Best HP for a 1700 fisherman

[Doug]

We are looking at buying the 1700 fisherman this summer. The package at the dealer is set up with the 115 Yamaha, as are a lot of others I have seen on this site. Question is, is 115 really enough. What would a 135 or 150 Opti or HPDI or ox66 do for that matter. What are the price differences on these motors if anyone knows? Are the DI's and 4 strokes worth the price?

[LundBob]

Yes it is enough engine. I have the Mr Pike 17 with the 115 and it is the perfect motor. Excellent holeshot and it goes 42-45mph. What more could you want or need. And yes the 4 Stroke is worth the money. Believe it or not it's quieter than the 25 horse 4 stroke i had on my SSV-16. You truly can talk in a normal voice while going WOT.

[tbomn]

Hold off for a couple months, and you can put a 150 4 stroke Yamaha on it. Now, that would be a sweet rig. I would not consider putting anything on it except the max hp.

[The Bullhead]

I would probably agree with Tbomn:

I also ran the F115 on a Mr. Pike 17. It was....and is....a superb motor, not doubt about that. However I dont think you would be dissapointed with a few more horse. I myself am excited to see the Yamaha 150 around the corner. Yamaha's are a terrific motor, and this baby is gonna be a runner. Hope to own one someday in the future.

BTW: Currently running a 100hp Yam / Pike 17. 5600/38-40gps. Absolutely love it!

[work2fish]

Doug,

Another popular option is the Suzuki DF140 four-stroke which is also the same engine as the Johnson 140 four-stroke (the Johnson is white instead of black). I've got one on my Fisherman 1700 and really like it. It's quiet, lightweight, reliable and smooth. I can go about 46 MPH GPS at low altitudes (~1000'). I was able to get a free 3 year extended warranty, for a total of six years. This was a promotion that I think ended on March 30th, however. As far as I can tell, they've offered it in both 2002 and 2003 and may do so again. Anyone know if they have the same offer on the Johnson 140?

Hope this helps,
Mike/CO

I have a 1700 fisherman with a 115hp Honda on it and I'm very happy with it. I can't comment on how the boat would perform with more horsepower but I would never give up the four stroke. The quiet is wonderful. I would also not give up the fuel injection on mine. Cold weather or warm weather...starts right up. There are more and more options all the time in four strokes. You will love the boat no matter which way you jump with the motor.

[Fisher]

I have a 2003 1700 Fisherman with a 2003 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke and couldn't be happier with the rig. I'm running a 13.25 x 17 prop (aluminum) and getting 5700-5800 rpm at 43 mph with full tank 2 men and gear. That motor is outstanding. I have right at 15 hours on it and the darn thing has not missed one beat. You can do what ever, but you can't go wrong with that 115 on that boat.

My advice would be to go with as close to the maximum hp as possible and your wallet allows.

I will be taking delivery of a 1700 Fisherman at the end of this week with a Johnson 140 4 Stroke.

The difference I paid over a Yamaha 115 was $1200 cdn. which I don't consider to be that much considering the total cost of the entire rig. If you can wait, the Yamaha 150 4 Stroke promises to be a great fit for this boat.

My advice is go large and go 4 stroke.

My $.02

[boat nut]

A pair of my buddies each own the 1700fish. One has the Yammie 115 4 stroke, the other the 150 HPDI. The 115 makes an ok boat. It is slow out of the hole (really slow with livewells full), slow to accelerate and eventually reaches 43 MPH with a merc QSS prop. The 150 powered boat is a rocket from the time you punch it 'till the top end of 52 MPH. I agree with other posters that the 140 Suz or Johny would be a great package, but I also agree with puting the max on aluminum hulls.

[Steve CO]

I have a 135 Optimax on my 2001 1700 Fisherman. It is a very sweet rig and I an happy with it. I test drove it originally with the 115 Opti and I could see (feel?) the difference. That said, I rarely open it up all the way but like to know that I have that reserve if it is needed. Does not operating an outboard at WOT makes a difference long-term in performance or longevity? Interesting question for those who know more than I do and perhaps pertinent to your decision.