QUESTION

[tuck]

I’m kicking around the idea of picking up an old 17, eliminating the console and fuel tank and putting a 90hp tiller outboard on her. Do you guys feel this would work???

[CTsalt12]

Interesting idea.  The open deck would be nice.  Never seen one rigged that way

My only concern is that's relatively a lot of horsepower for a tiller steered boat, and a lot of weight in the back/not muc weight anywhere else.  As it is, on 17s, the bow will bounce around in the chop a good bit, and that's with body weight and fuel/console weight in the center of the boat.  I'd be concerned about having a clear line of sight in front of you.  However, if you're fishing in calm areas, a river or back bay or lake, it may work out just fine.  I almost feel like you wouldn't need 90 horses if you plan to rig the boat that way too.

[dbiscayne]

I think it'd work fine as long as you're up to the task - get the steering tab adjusted just right & it won't be too bad unless you run where there are a lot of curvy waterways that might get old after a while.  My neck gets sore after running a tiller, think a small side console would be a lot more comfortable.
Make sure you run it with a kill switch hooked up.

[tuck]

Thank you guys for your responses.  I would fabricate a large coffin box for the middle of the boat to house external gas tank, cooler and storage plus it will provide storage.  I would also add some bennett  M120's.  Do you think I could get away with a 70hp yami tiller?
Thank you to all!!!
Don

[wingtime]

You would need a bunch of weight forward to offset you being so far astern and no weight of the console etc fwd.  Also water running in the scuppers and following seas would be an issue.

[mshugg]

I’d be tempted to put a flats boat style cap on it with forward and aft casting decks and walkable gunwales.  Then you could use a small side console and locate your fuel tank forward.  I tend to take things a bit far though.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Ive tried to convince friends to do it w flatback 222s.  Full open deck. Tiller panga style.  Do it!