Re: 55 H.P. Chrysler
Depends upon the engine. Chrysler made two different models of the 55 and while one was a decent engine, the other was a positive runner.
SO: Read the aluminum plate inside the engine and give us the year--at least give us the boat year as the engine will probably be close. Does your 55 have one carb or two? If it has two, is it described as "Magna-Power II?
The two carb model will power that hull nicely as long as you are not looking for speed records. The single carb model will really be a tad underpowered but if you only want to fish, it will do.
Most 17 foot hulls are rated for around 90-120 HP. As such, something at least 70-75 would be more in line for power.
Here are some real world numbers: The boat in the avatar is a 10 foot hull with the single carb 55. It does 42-44 MPH. My two carb 55 on a 14 foot flat bottom does 45 MPH. My single carb 55 on a 15 foot deep vee does 27 MPH.
So: A single carb 55 on your hull might do around 20 MPH while a two carb 55 might touch 30 (with only you driving and light load).
