I just bought a 1980 Sutphen 20. The transom and stringers were done by a very reputable shop as well as a brand new fuel tank. The boat has not been rigged or used since work was done, they did cut for the drive. I take a bunch of pictures as I finish this before next season. I’m either powering with Merc 350 MPI 300 Hp or a Merc 6.2 I think 340 Hp. What can anyone tell me about these ? Speed ? How are they in 1-2 footers. I was looking at 22 Donzi’s and this popped up. I’ve been told they run and handle better than the Donzi. I really like the looks and construction of the boat. I already have a 34 Sportfisherman as a primary boat, this will be used to play around. Thanks

This is a nice classic model from Sutphen, and the newer 21SS boats are just slightly changed, but basically the same boat. With a Merc. 6.2 you'll

see 70 mph for sure. In 1'-2' chop this boat runs great, but anything larger and You'll have to cruise slowly. Does it run better than a Donzi 22?

Everything is relative. It's more about the rigging to get the boat balanced right etc., and therefore a BBC is not advisable. I dig the look of these,

and most performance boaters know the Donzi 22, but only if they're from New England would they surely know a Sutphen. That is another fun

thing, to not own something that most guys/girls own or have owned. The 20-degree deadrise makes it less smooth in rougher water than the Donzi,

but also makes it a little quicker with comparable power if all things equal. Post away, I'm subscribing to Your thread, and congrats on the purchase!.

Sutphen 20 brochure photo and below the new Sutphen 21SS.

Thank you so much for the info, there isn’t a lot of information on these boats. I really appreciate the brochure pictures, I really like the lines on the 20. The blue gel coat is very oxidized, I’m going to put the time into bringing the original gel coat back. If I can’t get the color to come back I will move on to the same dark blue in paint. I plan on taking and posting lots of pictures. Thanks again

My 21SS currently runs around 65 mph with the 6.2 377

My 20 would do 60 with a fresh merc 350/260hp

I just picked up a nice 350 Vortec from the machine shop. My friend dropped the engine with them 6 months ago and decided on a different direction. The machine shop is guessing 330-350 horsepower. The engine is completely together and ready to drop in. They ran the engine with everything on it, I’m pretty happy.

Awesome boat! I can’t wait to see pics. Best of luck…and that Donzi v. Sutphen post is spot on!😁

Any updates? Love seeing the old Sutphens kept alive. Blue looks great. And the small block is perfect.