1984 17 Osprey

[scyharris]

Getting ready to start bolting together my boat and was wondering everyone's experience with hydrofoil/stabilizer plates.  I am running a 100hp Evinrude (2 stroke) along with 3 batteries under the console.  Do you think the added forward weight will be sufficent to overcome any planing/porposing issues?  I simply do not have the budget for trimtabs (I know that is what everyone will recommend).  Just looking to try and preempt any issues. Or do you think just run it to see how she performs first??  By the way, have been lurking the site for a few years and acquired the bot about a year ago.  This site rocks!!!!!!!!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard scyharris  :!:  :!:  Our 170 family just keeps growing and growing.  8)
I bought a Bob's plate and found that I lost 2 mph with it and I didn't gain anything noticible in control or planing - so I took it off.
I've never had a problem with boat angle at any speed and I have a 115, 2 batteries, powerpole and it's pump, and a trolling motor on the back.  My fuel tank is under the console.  If I had the option I would move everything possible under the console.
A lot of 170 owners swear by tabs in this family, I myself have never seen a need.  
You should be fine. My $.02