115 hp to little hp?

#1 12-20-2004, 08:54 PM

I'm looking at a used V-20 step lift with a 115 hp ocean pro on a bracket. This would be a family boat and I wondered if that would be enough power to pull someone on water skis. Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

macojoe · #2 12-20-2004, 08:58 PM

Welcome!!
IMO NO!! 115 will be the bear min, on this boat!! and good for short runs only!

150 will get you to 30 knots and a 175 into the mid 30's 200 will get you to low 40!'s

#3 12-20-2004, 09:00 PM

Thanks macojoe I was afraid of that :(

reelapeelin · #4 12-20-2004, 10:23 PM

MJ's right(as usual)...140/150 is min on the v20...you'll feel sluggish and over-work that 115...on the other hand if you're sittin' on a FREE 115, hang that puppy on there and go fishin' ;D...if you gotta pay for one, throw a few more bucks at a 150 :D...

Crusher · #5 12-20-2004, 11:53 PM

Bar Hopper, glade to see you made it over to this site with your questions. I have a 115 Hp. Yamaha on mine and it is slow 23 mph at 5200 rpm. Like most have said 150 seems to be min. If you get a good price you can repower with a good used or new motor, thats what I hope to do. Yes it is a great family boat. I live in Doylestown not far from you and boat in Tuckerton N.J. Crusher

#6 12-21-2004, 04:28 PM

Barhopper - 115 is small, especially for the hole shot with a water skier in tow. But if that is what you have to work with, then use a low pitch/high diameter prop. You will lose a little top speed, but get a better hole shot and less wear on the motor for being underpowered. Since your buddy, Crusher, has a similar setup, he could probably be more helpful than I as to the exact prop to use.

chumbucket · #7 12-21-2004, 04:37 PM

Like Seakindly said. Also, a four bladed prop will give you very good holeshots. Again, you loose a marginal top end though. Most boats that are looking to tow water skiiers or any sort of water sports go for out of the hole performance rather than top end speed.

#8 12-23-2004, 01:17 AM

Crusher, thanks for the tip on this site. Between here and the “Barn” it just amazes me how much good information is available on the web. I’ll have to see where the owner wants to go with his price and see if I can get the boat for a low dollar and re-power and sell of the existing 115 hp. Although it would be cool to see if it could take twin 115’s. Thanks to everyone here for their advice, I greatly appreciate it. Enjoy the holidays.

mawshj · #9 12-23-2004, 02:13 AM

I need to ask Macojoe (I guess you have been asked ,but I missed it) what does the weight of the outboard do hanging back there ? I think you have a 115, but what will a 150 do ? wiill the stern squat when sitting since my scuppers are only just above the water line with the 175 evenrude? any trim changes when running

CT_V-20 · #10 12-23-2004, 01:25 PM

I can't believe I missed this thread. Barhopper, I have a 112hp Sea Drive on my '86 Step Lift. It eventually gets up on a plane and I could pull a tube, but I definately wouldn't be able to pull a single ski up out of the water. Maybe a patient, experienced double skier who could then drop. I have the second smallest prop listed in my owners manual on, a 13 3/4 X 15. I'm considering trim tabs. I am too cheap for a GPS so I have no idea how "fast" the boat goes, but I do know it's not as fast as most of the others around me. On the other hand, it sure rides smooth ;). When I do repower, I won't go lower than a 150.