What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

[ERR446]

I am in the process of buying a 2000 Explorer Penn Yan boat for fishing inland river waters but would also like my grandchildren to be able to water ski behind the boat. The max hp rating for this boat is 200 hp. The marketing people tell me that a 115 hp 4 stroke will enable this boat to go 30 mph which is plenty fast for me. I would like to buy a 4 stroke engine for this new boat. Will appreciate any advice that might be out there. GRIZ1000@aol.com

 

[JB]

Re: What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

I suspect that the biggest 4 stroke your dealer has to offer is a 115, Griz. Must be a Merc dealer. I would love to have a boat that could handle a new Yammy or Honda V6 4 stroke.<br /><br />Ask a Yamaha, Honda or Suzuki dealer. You will probably get a different answer.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

Beginning skiers need to be pulled out of the water pretty quick, at least it helps them. 30 mph does not mean much if it takes it forever to get there, and the boat has to be trimmed out perfect.<br /><br />Free advice here (and take it as such), but I would lean towards the higher end of horsepower rating if I was going to pull skiers. Like a 175 or so. Problem is, there are no 4-strokes out there that I am aware of in this size.<br /><br />HOWEVER, if the dealer could hook me up with someone that had the same boat with a 115 4-stroke, I would pay them to take me a ride, and see how it handled, and I would see how satisfied they are too.

 

[ERR446]

Re: What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

Appreciate your inputs thanks.

 

[MURX]

Re: What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

I'd drive to canader and buy a Honda 130 Eh, you'll save your self a fortune, & it weighs the same as a 115 Honda Eh

 

[Dhadley]

Re: What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

Well put Dawg. Ditto.<br /><br />We've all seen beginner skiers give up the sport for life because the learning experience was a disaster from a boat that dragged them instead of "popping" them up.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[JB]

Re: What Size Outboard Engine for 20 Foot Boat

Hi, Guys. Reminder: The PennYan can take 200hp. Both Honda and Yamaha offer 200hp 4 strokes.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB