Bread, I will tell you my story hopefully it helps in your decision. When I found the boat in 06 it had the original 150 hp 1985 suzuki. I have had suzuki power on two other family boats and could not be happier with them so you know I did entertain other brands but all of their posotives was not enough to steer me away from suzuki power. I am no Don Johnson 8) and 40 mph wot is good enough for me and the fam.
Iam the second owner of the boat and the person who I had baught from had the canvas and enclosure done 1 yr prior and fuel tank 2 yrs prior. I did replace the soft transom, steering , and added trim tabs. As for the scuppers I do have several solutions to that minor problem and to be honest when tank is full water drains at rest. If Iam in the boat it drains slowwwly unless I go to the front or helm area. I do admit I had to get used to seeing a little water in my boat but, use it enough and Iam fine with it now. We are not talking about a flood of water, enough to get your foot wet to your toe tops at most.I always expect and prepair to get a little wet on any boat. Iam 300lbs so you know. I also have two gell cell batteries that wiegh more than conventials and bigger than necessary at that ,so an extra 120lbs at least to the back of the boat. Now tank at 3/4-1/2 full not really an issue. If really necessary I cork the scuppers. Please note that I looked at a New 208 at my local grady dealer with F-150 Yamaha power. Price around 38,000. I also asked about re power he recomended and said he repowers older 20' center or cuddy grady's with f 150 s all the time. The weight is about the same for HPDI or 4 stroke. I was crabbing over the weekend me, wife and 2 youngsters hanging on the port side had no problems. I was more worried about losing the crab than a little water on deck. I also have an 1985 mako center console and 99 DT 150 Suzuki. Iam not against a 175 I just got a good deal on a 150.