Why is 200 hp a bit much for Vs ?

[Fitz]

I think 200hp is a really good match for the V20 hull. My 1975 hull is rated for 230hp (twin 115s in the day), and I find that 200 gives it ample power under any circumstances. It planes effortlessly and economically at 3,200 rpms, even with a good load. Unless the engine you're considering is very heavy, I don't think you'll be disappointed with a 200.

I have a 1989 Evinrude 200XP that weighs 450lbs. I run a 14.5 x 18 stainless prop. When I first bought the boat I experimented with some other props, but I settled on this one and have never run anything else. I use the boat for a wide range of activities – cruising, skiing, tubing, and inshore and offshore fishing, and I regularly carry several people and a lot of gear. The 14.5 x 18 prop doesn't give me the fastest speed or best mileage, but I'm more interested in all-around performance. I can always run at least 47mph even with a full load, and I can always run in the specified 5,000 - 6,000 max rpm range for my engine. That combination also provides immediate response and superb torque whenever I have to hammer it to get through a nasty inlet.

If my engine ever dies I'm going to repower with a 200 small block Etec. It has a little less displacement, but it's very close in weight to what I'm currently running and from everything I've read the difference will be negligible. That said, I do hope I get many more years out of my sometimes thirsty but otherwise very reliable and powerful engine.

[Fitz]

To answer your two other questions - I've never experienced any porpoising or stern dig at all. My engine has a foil that was installed by the previous owner, so that may have something to do with modulating my boat's planing pattern, but I can't say for sure because I've never run without it.

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by Fitz

I think 200hp is a really good match for the V20 hull. My 1975 hull is rated for 230hp (twin 115s in the day), and I find that 200 gives it ample power under any circumstances. It planes effortlessly and economically at 3,200 rpms, even with a good load. Unless the engine you're considering is very heavy, I don't think you'll be disappointed with a 200.

I have a 1989 Evinrude 200XP that weighs 450lbs. I run a 14.5 x 18 stainless prop. When I first bought the boat I experimented with some other props, but I settled on this one and have never run anything else. I use the boat for a wide range of activities – cruising, skiing, tubing, and inshore and offshore fishing, and I regularly carry several people and a lot of gear. The 14.5 x 18 prop doesn't give me the fastest speed or best mileage, but I'm more interested in all-around performance. I can always run at least 47mph even with a full load, and I can always run in the specified 5,000 - 6,000 max rpm range for my engine. That combination also provides immediate response and superb torque whenever I have to hammer it to get through a nasty inlet.

If my engine ever dies I'm going to repower with a 200 small block Etec. It has a little less displacement, but it's very close in weight to what I'm currently running and from everything I've read the difference will be negligible. That said, I do hope I get many more years out of my sometimes thirsty but otherwise very reliable and powerful engine.

Go for the HO .........

[captpete13]

I have a 225 Optimax on my V. Right now I'm running a Merc Revolution 4 prop with 19" pitch. My top end is 53mph occasionally hitting the rev limiter. But the cruise is perfect. 30kts at 4000 rpms and getting 3.5mpg.

[bgreene]

Yeh well I changed my mind on that one - and went for the HO.

Now someone tell me where the switch is.........to dial it up to 250 hp!

225 Opti is known as a top speed motor - both etec and merc 225's putting out closer to 265 hp at the prop.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by bgreene

Yeh well I changed my mind on that one - and went for the HO.

Now someone tell me where the switch is.........to dial it up to 250 hp!

225 Opti is known as a top speed motor - both etec and merc 225's putting out closer to 265 hp at the prop.

245, 265 would get them in trouble with the insurance industry as you have to be within 10% of the rated HP. As for turning it up, it isn't that simple on the new ETECS. Pretty sure there is porting differences in them like MERCURY did.

[captpete13]

went out fishing today and managed to get a pic of all the info on speed and fuel burn.I'm lovin my Opti.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by captpete13

went out fishing today and managed to get a pic of all the info on speed and fuel burn.I'm lovin my Opti.

Sweet numbers on a V!!...