What size ETEC?

[bradford]

I've decided to bite the bullet and retire the old 225 Evinrude. I've talked to few on here and read countless posts that a 150 is a good match for the V20. Being somewhat old school I looked at the left over carbed 2-stroke 150 yamahas and found that after it's all said and done I might as well buy an etec 150 and get a lot better mileage. Since I'm gonna break the bank on a new engine I've decided I'm gonna fix up the rest of the V to match. Part of this includes adding extended fuel capacity in the form of Reel's fuel tank/seat boxes which hold 39 gallons each. According to my calculations this will add approximately 550+/- lbs in fuel weight. Is a 150 with the right prop still a good match or would I be working the engine too much. I wouldn't always be hauling a full load of fuel, and it's usually just me and the wifey and rarely maybe 1 or 2 others. I don't need any crazy top speed, and always thought my 225 was overkill for the boat. I just want her to plane out nicely and get good fuel range. Any input from my imaginary friends here at Wellcraft V20 is always appreciated.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Well your 85 has a 60 gallon tank to start with, and a ETEC should get you roughly 3 MPG. That gets you roughly 150-180 miles of useable range right there. I would go for the 175 if I could afford it. The 150-200 small blocks are all the same basic engine size and weight within a few pounds. The 200 small block carries a bigger price tag, but I don't think the 175 is much more than the 150. Also bear in mind that then newer engines are heavier. Your old 225 weighed in around 450-475 pounds, and the new small block ETECS weigh in at 420 or there abouts. So you won't be losing much weight. Also if you do much trolling I would give some serious thought to the 4 stroke SUZUKI. And don't count out the OPTIMAX either as I believe it wins the fuel economy competition hands down amongst any of the new outboards. It is the loudest of them, but also I believe it is the most affordable. just remember that no matter which one you go with, you will be replacing pretty much all of your rigging anyways. I would pick a 175HP and go with the brand that will have the best dealer support for you locally.

[nymack66]

I agreed with Ferm, The extra HP can be handy if you have extra weight and fast moving storm on your tail...
I have an E-Expensive trust fund going, I have my eyes firmly set on a 200 HP with the Bells and whistles ..

[whatknot]

If yami had a 175, I would have bought that. Don't get me wrong, the 150 pushes the boat fine. But the extra horses would keep the engine from workin hard. Either way, Your gonna love that new engine smell.

[reelapeelin]

I just priced those engines...the 175 is definately the most "bang for the buck"...

[THEFERMANATOR]

http://www.evinrude.com/Content/Pdf/...orts/PE684.pdf

This should give you a close guestimation of performance and fuel burn of a 175HP ETEC on the V-20 as the DUSKY 203 is built off of the V-20 mold for the most part.