170CC Motor questions

Considering purchasing a 170CC and am questioning whether to put a 60hp or 75hp ETEC on the boat. Dealer recommends 60hp, but some of what I've read and one person I've talked to say definitely 75hp. Comments welcome.

Also, looking at trolling motor setup. 12V vs. 24V, bow vs. transom. Comments about battery space etc again are welcome.

Thanks.

[bob_bra]

Unregestered, I have a 60 two stroke Yamaha and find it all I want in a fish boat. I would consider the ETEC 75 if pulled skiers or want max performance. I don't think there is a big diference in fuel burn, so I feel you need to decide if you want the additional 5-10 MPH and faster hole shot the 75 will provide or the reduced purchase price from the smaller motor.

Space for two batteries is tight. People have installed a 24 volt unit but I feel that may be overkill on the 170.

I suspect your resale may be somewhat higher with the 75. BOB

[junkman928]

I got mine with a Honda 50 hp and it's about all I need for fishing and just running around the upper bay.There was quite a weight difference going up to a 75 hp. All in all very happy with my choice.
I also put a min kota 45 lb thrust motor on the bow. !2 volt. Tried it today for the first time and it pulls the boat around very nicely. I put the battery under the console. Series 27 deep cycle and it takes up quite a bit of space. Two batterys will not fit at all.
BS

[flatfishmoe]

I own a 2006 170CC with a 75 e-tec and love the extra power. Went fishing with my two boys, a full tank of gas, full cooler, bait tank and fishing gear it gets on plane around 3 seconds and top speed is 41 to 44 MPH. You don't need go that fast but my sons love it. Plus I pull the on tubes when the fish are not biting.
I fish in the ocean off the NC coast when weather permits and the torque with the e-tec helps going out the inlets.
The trolling motor battety goes under the center console and I installed a removable bow mounted 12V 55LB thrust trolling motor and it does and I need even in rivers with current.
hope this helps.

[cagrove]

I have a 60hp 2-stroke Mercury on my 170CC and the boat really scoots along. Cruises nicely at around 32 mph (GPS) I can trim it out to 39 MPH on flat water with a light load but who fishes with a light load on flat water? A 60 hp will be more than enough power for your boat.

I put a 24 volt MotorGuide 71lb thrust on my bow with two Series 27 batteries under the console...they will fit, at least in my 2003 model. You could get by with less thrust but I fish in some pretty strong currents so it's nice to have the power when I need it.

Good luck with your search.

[fridaysoff]

I had a 170CC with a 60HP 4 stroke Yamaha. While it was "enough" power to get the job done I would get the 4 Stroke 75 HP motor if I had a choice. The fuel burn is probably the same. The extra HP is nice when you want. The resale is better and the cost difference is not that much.
John D.

[JimW]

I have a 75 4 stroke yami on my 2005 170cc and have only been out a couple of times so far and I love it. Quick to get on plane and I only ran up to 35 mph but still had some power left. This was with 3 adults on board.

I fish the Susquehanna River in MD which has very swift currents and a friend told me that a 55lb trust 12v min kota is all that I need. I haven't purchased it yet.

[wpschaef]

I have the 75hp 4stroke on my 170cc and it is great! Plenty of power and I know I can get back as fast as possible if I need to. Fuel economy is very good. I also have the 24v Minn Kota set up and it works very well. 80lbs of thrust really moves this light boat around. Tides and currents can get pretty rowdy where I go so I opted for the power set up. I agree that it basically eliminates the use of the under console space. I believe it is best to have the most power you can afford for the once or twice you may actually have to rely on it and it becomes imperative.
Good Luck.
Biff