Repowering

Pipe_Dream

Pipe_Dream

God
Hi. I am new to this board, but am so glad I found it. I have a 1983 V20 Steplift with a 1989 Evenrude 155 that's breathing its last. Yamahas are big in this area, and there are 3 dealers which I think is a plus for service or warranty issues. I am considering the 200 hp HPDI and the 200hp 4-stroke. Does anyone have any experience with either of these on V20s? Also, I get conflicting opinions about 2 vs 4 stokes: many say that the 4-strokes are slow coming out of the hole, although that's not a huge issue with me I WOULD like to get the best performance/economy/quiet running engine for my $. Any first hand experience and knowledge would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
Pipe_Dream, welcome to the site. I think Fugazi is the only member on board that has repowered with a 4 stroke motor. He went with the Johnson/Evinrude badged Suzuki 140. At last report, he sounded fairly pleased with the performance.
The only reports that I've heard from a few people I know with 4 strokes is that the power in the midrange seems to be a little lackluster. It probably wouldn't be an issue for a 200 hp on a V20 though. I haven't looked at the numbers recently but what are the weight differences between the 200 HPDI and the 200 4 Stroke? Could be a factor.
Although mine is and older motor ('89), I have a 2 stroke Yamaha 150. I really get super performance from this motor and would consider repowering with the same new version of this motor in the future. It's quiet (really, it is), economical, and delivers good top end and cruise speeds. That's just my opinion though.
I'm sure others will chime in with some good views on this as well. Best of luck in your decision making.
 
Thanks, Chumbucket. I’ve been told that the HPDI weighs 450 lbs. vs 580 lbs. for the 4-stroke. My old 155 weighs only about 430. I guess I could have someone weighing 150 lbs. stand on the transom and see how much lower the stern sits in the water. You’re probably right, that the somewhat lackluster power of the 4-stroke wouldn’t be such an issue since I am replacing a 155 with a 200 hp. But this is a big decision for me, one that (I hope) I will have to live with for a long time. I only trust the dealers input so far – I know that they just want to make a sale, and that’s fine. Better to talk to folks that are actually using these motors, and see what they have to say. Thanks again!
 
Yeah, That's what I was trying to say. Being a 200 hp, you wouldn't notice any adverse performance issues. That is a lot of weight though. Wet feet?
I'm just a tad over 150lbs so I guess I can't stand on the transom for ya. ::) ;D
BTW, what the hell is up with your apostrophe keys? It went bezerk there. Where abouts are you located?
 
I think that the weight would be too much for the four stroke . I have a friend who has a 225 optmax on a 1988 v20 fish and it is almost over weight . He had to move his batterys foward to keep the stern self bailing. I fish with a guy who has a 2003 26' regulator with the Yamaha four stroke . Before that he had a 2001 with the hpdi's. I liked the hpdi better . Fuel economy was about the same and when we are running hard the sound level is close. hpdi's are 200hp and 225hp for the four stroke , topping out at about 54mph. The four stroke is expensive to have serviced . If I were to replace 150 yamaha ,I most likely go with a new Evinrude 175hp weighing in @ 419 lbs and a 7 year warranty
 
Well I have a 1989 175 yamaha and it weight is 390# I am not to sure how the weight will affect how low your transom is going to be as I have it on a convertyed I/O and with a full transom I don't have that problem.
As for the motor 2 or 4 stroke, well i have 2 people that i no with the 4 and one wishes he never did it!! Says way to slow and slow to plain! But this might be under power IMO. He has a 23 footer with a 200 on it. The 200 2 stroke was a much better motor for him.
The other guy likes the quite and the fuel ecomny but also complains of the power.

I love my Yamaha and would repower with the same in a min.!! 2 stroke 175, pleanty of power, good on gas, and quite!! really!! I had the I/O before and had to yell at each other when under way, But with the yamaha we can talk normal while under way no problem.

Just my 2 cents worth!
 
Well, thanks to all for your input. Clearly I have more research to do. I'll let you know what I do and how it works out (and I'll try to send some pics).
 
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