17' AS - 140 hp Johnson, too big?

[firewalker591]

I recenlty bought a 17' AS w/ a 115 Johnson and and after six months the engine is shot. I have a chance to buy a 140 Johnson Oceanrunner and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this size outboard is too big(heavy,hp,etc.) for the hull. Much thanks.

[JimCt]

I think it is.

With all that weight back there your transom freeboard will be very, very low.

[RickK]

Hey firewalker, welcome aboard.  Another member of the ever-growing 170 club.  Have any pics of your boat?  Upload some to the photo gallery so we can see what ya got.
As far as the 140 motor, I agree with Jim. My boat has 8" of freeboard in the back, at rest. I researched this when I was repowering mine and went with the 115 because of the weight.  Would have loved to go with a 4-stroke but couldn't handle all the extra weight.

[firewalker591]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the quick replies. Very helpful.
Rick, I will post some before and after pics. I recently: rewired, new fuse panel, just started to sand, fill, and prep for paintjob, etc,$$$,etc,$$$$ and then found out about the motor :( . But will post pics soon. Thanks again guys and I feel very welcomed to the Classic Aquasport family.

[John Jones]

Between the weight, strain on the transom, and crazy speed you will have available, I wouldn't do it.

Welcome, BTW.

[GoneFission]

170s from the late 70s through the 80s were rated for 130 HP.  You did not mention if the 140 you were looking at was a V-4 or a V-6.  (Note - some of the new 140 OMCs are V-6, as well as some of the old 90 degree V-6s).  

Assuming you boat is in good condition, you may find there is very little weight difference in the 115 V-4 and the 140 V-4, in which case I would probably go for the 140.  An I mean GO!  

I rarely hear people complaining about too much power on their boats - too much weight, yes - too much gas usage, yes - but not too much power.  It's hard to wipe the smile off your face when you drop the throttle on 500+ HP - car or boat!  Power is fun, but just remember to use it with respect and responsibility - that is something that has been lacking in the waters around here.  We have way too many go-fast boats being run at outrageous speeds by Mr. Speedo who just got the boat because he could afford it...    We had a guy on Lake Norman last year running 70+ at night and did not notice the I-77 embankment coming up.  He hit the embankment, went airborne, and came down in the middle of the interstate, where he was promptly nailed by a southbound car, which blocked traffic for an hour or so.  You can imagine the call for the tow truck:  "Yeah, and can you bring a boat trailer as well?"  The good news was no one was seriously injured.  

My $0.02 - now let's go fishin'!

[JimCt]

Amen, John.