How much power?

[charlie76]

I am looking into buying my first boat. It will be used for skiing, wake boarding, fishing, and just cruising around. I am looking at 17 foot boats and was wondering how much HP is adequate for my needs, as stated above. I am not looking for the fastest boat, just something that meets my needs. Actually, in the interest of economy I would like to have a smaller engine.

 

[Matt King]

Re: How much power?

No less than a 100hp o/b or about 135 out drive. I have a little 40 hp mercury that will burn as much as my big old 135 mercury. If you buy an under powered boat you will be kicking your self for years. I know I've been there. If your buget is tight i would look at older Jesters and Tahiti's. they are great old ski boats and they are cheap. Try finding one around 1970 and up. I had one for a wile and had lots of fun with it.<br />have fun,<br />Matt

 

[Fastcat]

Re: How much power?

Where are you located, there are more things you may want to consider. 17ft is small, depending on your $$ to spend, you should be able to meet or exeed all your needs for about 3-4K. Outboards are the only way to go.

 

[powellcrazy]

Re: How much power?

If your going to waterski with this boat, I'd get the largest motor available. Otherwise you'll just drag your skier through the water for way to long.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: How much power?

Nobody wants an underpowered clam.check the BIA rating tag unside boat an see what max horsepower rating is.....then get as close as you can to that number with your choice of outboard..remember,if you want fuel economy ..pull the throttle back!

 

[Honey-Do]

Re: How much power?

I've had all types of boats over the years and "Economy" is not a word to associate with owning a boat. Get a "Big" gas tank for sking or you'll be at the fuel dock often. Outboards are the way to go and max HP for the boat is the best choice. I try to buy a motor that has a reputable service shop in my area, the popular brands are all ok these days. I use Yamaha because the dealer is where I keep my boat. Get something "Nice", and good luck.

 

[william]

Re: How much power?

yes buy a big engine, the bigger it is the easier it is to pull a skier up out of the water. my only experence is with i/o. don't buy an omc. they have a lot of problems including seals that attract water animals that eat them. the newer the engine the better it will be on gas. The person above me who wrote thier is no such thing as economy in a boat is correct. You will have a lot of fun with your boat. if you do buy i/o get a 6 cyl.<br /><br />------------------<br />william-1999 tige 2100v

 

[myotherjob2]

Re: How much power?

My Dad has a 17 foot Sea Hunt CC with a 100hp and it will do 50 mph.This 4 stroke uses little gas and is comparable to the 90 hp's all around here.I would buy a 100hp yamaha 4 stroke.

 

[mulv80]

Re: How much power?

My father had a 1968 17' MFG closed bow v-hull with a 1984 90hp Johnson, the motor he bought new, the boat did around 35mph or so. He also had an 18ft Thunderbird tri-hull with a 90Hp also did around 35mph maybe a tic faster. Now he has an 18ft Manatee with a 120hp Evinrude on her, this boat is much heavier than the others and does around 38mph. I think a 90hp is the best option for what it looks like you want to do. Good power and decent fuel efficency. Also my brothers have all skied behing these boats. My brothers are 6'2" and over 240lbs. The 90hp motor would pull them out of the water fine and maintain plenty of speed through the pull.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: How much power?

Get as many ponies as you can afford and maybe a few more!!

 

[HEDJUG]

Re: How much power?

I have a 18' bowrider with a 140 hp merc IO.<br />It's powerful enough to pull my lead butt(250#) out of the water on any toy. The only time it is a problem is when the boat is full with people that are filled with beer.<br /><br />P.S.<br />With this years gas prices it is a extra bonus.<br /><br />Hedjug

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: How much power?

A good rule of thumb is a minum HP to Weight ratio of 14 Lbs to 1 HP. However you should also factor in the weight you will be taking on board.<br /><br />We have many customers in Europe with much smaller motors simply because the gas is more than double our prices. Balance and the hull design is as important for boat performance as power. <br /><br />If you would like a free tech report on boat balacne and performance send your address to John@Nauticusinc.com

 

[bluewater19]

Re: How much power?

My 17" boat has 190hp v-6 runs well over 50mph and will pull Me my wife and my cousin all at the same time with 3 more people in the boat. Get a v-6 if you go with I/O. Get the biggest outboard you can if you are going that way.

 

[cuzner]

Re: How much power?

If your going to buy I/O 3L with a 15p prop should do.I had that engine + prop on a 19ft cuddy,and had no problems towing skiers<br /><br /> Jim

 

[steam_mill]

Re: How much power?

Your power choice will also depend on weight of boat. I have 17' Cutter (Grew) that weighs in a at 1200 pounds. I run a 90 hp classic merc on it. With normal sized adults (ie 150 lbs each or better) I'm up on the pad in no time. And will exceed wot rpm's with this load on my ski prop. I'm at about 15 lbs. per horsepower and have a stepped hull.<br /><br />The packaged maxed out at the 115 hp. I'm very happy with the 90. Lighter than the 115 merc and does not have the disconnect of 2 cylinders at low rpm etc. (May work well but don't yet know about longevity...).<br /><br />I've also heard that the 90 merc classic ('03 model) is actually under rated and is pushing closer to 100 hp.