful.
Weight wise the I/O helps keeps the boat trimmed evenly at rest and high transom has never had a drop of water come over it.

When I needed to repower I'd considered a bracket with 150 Suki but, at 12K for the changeover opted to jus replace the 165.
1800.oo is what I paid for the new crate motor. 1000.oo to install.