Aquasport 170 power

[Logannance]

Okay guys I’m totally new to all of this forum stuff and I apologize if this isn’t the 100% proper category.

Needless to say I’m looking to see what the biggest engine y’all have or have seen on a 170? I’m currently running a Johnson 150 fast strike but a buddy of mine happens to have a 2016 mercury 250  two stroke sitting on a crate. I’ve talked to some fiberglass guys and the transom wouldn’t be an issue and it can be set up right.. I feel dumb asking that question but would like some feedback. Thinking Armstrong bracket and jack plate..

[Capt. Bob]

Well whatever floats your boat.

If speed is your thing, then go for it.

The 170 works and performs very well with a 90 hp 3cyl. motor. I had a 115 V4 on mine. Very fast and still handled shallow water.

If you wish to use the hull as intended such as shallow water running and a bay boat, both work extremely well.
If you want a hydrofoil then go with the 250.

Don't stand too close to the stern at any given moment.

[RickK]

I'd be worried about coming off plane too quickly with the 150, and water coming in over the transom as the engine settles into the water.

[fitz73222]

That boat would be an unsafe pig with a 250 on it. The hull speed by design isn't much over 44 mph. Save the 250 for something worth putting it on. Quite frankly the boat would not do anything right with that much weight and torque on the ass. I guess if your 16 years old with a new girlfriend and you want to scare her, bolt that sucker on there.

[smccall]

If your need is speed, bolt that 250 on a hydra- foil. I’m sure you’ll get over a hundred mph.

[GoneFission]

A 250 on a 170 would be like tinny bashing:  https://youtu.be/lzvPHg54KP8 

[Fins in the Bin]

 I also have a 170 that I may have to re-power, but I will want to stay in the MFR parameters of 90-130hp .My question to you guys is does a 90 move a 230 LB guy and friends/gear around fine or is the 115-130 much better? Mostly I fish by myself in coastal San Diego and offshore on the flat days.

[Capt. Bob]

The 90 is a great fit for the 170 and will push you along fine.
The 115 is for going fast. It's what I had on my 86 but it will suck fuel. It is IMHO the best "biggest" motor for that hull. It will move you and your friends. It certainly did on mine.

That stated, that was back in 86. Times and performance has changed and if I were running a 170, I'd lean back toward the 90. Remember, I'm out of touch with what's out there today but I always felt that my 70hp, 3 cylinder on my 15-1 Orlando Clipper was the most perfectly balanced rig I ever owned both fuel and performance wise.

Today's smaller motors pack a great deal of performance in those packages.

Good luck.

[boatnamesue]

I also have a 170 that I may have to re-power, but I will want to stay in the MFR parameters of 90-130hp .My question to you guys is does a 90 move a 230 LB guy and friends/gear around fine or is the 115-130 much better? Mostly I fish by myself in coastal San Diego and offshore on the flat days.

I've a Yam 2 stroke 115hp on my AS170...Love it.  Can't attest to how the 170 performs w/a 90HP hung cause I've never been in one.  But the 90HP is definitely the most common HP you'll see hung on the 170.  The 115HP will weigh down the rear enough that the scuppers will be just a hair above waterline in calm water.  I keep them plugged, but if you prefer the self bailing then this won't make a difference.

I mainly fish in shallow water...I have an above deck 15 gallon bait well a stern, and keep my cast net back there too.  The 115HP 2 stroke affords me the low end torque/power needed to jump out of a shallow hole.  When I have a full loaded boat +1 person...there is a significant change in how the hull handles...rpms need to spin up fairly high to jump on plane cause how sensitive this hull is to weight and where the weight is located. 

[wingnut]

I have an 85 two stroke, and I get 32-34mph with a moderate load (couple people, normal gear, t top and kicker motor). Jumps right out and scuppers are dry. 13.25x17 prop.

[Fins in the Bin]

Great info here, thanks for starting the thread Logan. I’m trying to keep the twin 55’s going on it since they are original and I dig the 70’s stuff. I’ll, try to post pics soon.