Considering Merc 20 hp

[lakelover]

Hi,<br />I've been lurking for a long time and thought I'd ask your opinion. This season I'm considering buying a Mercury 20 hp on a 14' aluminum Lowe or Starcraft utility boat. I've searched the web for user reviews on this motor but haven't found any for this particular model. Does anyone have any experience or advice regarding this motor or Merc's in general? This will be my first Merc, have owned Evinrude and Johnson in the past. Thanks for any input from this great forum!

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

Well first off what year Merc do you have in mind? A new one or used one? Go strait for the 25 HP if your gonna get a new one...same engine but has bigger carb and spools up about 500 rpm more. The newer Merc 20/25 have a 2.25/1 lower unit ratio which is great for pushing heavier loads. They are also VERY durable and one of the better engines built by Mercury. In addition they have the all in one shift and throttle on the tiller if you go the tiller route. If your gonna buy one of the old "weed angle" twenties that are cross scavenged, they are also VERY good engines too. They can troll all day long at idle without skipping a beat. BUT they are a little on the anemic side because they are power head rated(about 18HP at the prop). The newer 20/25 engines used to have chromed bores for an excedingly long life(guides use the crapp out of this motor). The 20/25 Merc generaly will out accelerate the same OMC type motor and in some cases push a heavier load faster(they are loopers the OMC is not)<br />As an added note..factory power trim and tilt kit is available for all Mercury's down to 6 HP(they have the cutest little hydraulic cylinders and pumps).

 

[lakelover]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking about the 2003 20. The boat hp capacity is either 25 or 30 depending on which one I go with. I may also look for a used boat that will handle a 20, and get a new motor. I don't fish much, but like to scoot around and enjoy the scenery. I didn't want to go with the 25, hoping the 20 would run a little less gas through, and my kids will be driving it some too.

 

[Jamar]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

Any year merc 20 hp is pretty tried and true. The newer the better generally. I have a 93 model 20hp that propels my 14'l4'wide jon well, tops out at 25mph.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

Go with the bigger motor and throttle back if<br />you want to save gas.Also go with the biggest basic boat you can afford it will get up on the water easier and stay up with less power.<br />Most that settle for less end up wishing for more power down the line.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

I appreciate the opinions! I'm gravitating toward a 14' Lowe Sea Nymph (#1462); will most likely go with the 20 hp. Two considerations: as I mentioned, I don't want my 14 year-old with more speed/power than he can handle, and I believe the 20 will fit into my tight budget better than a 25. At any rate, it will be a nice step up from my 1969 9.5 Johnson!

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

I was looking at a brand new 14' Lowe last April as well. But I also liked the 16, walk through. Ended up with a 20' Lund. Truly spent the rent that time!

 

[lakelover]

Re: Considering Merc 20 hp

Hi again. Well, I just visited a local marina (a Mercury Platinum dealer in NY) to start actively shopping for a boat & motor. I got a price on a 2003 Alumacraft V14 Utility with a 2003 Merc Classic 20 hp, neither one in stock. <br /><br />The price I was quoted was: 1699 plus 299 freight for the boat and 2199 for the motor. The salesman said he had a shipment of boats coming in in 2 weeks. <br /><br />Here's what made me uncomfortable about the experience. The salesman had trouble making eye contact and was more interested in talking than listening, but I guess maybe the fast talk is common for a salesman. He never mentioned the free extended warranty promotion on the motor. When I brought it up, he said it lasted another week. I had my printout from Mercury's website with me which lists the promotion as ending June 30. When I pointed that out, it was "Oh yeah, they extended that last week". I guess what's bothering me is the amount of BS I endured in a 15 minute visit.<br /><br />All that considered, my question is does the price sound in the ballpark and is it common to be charged freight when ordering a boat not in stock? Any advice?<br /><br />Thanks again.