twins on 170

[Anonymous]

I am rebuilding a 170 model Aquasport and plan on hooking up a bracket with twin outboards. The motors will have HP between 70 and 85...which do you prefer?

[Mr. Osprey]

Since the max HP for that hull is 130, why not try twin E-TECs? An absolute great motor that gets great comments wherever you look. It would only give 120hp but I hear those motors are full of torque. If not the E-TEC than perhaps twin 70hp Yamis. My grandmother has the 90hp 2 stroke which is basically the same head with bigger bores and gears. Starts up every time and is also a powerful motor. As you might tell I have only mentioned 2 strokes since twin 4 strokes woiuld simply over do it weight wise. Your stern would be practically under water. IMHO, I would not go over 70hp because 1. bigger motor=bigger weight and 2. twin 85's would puch a 170 like a rape ape.  Unless you like extreme speed, I think 70's are all you need. Please keep us posted because this sounds like a great project. Be sure to post lots of photos.

[Mr. Osprey]

I forgot to mention that the E-TECs were the 60hp model.

[RickK]

I am rebuilding a 170 model Aquasport and plan on hooking up a bracket with twin outboards. The motors will have HP between 70 and 85...which do you prefer?

What year 170 is she?  I doubt my 170 is/was rated at 130 - we don't have any documentation to back this up but I doubt it.  I think it was more like 70 was the standard on these smaller boats back then.  I'm pushing the weight limit with the 115 and it's about 320lbs.
If you haven't already do so, read my "SANK" post HERE and make sure you've thought about what you're doing.

[ddd222]

i have to agree w/ the weight issue having been thru that, and i like the idea of a bracket, but the weight being even further back than originally designed would take some major repositioning of the weight forward. Why not a reliable 115, 130hp 2 stroke(weight), with a low hp kicker for emergencies or trolling? Having fished on my buddies 170 many times, twins too much for the boat, just my 2 cents

[Gipper]

Loved the new pix of the deck tear up.  I will use them to see if I want to try it.  Keep em coming.

[RickK]

I didn't know you posted pixs. Thanks for the heads up Gipper.
Boat layout, rod storage, front storage and flooring are identical to mine.  Is the boat a 71?  
Awwwww the memories of when I did the identical thing.  I didn't take pix to share of the rebuild though.  I too, had to rebuild the front part of the starboard stringer.  With it destroyed (although I didn't know it at the time), it made my bow "twist"  clockwise at high speed.
Keep them pix coming.

[JimCt]

Interesting pictures... big job.  Be a new boat when its done.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies so far, I'm not too sure of the year of the boat. I'm thinking it's a 1969 model, but thats a guesstimation. I too was thinking about the 70 hp Yamahas (great motors). Well yesterday I finished ripping out the decks and came across the port stringer. you wouldn't believe what the previous owner did. Looks like they previously repaired the deck and the stringers on both sides were completely destroyed, so they just filled the deck with foam and patched it back up (FOOLS). Looks like I'm gonna have to replace everything on the boat...no big deal I guess. I'll keep you guys updated.

[Deck Daddy]

My 1973 17' custom is rated for a 85hp. Thats what the original boat plate says.

[Mr. Osprey]

My 84' 170 is rated for up to 130hp, according to it's plate.

[JimCt]

I'm 85 hp rated too.

[g-man]

The original factory recommended set-up for twins on the 1973 22-2 was 70 hp. Let your concious and your cohones be your guide.

[killaman926]

new photos posted

[Bluesbrother]

If you go with a bracket, the weight will be even more back, make sure you don't get major flooding issues from the scuppers. Also you need to be really sure about the quality and condition of your transom since a bracket will put a different strain on it. Last but not least make sure you do not get any insurance issues for exceeding factory HP ratings. Just my opinion.