Repower with Suzuki 200? 20" Transom

[djdixon1995]

Greetings,

Long time follower, first post. I rescued my Grandfather's 84 V20 Steplift, the boat I grew up with, a couple years ago when his camp got sold away. It was a pampered lake boat in Maine its whole life and now I run it in the Patuxent River with occasional trips into the Chesapeake Bay. I've done some tinkering with it... rebuilding the original lounge seat, electrical system, dash, rub rail, fuel tank, rod boxes, teak, etc. But otherwise, it's in fairly pristine shape for its age...decks and the transom are solid. I've reluctantly decided that the 84 OMC Crossflow 185 that's been on it since new has to go. When running well, it'll push the boat to 50 MPH...but those times have become too rare for it to be considered reliable...oh, and then there's the fuel consumption. The biggest off the shelf poly tank I could find to fit the cavity was 50 gals (to replace the original 60 gal aluminum tank that was compromised). That 185 will drink 50 gals without blinking an eye.

So, I intend to repower with a new 4 stroke. I'd like to get as close to the performance of the 185 as possible without making her too stern heavy. My local trusted machanic deals Suzukis and, to a lesser extent, Yamahas. My first thought was a Suzuki 140 based on the weight...within 20 lbs of the old 185. However, I just don't think I'll be happy with the performance. She's always been a bit of a sleeper and I'd like to keep it that way. Once you go to the big block Suzuki 4 cylinders, they all weigh the same...so I'm thinking the 200. That'll put me about 140 lbs heavier then the 185.

I have a 20" notched transom, two batteries aft, and the 50 gal fuel tank in the original aft belly location. I'd like to go with a 20" leg bolted directly to the transom if possible...no jack plate. My concern, apart from the usual self bailing issues, is that the motor will sit too low and get wet in the wrong places.

I'd rather not move the batteries forward but would consider it if it were a solution. I've also considered a 25" leg and jack plate but don't love that idea either. Finally, I'd save about 30 pounds with a Yamaha 200...but at quite a cost. I'd rather not build up the transom to 25" either. But what I want least of all is to buy a brand new 20" engine and wish I'd gone another route.

I intend to launch it with an extra 140 lbs in the motor well just to see how she sits in the water before I pull the trigger. But, is anyone out there running a Suzi big block 4 with this or a similar configuration? I'd love to hear what you think or any advice.

Thanks.