Max horsepower

[504V20]

I have the same boat. Just ran it for the first time with 2008 etec 200HO yesterday (about 220hp at prop). Didn't have it propped quite right as it was only turning 5100rpm, but at about 52 mph it started to chine walk. We had a very light load (half tank fuel, no gear, 2 adults). Prop was 21" Viper.

Based on the foregoing I would think 225hp is "more than you need" type max and 200 HP would be sweet spot, assuming your priority is a fast cruise over economy.

[bradford]

I replaced a 225 Evinrude looper with a 150 etec that I love. Now that I'm not as poor as I used to be I'd probably go for a 200 if hanging a new engine. I like the etecs, but wouldn't hesitate to run a new 4 cylinder four stroke 200 Yamaha or maybe a Suzuki depending on your local dealer/mechanic support situation.

[Destroyer]

Everyone has their favorite, but for me, I have a 1991 Mercury 200 hp 2.5L engine that I absolutely love. Boat moves when I want it to and loafs when speed isn't an issue. I know that Wellcraft for a lot of years sold these boats with a 150 hp engine, and there are a lot of ppl on this site that swear that combo is just about perfect, but for me the 200 is where I want to be at.

[draglink]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Everyone has their favorite, but for me, I have a 1991 Mercury 200 hp 2.5L engine that I absolutely love. Boat moves when I want it to and loafs when speed isn't an issue. I know that Wellcraft for a lot of years sold these boats with a 150 hp engine, and there are a lot of ppl on this site that swear that combo is just about perfect, but for me the 200 is where I want to be at.

x2....mine is a late 80s Merc 2.4 200, that has been built and tweeked just a touch. I couldn't be happier

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by 504V20

I have the same boat. Just ran it for the first time with 2008 etec 200HO yesterday (about 220hp at prop). Didn't have it propped quite right as it was only turning 5100rpm, but at about 52 mph it started to chine walk. We had a very light load (half tank fuel, no gear, 2 adults). Prop was 21" Viper.

Based on the foregoing I would think 225hp is "more than you need" type max and 200 HP would be sweet spot, assuming your priority is a fast cruise over economy.

So what prop are you running now ? The REBEL prop is most commonly recommended with the Etec's ....... Hitting 52 mph at only 5,100 rpm is very fast....... look forward to speed report when you're tuned properly and getting 5,600 rpm.

[RidgeRunner]

I run a 250 but that is overkill. It allows for a lot of power across the RPM range and runs close to 60 mph. I ran a 1980's model 2.4 liter carbed Mercury 200 hp for a time.(like 175 hp by todays rating method) It ran great and was better suited for the boat because it was over 100 lbs lighter than the big 250. Be aware, heavy 4-strokes don't work well on these hulls. They were designed with lighter power in mind as that is what was available at the time. I'm not saying it won't work as many would say the 250 I run won't work. Shhhhh- just don't let it hear you say it...

[Ricrob]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

I run a 250 but that is overkill. It allows for a lot of power across the RPM range and runs close to 60 mph. I ran a 1980's model 2.4 liter carbed Mercury 200 hp for a time.(like 175 hp by todays rating method) It ran great and was better suited for the boat because it was over 100 lbs lighter than the big 250. Be aware, heavy 4-strokes don't work well on these hulls. They were designed with lighter power in mind as that is what was available at the time. I'm not saying it won't work as many would say the 250 I run won't work. Shhhhh- just don't let it hear you say it...

Happy to hear that! I just bought myself a 1989 V20F-CC with a nice and bulky Mercury 250 EFI and I'm very curious to test the performance next summer!

What prop du u use? I have a 21" SS High-five but I'm thinking about changing to 3-blade?

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by Ricrob

Happy to hear that! I just bought myself a 1989 V20F-CC with a nice and bulky Mercury 250 EFI and I'm very curious to test the performance next summer!

What prop du u use? I have a 21" SS High-five but I'm thinking about changing to 3-blade?

A high five is a good prop for getting on plane, thats it. What prop you need has alot to do with how you plan to use the boat. I like the large diameter mirage type props for most uses myself. Not the fastest, but good holeshot, faster cruise speeds, and good economy because of excellent bite.

[RidgeRunner]

To finish Ferm's thought I use a 3 blade Mirage copy made by Quicksilver without the PVS (vent holes) 21 Pitch. Not the fastest but great all around performance. Big round eared blades with some cup on the trailing edge for extra bite. Good bow lift, good cruise, both speed and mileage wise.
I had an EFI once. Sold it to a guy on here. Those motors drink lots of petrol...
It was the fastest motor I ever tried on my V-20 at 61.7 mph officially turning a 23p Tempest to the limiter at 5800 RPM.. Lots of prop slip but the stern lifts a little more with the Tempest and that prop likes trim. See signature picture of the 250 EFI strung out on the Suwannee River a few years back. That was when I weighed 270 lbs. Now that I am 175 lbs. I am sure I could reach 62 ;-)
Click on the picture to see how much boat is actually out of the water. The keel is touching water just in front of the console. Aired out for a old F-20 fisherman.IMG_3861-Copy (2).jpg

IMG_3856 (2).jpg

[RidgeRunner]

The top slows it down.