1987 17' Osprey

[gchop]

I have a 1987 17' that I picked up this summer. After a bit of discussion with miguel about gas tank installation I stripped the boat of all wiring, hatches and console. I had a new aluminum tank made from a local supplier of marine tanks ( $200.00 with sender). I had to replace the fuel filler hose and let me tell you, snaking that hose down  the gunnel and beneath the floor was a smaLL MIRACLE that took two guys and some ingenuity. My plan is to refurbish this boat to good working order on a budget. I currently own a 90 hp evinrude that has been completly rebuilt top to bottom but want to put a new 4 stroke engine on for next season.
I would like to be more fuel effeciant and quieter.  My concern is the weight issue but after hearing some of you guys having older 130 hp motors on these hulls maybee I shouldnt worry about it. I was also considering a leaning post with a 40 gallon live well built in. ( we fish big live bait in the fall) Do you think this would be too much weight in the back of the boat??

I Will post pictures when I figure out How...George

[JimCt]

George,

Could you locate the livewell fwd. of the console?  Seems like the only alternative, and likely the only possible choice if you hang on a 130.

Easiest way to post pix is in the Photo Gallery.

[gchop]

The rear mounted live well apealed to me so you could still get to the fish hold and casting deck in the front. I am only considering a 90 or 115 4 stroke at this time.  I think in reality this boat isnt really big enough to have the rear live well.

George

[Bluesbrother]

Do be carefull, those 4 strokes are really heavy. Remember that those 130 hp motors were usually 4 cyl (V-4), so eventhough the HP are realitively high, it is still the same block as the 90 and 115 hp. I have a new 115 hp 4 stroke (Johnson)and it is actually the same weight as the older V-6 motors (150-200 hp Johnson)

[gchop]

yeah I am doing my homework now I am leaning towards the suzuki
90hp 4 stroke. It seems to be one of the lightest and customer satisfaction seems great with everybody I talk to. I have had omc products my whole life with the exception of a 1995 175 yamaha on my 22 foot sisu but after the fict product I cant even look at them. What about the hdpi 2 strokes? any thoughts ?

George

[Radioshop]

I wouldn't put anything bigger than 90 in a four stroke on that boat.  With the livewell you want to put on there that's going to be lot's of weight aft.  There's stories here about the 170 scuppers being submerged with four stroke engines.  Remember with that boat, if you take the rail off, you'll be able to fish the bow on it with no problems.

[RickK]

I did a lot of research on motors before I repowered recently because I too wanted "quiet" and more economy.  I found that anything new was 1: a 4stroke, 2:too much weight for my 170.
I had a '88 'rude and it weighed approx 310lbs.  (I found this info at NADA.com) The transom of my boat is only eight inches above the water at rest.  When I came off plane quickly, with 2 -200lbs guys behind the console, the water came within a couple inches of coming over the transom  Seems that the weight of the 'rude was about all this boat could handle.

I researched and found that new 90's (4stroke) were still more than the 'rude but close enough (50-60 lbs or so) that I thought it might be ok but I wanted more power :twisted: I think most 115s are recarbed 90s in the same mfgr line because the weight is about the same if not THE same.  When you step up higher than 115 your talking a different motor.
 
My little boat could not rationally handle more weight safely, so I bought a rebuilt '98 115 Johnson from a local used motor re-builder and it weighs about the same as the 'rude I had and has the same power it seems.  He showed me a 17' AS in his lot that a guy had put an engine bracket on the back (about a foot standoff) and a 150 4stroke on it.  (You know that would change the way it sits in the water and put the transom closer to the waterline.)  Anyway, on his maiden voyage he came off plane and sank - done deal - more water came over the back than any bilge pump could handle.

IMHO, if you want more power, it's better to totally rebuild an older motor - even old (80s) 150 straight sixes weigh around 320 (or less) and your boat can handle that weight.

BE CAREFUL & SAFE WITH YOUR DECISION.

As far as the livewell, I agree with all the other comments about figuring a way to move it forward of the console to keep the weight down in the back of your boat - SEE "SANK" ABOVE.

[gchop]

Al good points, This choice is getting easier to make. The live well will go up front. I am set on brand new power, 90 hp will due. with the weight being an issue, does anyone have any feedback on a new 2 stroke choice ???

George

[Anonymous]

How about the etechs?  Suzuki fourstrokes are rather light too.  If you want to do a bracket, get one with some floatation in it.  That will ofset the weight added to it.  www.dadmarine.com has some nice and inexpensive brackets.  I have one of their twin brackets on my boat now.

[RickK]

Al good points, This choice is getting easier to make. The live well will go up front. I am set on brand new power, 90 hp will due. with the weight being an issue, does anyone have any feedback on a new 2 stroke choice ???

George

You'll be hard-pressed to find a new 2stroke.  All manuf have to meet the new clean standards by 06 (or 08 - don't remember) and 2strokes don't cut it, only 4strokes I guess. Sorry to be the bearer of the news.

[GradySailfish25]

HPDIs, Optimax's and ETEC's are all two stoke and still available.

[RickK]

HPDIs, Optimax's and ETEC's are all two stoke and still available.

Are you talking last year (2004) models?  I shopped around locally (I did search on the web but only for reference, didn't shop where I couldn't put my hands on it) and couldn't find any "new" 2stroke and the guys at where I was shopping told me they were not making them anymore them due to the clean emission laws.  I could get all the 4strokes I wanted though. If you can still buy new somewhere, I stand corrected.

[gchop]

Etec evinrude seems to be the hands down choice out there. From what I have learned it bears no relation to the fict time bombs they where building. It is new technology 2 stroke and is a great fit for the 17 osprey.

Going to the boat show in NYC next week to make deal on one. Will keep you posted

George

[Mr. Osprey]

If the E-TEC didn't work out, consider a 90hp Yami 2-stroke. My grandmother has one and it runs strong every time on her 19' Hurricane. If the E-TEC did work out, then please post some pictures so we all can see your new steup.

[wwwcre8r]

I have a 1987 17' that I picked up this summer. After a bit of discussion with miguel about gas tank installation I stripped the boat of all wiring, hatches and console. I had a new aluminum tank made from a local supplier of marine tanks ( $200.00 with sender). I had to replace the fuel filler hose and let me tell you, snaking that hose down  the gunnel and beneath the floor was a smaLL MIRACLE that took two guys and some ingenuity.

Can I ask you *how* you were able to get the old fuel fill hose out and the new one in? I'm trying to get mine out... no success, I think it is glassed / foamed / or pinched into place.

Thank you in advance!  :)