Want to upgrade a 1.6 SeaDrive

[Thirdcoast]

I am at a crossroads with my V20 Cuddy...

I have redone the interior with some nice custom aluminum seating as well as rewired the entire boat. Plus anything else that needed done like refinish all teak, install a SiTex 11" GPS/FF combo, new bilge pumps, new baitwell complete new top with rear cover and so on and so on.

Now comes my dilemma... larger SeaDrive or Bracket & newer/new outboard.

I would like to know what is the largest motor I can replace the existing 1.6 with & use the same SeaDrive(which works great) if it is only a 140, whqat performance can I expect?

If I cannot get this done, I am thinking of a D&D bracket with a good used Mercury Opti.., Etec or 4 Sroke of some kind..

I really don;t want to buy a new motor as I don't think you can get your money back when you sell the boat, but I could be wrong...

Don't need speed, 40 will do, but want to cruise in the 30+ range...

My main concern is range with the 60 gallon tank... I need 3+ MPG to do near offshore & be safe...

Thanks,

Thirdcoast (Texas Mid Coast; Port O'Connor area)