18 or 20 ft Lowe Jon with 20hp motor

These are rated for a minimum of 20 hp. Would this just make it a dog though?

I have a 16ft Lowe with a 28hp motor. Runs good, but my boat is loaded down too with decking, etc. If you have just a plain boat with no extras, the 18ft may be fine with a 20hp motor. Anything bigger with a 20 may just be too slow and eat up the gas.

18 foot might be ok with that engine. I could see the 20’ having issues getting on plane loaded down with a 20 horse. A 40 hp would really be ideal for that size of boat. You won’t regret springing for a larger engine but you will be extremely disappointed if the smaller engine ends up not suiting your needs.

Minimum HP is just a selling tactic. You will NOT be happy unless putting around at just above idle is your thing. Always go with max rating. Always