motor size

[Steplift 72']

I think the late 80's loopers were great motors, hate to see you get rid of it. On a V20 in open water it's a rare day that the speed of a 225 could be used, but when that day does finally happen 30 mph seems like you're sitting still looking at the horizon and glassy water. I did have some late 90's loopers also and they were not nearly as quick or fuel efficient. Some of the 2 stroke experts at this site explained the exhaust ports were choked down in those years for decreased emissions and that explanation was no doubt valid from what I experienced. There are folks here with excellent knowledge of the particulars of each motor and year models, hope they reply.

[THEFERMANATOR]

If you have a true 87 140, then you have a small bore looper 90 degree V-4 and it will be one fuel effcient 2 stroke. I have an 85 that I modded to mostly an 86 and that thing sipped fuel on every boat I've had it on averaging a fuel burn around 6-7 GPH. And they are a STRONG 140HP that can hang with most 150's, and leave em at the fuel dock. The late 90's 225 is a great engine, but is one of the thirstiest 225's ever turned out by OMC with the small exhaust ports and finger ports for the intake to force enough air through em to make 225HP. If the 140 isn't rotted out, then that is still my personal choice over the 225 for a V-20 as they simply aren't heavy or big enough to really need the 225HP. And for the rare occurrence that you will be able to use it offshore I don't think the extra fuel burn will be justified. The 140 will burn about 1-1.5 GPH at an idle, the 225 will burn about 2GPH. At a 30MPH cruise I would expect the 140 to burn about 8GPH, the 225 will be closer to 10GPH.

[bradford]

Something about taking a well matched and perfectly good running engine off a boat sounds like bad mojo to me. People do it all the time though. I used to have a 225 on mine and the boat feels better balanced with the 150.

[RidgeRunner]

I agree with Ferm and others. Excessive weight is a disadvantage. I have had three versions of Merc v-6 motors on the back of my V. Stepped up in weight every time, the lightweight 200 carbed motor at 389lbs was the perfect match for overall balance. I have sacrificed some of the seagoing ability of my V with the 500+ lb motor I am currently running. Definitely stern heavy now. The way I use the boat for scalloping, running the rivers and bay fishing, I will make do with my choice for now. NYMACK has a 140 that is really nice. His stern sits high in the water.

[Destroyer]

Yes, your boat can handle a 225. Don't know what the weight of your engine is, but if it's about the same as mine (1991 Johnnyrude looper)then you'll be fine. BUT, you'll drink more fuel than your 140 for all the reasons that have aleady be stated.