Al, I did a complete re-do on a 20 Skippy before I bought my Blackman. My buddy just finished a 24 so I have a lot of background in skipjacks. I put a Marine Power EFI350 with a 290dp in it. I cruised at 28kts and topped out at 35-39knts the boat is a lot lighter than a 24 and the engine had more horse power than most marine 350's. If I were you I would give Zack (fireescape) a call he is selling a diesel and out drive package that would be perfect for that boat. You are going to spend about the same for both and the safety and reliability of the diesel far out weighs the gas motor.