Cutter XLE 169 or Cutter XLE 171?

[steam_mill]

Trying to get a handle on which boat would be better for my needs. I'm a cottage owner in Ontario and the boat goes into the water in May and out in early October. I use the boat for fishing and cruising. I've narrowed down my search to two boats and I like them equally:<br /><br /> XLE 169 XLE 171<br />Length 16' 7" 16' 4"<br />Beam 5' 10" 7' 2"<br />HP 60 Merc 90 Merc<br />Weight 900 lbs 1200 lbs<br />Motor 219 lbs 305 lbs<br />Total 1119 lbs 1505 lbs<br />lbs./HP 18.65 16.72<br />Cost(CDN$) 15K 19K<br /><br />My concern in purchasing the 171 instead of the 169 is fuel consumption. Many times I use the boat fishing alone and I wondering if you think the 171 will use dramatically more fuel. On the other hand, will the 169 have enough power to tube with and maybe pull up an average adult skier (with the right prop). Also, I would like to cruise comfortably with 4 people in the boat.<br /><br />I am leaning to the 169 but don't want to short change myself in the future. Will the 169 be big enough compared to the 171. The 171 is dramatically wider and appears much roomier.<br /><br />Ideas? Comments?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Cutter XLE 169 or Cutter XLE 171?

I don't think your assumption is correct. A larger motor working less can burn less than a smaller motor working harder. I have a 17 foot BR with 130hp that gets excellent economy. My lbs per HP is up in the 20's. I believe for the items you specified, the 171 is the better package.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Cutter XLE 169 or Cutter XLE 171?

I think I'm going to go with the 171. Now my next question, if I go 4 stroke 90 hp, how much more can I expect to spend versus a 2 stroke 90 hp?<br /><br />What will my real world fuel savings be? How long will the 4 stroke last (I have a 30 year old 2 stroke that still runs like new!).<br /><br />Tx.