I have 2 motors that I been wanting to put on my 1448 lowes it came with a 20 mercury but I have a johnson 25hp was givingto me by a good friend and I can't fix with one I want to put on it they both are in about the same shape. I just can't decide with one I want to put on it thanks

is your 1448 rated for 25? I don't think there is enough difference between a 20 and a 25 to justify one over the other, besides legality (if its rated for 20hp max). Choose whichever runs best. 

What year models?

1448 is rated for 25 hp

It's a 1970 lowes line that what I was told it was rated for 

1 hour ago, jrbaker90 said:

It's a 1970 lowes line that what I was told it was rated for 

What model outboards?

2 or 4 stroke?

The mercury is a 1978 mercury 200 the johnson is a 1972. Both are 2 stroke 

I would give both a test, then choose

 

6 hours ago, jrbaker90 said:

The mercury is a 1978 mercury 200 the johnson is a 1972. Both are 2 stroke 

Which one runs better?

Either the they both need about the same amount work I know the mercury will run I had it running but my pull rope broke and never fixed it and the johnson needs a good tune up and points set 

20 hours ago, jrbaker90 said:

Either the they both need about the same amount work I know the mercury will run I had it running but my pull rope broke and never fixed it and the johnson needs a good tune up and points set 

Ok so you own both?

Try em both see which preforms best on that boat