Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

[gysa]

i recently purchased a 1988 Haines 1700s Ski boat which is 17ft long (5.2metres) and has a hull weight for 410 kgs (without fuel) The boat has a 20" transom with a reasonably deep v. i'm trying to decide on the best motor option for the boat. The original hull specification recommend a max hp of 150hp but these are said to only be a guide depending on driver ability. I have decided that I want a Mercury 2 stroke becasue I have always found them reliable but i'm trying to way up the pros and con's of the Mercury 140hp Carb (2 litre) which I feel would be a good safe motor for the boat or the Mercury 200hp EFI 1999 (2.5 litre) I want the best fuel economy, enough power to pull me out 96kgs but want a safe family that is not to lively. Prop selection will also play apart! Anyone got any help!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

The hull rating system is for safety.In the US a bigger motor can get you a ticket and a scolding from the Coasties.
A 17ft with a 150 or a 140 should be able to pull a 200# skier with no problems and get over 40mph.
Remember the bigger you go the more gas your gonna use.The EFI is a good motor.
My Dr.has a pair of them on a boat.It costs a minimum of $175 every time he goes out.
When you buy and install.Start a prop thread.You will need a tach and something to base it on say start with a 21 and work around that.The guys who answer the prop questions seem to know what they are doing.J

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

Newer Merc 150V6 motors are 2.5L. The older 150HP V6 motors are 2.0l. Probably either will work fine. If you want a little more low end, pick a 2.5 l block.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

If you mean Haines Hunter I also have a 17 foot Haines.Mine is a mid 80s V17c Half cabin.Around 800 kg.Pushing me is a 1988 v6 135 HP Merc.Used to pull 2 skiers.A little thirsty but I don't have to drive it to work everyday,so I don't care.I think a 115 will do the job.Go to river and see what others are using is best way.Good luck.

 

[richardcranium]

Re: Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

I had a Caribbean Jaguar which is a similar size and vee and it had a 135hp on it which is the 2 litre block I think. It was propped at 19" and used to haul an 85kg skier out. I often wished for a 150 though, just for that reserve. 200hp on the 1700s is a lot, but there are many with that size going around. Why not think about a 175? Propped correctly, and if you have good driver technique it should do everything you need.

 

[gysa]

Re: Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

Thanks for your help I went with a 130hp Yamaha 2002 model! Got one with low hours that I think will do a good job!

 

[richardcranium]

Re: Best Merucry Outboard selection for a Haines 1700s Ski boat

Hey good fit. Should be a pretty nimble rig, see you up the Murray if youre in Vic.