Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

[tfbrown1270]

I have a 14 1/2 Lund aluminum fishing boat with a 94 Evinrude 20 hp tiller, pull start motor. It runs great but seems very heavy for the stern of this boat (it sits pretty low at the stern); I've lifted this engine up and its a back breaker so I was wondering about trading it for a 96 15 hp and a little cash at a local boat shop. I noticed the 9.9 and 15 from that era are MUCH lighter. I would still like to be able to cruise on the step but don't need the speed of the 20. I know this is a 25% reduction in hp thats obvious...any down side to this or should I go for it?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

A 15 2-stroke will typically plane a boat like that with 2 people and gear. Not necessarily with a 4-stroke.

 

[tfbrown1270]

Re: Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

the 15 is a two stroke

 

[tfbrown1270]

Re: Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

I know the 20 is plenty of motor for that boat, I was wondering if performance would drop by much since although I'm giving up 5hp I also shedding some serious weight....would one balance out the other? or almost so?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

Some years back I fished with a friend of mine who at that time owned a Lund S15 Deluxe with a 15 Johnson. It was a great boat and it planed nicely with us two "not so svelt" guys aboard.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

I had an 18 Merc 2 stroke(same size as the 25) and changed it for a 1997 15hp Evinrude 2 stroke. The difference in speed and power was marginal on my 14 ft Princecraft. I really think you will enjoy the swap. Lighter, smaller, smoother, quiter, easier to pull start (a little 6" pull gets it going) and a lot easier to handle.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Should I replace a 20 hp with a 15 hp?

i think you will be fine, be sure the shaft length is correct for your transom.