More power

[8720mariner]

Are there any things I can do to get more power out of my 1987 20 h.p. mariner ?

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: More power

my advice would be to buy a bigger motor if you want more power. The price for the parts and labor required would in itself make it not worth it. Not to mention, you could hurt the reliabilty of the engine too. sell the 20 and buy a larger motor.

 

[8720mariner]

Re: More power

Thanks for the reply. It has been a good motor.Maybe I should just leave it alone.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: More power

yea if its been good to you, theres no reason to change it. You can always upgrade if necessary.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: More power

i fully agree with the above .....

 

[JB]

Re: More power

With any outboard in that power range you can usually get more performance improvement by fine tuning the setup and boat balance than by hopping up the engine.

 

[steelespike]

Re: More power

You may be able to improve your motors performance.
First be sure your motor is in fine tune start with a compression check.
be sure the prop is in good shape.
Then you can fine tune your setup.Be sure the antivent plate is at least even with the bottom of the boat.You can also raise it farther a little at a time with 1/4 in. sticks at the top of the transom.Raise it until just before venting becomes a problem.Be sure clamps still have a good grip and it is pumping water.Depending on where your at now you could gain as much as 2 to 3 mph.Once your set and check your rpm,you can up grade the prop.
Perhaps as simple as adding a little cup to the prop.You can also select a prop for your specific requirements.A prop might let you raise the motor even more.Of course careful weight distribution,motor trim and clearing out excess weight can help too.