115 HP and 20' North River?

Rusty · 01-09-2009, 08:19 PM

A friend is considering a new 20' NR pwerered by a 115 HP Yamaha prop. I expressed concern that 115 HP might be a bit too small and he would regret not upgrading to a 130 or 135. (Windshield boat-96" beam)

I am hoping someone with first hand knowledge can help him decide based on your own experience. If you can help out, your comments would be greatly appreciated.

This boat is being featured at the Boat Show and is ready for delivery, I just do not want him to make a mstake.

Rusty

Elk Mania · 01-09-2009, 08:35 PM

yea I would upgrade it no brainer the reason it comes like that is a power package that would be a big mistake. Tell him to get the 150 fourstroke yami he will love it instant throttle response and turn of the key start plenty of power the boat will look good with the blue motor

northrivergrn · 01-09-2009, 08:54 PM

I have a 17' NR Mariner with a Yamaha 115 and it scoots!! Get something bigger to push that 20 footer around

mitch184 · 01-09-2009, 10:11 PM

Personally I'd say atleast 150. If you were planning on running 4 people step up to a 175 or even 200.

RiverJohn · 01-10-2009, 08:09 AM

150hp is the agreed upon typical power for a 20'.

With a 115hp on a 20' you will top out at 38 mph.

Will it work ? yes

Optimal power ? not quite enough.

I have a 115hp on my 18.6 NR does fine, no high end speed, but I only fish and 40 mph is all I need.

I could not recommend a 115hp on anything larger than mine.

Excellent boats though ! Love mine !

OB1 · 01-10-2009, 04:56 PM

When I picked up my 20FT NR Seahawk, there was a guy there who was looking to upgrade his 115 to a 150hp for his 20ft Seahawk.
Glad I looked at this board before I purchase my 20ft Seahawk.
Mine has the 150Hp Honda and at the lake the first year I owned it I had 7 adults on board and no problem getting on plane.
Since then I've had mine out to the ranch and the pile with 4 guys loaded to the hilt and no problem.
Get a 150hp and you won't be unhappy!
Honda, Yamaha or Suzuki 4 stroke are all good!

fish-on-bend · 01-10-2009, 05:01 PM

I have 18' Fishrite (windshield) with the Yami 115. Just enough motor for me. I agree with all that the 150 (or more) is the way to go on a 20' boat. Cheaper to upgrade before you take delivery.

Steelie Steve · 01-10-2009, 05:04 PM

He should ask to test drive the 20'er with a 115 on it and see if he is OK with it. I did just that when I was shopping and made the decision to go with the 150. The 115 just seemed a bit sluggish to me. The 150 makes my boat scoot!

foxer · 01-10-2009, 05:32 PM

If its a Mariner then it will probably be enough. I test drove a Seahawk with a 115 2 Stoke and you could tell it was underpowered with just two guys.

luckyj · 01-10-2009, 05:49 PM

I've been in the ocean in my buddys 20 ft. seahawk with a 140 Suzuki. Seems to have plenty of power and awesome fuel economy.

Boats · 01-10-2009, 05:56 PM

I had the 20' NR seahawk with offshore bracket.

I wouldn't consider the boat with anything other than the 150 Yamaha (which I had) or the Suzuki.

115 will not cut it when wet and loaded.

damoperator · 01-11-2009, 02:45 PM

I have the NR Seahawk with a 115 Suk. top end 38 with 3 onboard [ Realy 4 as I count for 2 my self.] Great fule eco. Fast enough and quick enough on plane for me. You need to consider how often you will be loaded to the max and decide if it is worth the extra money for that extra hp. If they will deal on the bigger hp it is worth it; but in my opinion not necessary. When I bought mine it was only $1500 more for the 140hp but the wifes look told me this was not a hill I wanted to die on that day. Damoperator

bgfire · 01-11-2009, 07:51 PM

I have a 115 HP Yamaha on a 20' Boulton Sea Skiff. I bought the boat used from a private party. The 115 does great for what I ask of it. Mine will top out between 38 and 40 mph. It does well with 3-4 people, fishing gear, ice, etc on the 20 mile run down the coast for bottom fish. It also does well at the lake pulling a 2-3 person tube with passengers in the boat. It is easy on fuel.

I have had no complaints about the 115. If I was buying new, I would possibly look toward the 150; more power when loaded, and not that much more weight.

The real question would be how you envision using the boat, and how fast you need to get there. Afterall, how often do we need to, or get to run 38+ on the Pacific!

retaliate · 01-12-2009, 10:21 AM

My 19' transome mount Boat has a 115 merc(Yamaha motor) 4 stroke, & is a little low on power with a full load of Tuna, Ice, 3 passengers, & Gear, a 20' North River Seahawk has a offshore bracket, & 1/4" bottom, & is wider than my boat, so you would need to prop down & run at a higher than desired RPM when loaded, the Suzuki 140, or any of the 150's is about right for that Boat.

bcline76 · 01-12-2009, 12:31 PM

Bought a 20' NR Seahawk last year at the boat show, with the Yami 115. Cost was an issue and stepping up to the 150 wasn't feesible for me. For 90% of what we use it for the 115 is fine but when loaded w/ 4 big dudes and all the gear it is a bit sluggish and it would be nice to have a little extra HP. If you are plannig on loading it up and running out into the blue water I would really suggest the 150.

MattPark · 01-12-2009, 05:40 PM

I've got a 2 stroke 150 on my boat so I won't compare it, but about everyone I fish with has a 20ish footer deep vee with a 4 stroke 115, 140, or 150. My boat does low to mid 40s depending on load, and will only get about 3.5mpg cruising mid 30s mph (deep vee 19'). My fuel economy really sucks compared to the 4 strokes.

1st boat, 20' Hewes Sea Runner with a OB and a Yamaha 115. Power is adequate. Burns as much fuel as either other boat, but it's at full throttle a whole lot, so no big surprise there. 4 adults crossing a sporty bar is no fun, there's no power when you need it. Boat tops out at 36-37 with a couple guys. I would not take this boat out 30 miles and load it with tuna on an iffy day, it just won't get out of it's way when it needs to.

Boat 2, 20' NR Seahawk with an OB and a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke. Same story, but boat is much more stable (less tippy) when it's not moving. Not related to engine, but I'd throw that out there. Boat will do about 38. Seems like it gets around a bit better than the Hewes, but I've got no hard data.

Boat 3, 20' Luxor OB OS, 140 Suzuki. Boat tops out at 40-42 and burns fuel at cruise than the Hewes (.75mpg or so). Much better acceleration (both propped to reach max rpm at wot).

Boat 4, 21' Seahawk with Yamaha 150. Tops out in the mid 40s, noticeably more power than any of the above (mainly the 115s). Much nicer to drive with a load, a lot less 100% throttle time.

A 115 will get around just fine, but if his plan is to take it out on big blue and load it up with people or fish, get the 150 (or bigger). People will tell you that a 115 on a 22' boat of this style is just fine, and in my opinion, it's not even close to fine. I wouldn't count on the 115 burning any less fuel than a 140 or 150, I'd put my money on it being the other way around. I wouldn't jump to a 130 or 135 if it's a Honda, they weigh too much more.

None of the engine mentioned above have had a single issue.

Jason S · 01-12-2009, 06:35 PM

This is a quote I have previously posted on this subject. I have a 20 with a 150. A buddy has a 20 with a 115. Both boats are idetical stock Seahawks.

I have a 150 on my NR. A good friend has a 115. The 115 is kind of doggy getting on plane. 150 will run high 40's, I can run 45 with 20 tuna, ice and three guys with good water. My performance does not uffer at all with wieght. The 115 starts struggling to get on plane with more than three guys on board. Depends on what your looking for I guess. but I am happy I did not scrimp and got the 150. The Hewes Searunner seems to do fine with the 115 though. I have another buddy with a Searunner with a 115.

boatnbubba · 01-16-2009, 04:31 PM

What is the boats max rated hp?? Always get as clost to the max rating, if not at the max rating when buying a motor for a boat. You will use less fuel on running a bigger motor, than using a smaller motor. Also look at the motor for number of cyl. Looking at the Evinrude E-Tecs, the 115hp and 130hp motors are V4's. When you go to the 150, you jump to a V6. So besides the hp increase, your getting more torque....and torque is what pushes a boat.
If you go with a 4 stroke motor, get one right at the max only. If you go with a 2 stroke motor, you could probably go with one size smaller than max and still be ok. Always better to run a bigger motor easier, than a smaller motor harder. Bigger motor will last longer and use less fuel.

fishorgolf · 01-30-2009, 05:08 PM

Mattpark, Jason, Boatn: All good advice I agree with you all , I couldn,t of said it any better. I guess if kickers count its a 234.9 hp hear with no regrets. Have Fun and Be Safe

Pandion · 02-12-2009, 04:59 PM

One thing to consider when sizing up to a 150. The North River folks recommended that you go with hydraulic steering which adds another $1500.00 to the price.

Halfhooked · 02-12-2009, 09:13 PM

Go with the 150 if you can swing it. Your payments will only increase slightly and you will be much happier. Dont make this big of a financial decision and then have regrets...My