Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

[Lesz]

I'm considering purchasing a new 2006 1700 Fisherman, and the dealer is suggesting I go with a 90HP Merc 4 Stroke engine. Any comments about this configuration? Boat will be used mainly for fishing, in the Great Lakes, and smaller lakes in Ontario Canada.
Dealer is telling me this is plenty of power, and is also pretty good for trolling.

Lesz

 

[ratracer]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

How many people to you figure to have in the boat on average?

IMO you'd find that rig underpowered with a 90HP, I'd go with at least a 115. Whether or not it would be good for trolling depends on how you prop it and what you're fishing for.

 

[Lesz]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

I'd probably average 2 guys plus gear, maybe 3 once in a while. Actually I'm not worried too much about the trolling. I can always add a kicker for trolling - but can't add HP to the 90 if it's undersized.

 

[ratracer]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

I still think you would be unhappy with the performance with a 90HP on this boat and if it were me, I would go with at least a 115.

A motor in this range is fine for trolling if for example you would be trolling streamers for landlocked salmon, but if you're going to fish for something like togue where you need to go much slower you'll need a plate (or use a kicker).

 

[Lesz]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

I think you're probably right, since my gut told me the same thing - hence my posting.

I think I'll have another talk with the dealer or go elsewhere.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Tcrum5711]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

My wife's uncle has a 2004 1700 Explorer SS with a 90 hp 4 stroke yamaha. Very underpowered. He wishes that he would have went with at least a 115. Not the same boat but very close.

 

[jaymasta]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

I would go with a minimum of 75% of the recomended max hp for that boat, and personally if your buying it all brand new anyways you should pony up the bucks and just go for max recomended or within 10hp that way you can't have any regrets...:^

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

I agree with Jaymasta - the difference in price will be soon forgotten but the regret of underpowering your new boat will remain as long as you own it.

The 90 may be just fine - but you won't know for sure until you either test drive or buy one set up that way. Any full service boat dealer should be able to arrange a test drive for you if you're a serious buyer. If this isn't an option, go bigger just to be sure.

 

[Captain Paul]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

More power Scotty, must have more power!:| I run a 150 VMax ox66 on my 17 Fish. You are correct when you say you can't add horses once it's bolted on the boat

 

[woodchip]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

I just bought a lund prosport 1700 with a 90 4s this year.the 1700 fisherman is only 100 lbs heavier.we run with 2 adults and 3 kids all the time.we almost never run at full throttle.38 mph is too fast for the boat and we don't want to travel that fast anyway.28 mph is tops for waterskiing and the hole shot is better with the 90 compared to the 115 4s.

that said ,thats us !!!

the boat is rated for a 150 and you should always equip with at least 75% of the rated hoursepower.at least a 115.If you don't you have a BIG drop in resale value.
remember,no one ever complains about too much power.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Is a 90HP Merc enough power for 1700 Fisherman

One thing to remember, almost ALL 90 and 115hp engines are based on the same powerhead. Jumping to a 115hp won't get you out of the hole any faster and will only give you a few mph on the top end. My parents like there 1700 adventure (heavier full windshield dual sport model) with a Suzukli 115hp on the back, cruises 41-42mph WOT.