first catch on new 78 v20
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spareparts
God
lots of gas, lots of beer. Good lookin naked women in case the fish ain't bite'n
spareparts
God
that 125 is a decent motor, a little under powered for a V20, but it will get you there. Begin with preventative maintenance, change the gear lube, put a new water pump in, replace the thermostat, replace the fuel filter,add a water separating fuel filter, replace your fuel line and primer bulb with a quality primer bulb(go OEM). Issues on those motors are: lower unit are weak, fuel pump diaphragms, carbs are a pain to set up properly, mercury electronics, fuel lines on the engine, especially at the junction of the oil line, incoming fuel line, out going fuel line). if your engine has the accelerator pump on the block, get rid of it, you'll never know the difference and it will keep you from having an issue with it. If you don't have one, add a second battery. oil injection on these motors don't give too much of a problem
spareparts
God
i reread your question and realized i missed your point. If you want to upgrade to a bigger engine, there are lots of choices to consider, but to narrow your possibilities, I'd need to know what kind of money you are looking to spend
step up here
Senior Member
Towing contract Boat US, Sea Tow etc. Capt Pete is a certified marine mechanic in Point Pleasant NJ and even owns a V-20 and is on this site as Capt. Pete. Good luck fishing!
Well I bought the boat for 3300 so I think im ahead of the curve its turn key w no issues. Im guessing maybe another 3gs. Was looking at trim tabs. It has fishfinder and new gps 178c. All yous guys boats look brand new. I want a go anywhere trouble free boat. ...this pic is after star brite cleaner w buffer n polish ..still looks off ..shiny but yellowish ..suggestions
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cterrebonne
God
I'd say for safety an extra battery isolated from the other battery and a sea tow membership. You could also get a kicker motor for pretty cheap that can get you back in if something happens. I plan on getting a really small 4 stroke for my V.
My 81' has a 96 Johnson 200 ocean runner.
Though I just bought the boat, all the research Ive done, everybody says these motors are near bulletproof. The mid 90's models are very good and you can probably pick up a 150-200HP for about $3500-$5000.
spareparts
God
$3000 will probably keep you in carb 2 stroke range. I personally like Mercury V6's. they are light, make great power, you can use your existing wire harness and controls. Down side to mercs are the oil system is sketchy after it gets some age on it and the ignition can give some issues, water pumps on need to be replaced every year. My next recommendation would be a Yamaha V6, they are very reliable, oil injection rarely gives any problem and the ignition is bullet proof. Down side is they are expensive, parts are outrageous(especially the ignition), the trim system gives issues, trim motors are $$$, corrosion is an issue as well. Weight is about the same as the Johnrudes, but more than the mercs. Johnrudes round out the selection. Parts are cheap, the motors can be found cheap, plenty of aftermarket and good used parts. downside is the lower units fail quite regularly, the oil injection didn't work when they were brand new and should be disconnected, the ignition system gives issues, plastic carburetors(no longer available from the manufacture) and corrosion. Used 2 stroke Suzuki's are great motors, but their reputation for corrosion issues is earned, parts are rare and stupid expensive, good used lower unit bring a premium. I'd recommend staying away from them unless you find a nice fresh water, looks brand new, low hour, too cheap to pass up kinda deal.
Keep your merc for now, get used to the boat. If you find a deal on a motor, post it up on here and we'll give you our opinion on it.
Keep your merc for now, get used to the boat. If you find a deal on a motor, post it up on here and we'll give you our opinion on it.
Destroyer
God
Hi and welcome to the site. Where are you located in northern NJ? I'm in Montville, and several of us here on this site live fairly close to each other.
LISTEN to Spareparts and always take his advice if possible. The man is a walking encyclopedia on engines. You could spend thousands just to get the opinions he just gave you for free in this post. (except for that part about "
They say that a 150hp 2 stroke is the perfect size for these boats, and in fact, they came from the factory with 150's. My personal preference is a little larger. My 21 has a 200 and my 20 has a 225. I like the 200 ... I realize that not everyone will agree, but for me, it seems to be just about the perfect fit.
LISTEN to Spareparts and always take his advice if possible. The man is a walking encyclopedia on engines. You could spend thousands just to get the opinions he just gave you for free in this post. (except for that part about "
If you have good lookin naked women running around your boat you don't really need the gas, beer or fish. They help, but are not necessary).
They say that a 150hp 2 stroke is the perfect size for these boats, and in fact, they came from the factory with 150's. My personal preference is a little larger. My 21 has a 200 and my 20 has a 225. I like the 200 ... I realize that not everyone will agree, but for me, it seems to be just about the perfect fit.
randlemanboater
God
spareparts
God
there is no such thing
I had a customer that was complaining about their boat being broke and could not understand. i made mention that 99% of the boats I step on have something wrong with them. I got a complete blank stare of confusion from her.It went right over her head, and I just kept working on the boat
spareparts
God
Goose Creek, SC (near Charleston, SC)