Horse Power options for a 1976 170

[kraw2]

Hello,

The 170 that I am restoring came with a 1980 Evinrude 70 hp. What can I expect out of this engine when running?

What HP is recommended? What is a good all around HP to get if I don't like the Evinrude 70..?

The boat is out for paint now and I will post a lot of pictures of the progress. The hull is going to be Fighting Lady Yellow b/c the painter has some left from another job.

[Blue Agave]

What is the max HP rating for a 1976 170?  Does it still have the factory plate that states max capicity and HP?  I go with a 90hp or 115hp.  I'm not familiar with the 170, but the others should chime in.

[Capt. Bob]

130 hp

[illman]

nothing less than a 90

[gran398]

Had a friend in the 80's who ran one with a new (then)  90hp 3 cyl. Yamaha.... 42 mph WOT, all you need.

[akbridge]

I have a 90 evinrude on mine.  I am very pleased with performance.  I have it propped a little slow right now with a great hole shot.  But I can swap my three blade 17" prop and hit 39-40.  A new old stock yamaha would be great.  My dad has an etec 90 on his whaler.  It runs great.  I have been reading a lot on Tohatsu.  They are supposed to be tanks!  They use the same technology injection as a OptiMax.  Either way a 90 should be all you need on these boats.

[akbridge]

I just reread your post.  If your 70 is propped right you should see decent performance with it.  Those engines are known to run for ever.  Power will be marginal for pulling a skier or tuber if over propped.  It is a lighter engine, a bonus on these boats.  Run it and see how it performs.  If it doesn't do what you want someone will always buy an engine in that size and power range.

[gran398]

I just reread your post.  If your 70 is propped right you should see decent performance with it.  Those engines are known to run for ever.  Power will be marginal for pulling a skier or tuber if over propped.  It is a lighter engine, a bonus on these boats.  Run it and see how it performs.  If it doesn't do what you want someone will always buy an engine in that size and power range.

I agree with AK. Those 3 cylinder OMC's are good running engines...same engine Yamaha duplicated with their 90. I'd run it first and see how she does.

[flounderpounder225]

Here is a brand new 4 stroke Yami.. sounds like a pretty good deal.  And it's right over in Milton...
http://pensacola.craigslist.org/boa/2832788637.html

[Fletch170]

I have a 76 170. The max hp is 115. I'm running a 115 yams two stroke.

[Capt. Bob]

I have a 76 170. The max hp is 115.

Veeery interesting.

Here's specs on a 75.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... 552/page/1

Specs on a 80.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... photo/2845

Specs on an 84.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... 573/page/1

And the only new boat I ever owned.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... /574/page/

No, that's not me in the photo but I do have a hat like that.

[Fletch170]

HAHAHA Bob, I'd say, those are some hotpants!!!!!

Maybe it is 130? I could have sworn it was 115. Regardless, anything over 115 is just ridiculous. Slap a 130 2 stroke on there and the only thing that would be in the water would be the prop....sometimes.

I've taken a lot of weight out of my boat, and with the 115, I've been told she might crack 50....which is nuts in a little 17.

[Capt. Bob]

My 86 came with a 70 hp 3 cyl. from Bob Hewes. I traded for an 85 model yr. 115 Johnson so I don't know how well the 70 would push it. Still, those 170s are light and I'd bet it would sip gas. Got to admit though, the 115 was fast but a 90 would make it just about right, IMHO.

Fast is fun but fuel costs aren't. :(

Good luck.

[Fletch170]

I'm thinking of running nitrous.

BTW, anyone know what would be a good prop for the 17, running a 115 Two Stroke?

-Fletch

[kraw2]

I'm going to stay with the 70 Evinrude for now. The motor has been completely gone thru and painted with Evinrudes new blue flake color. The gas prices are going to be crazy this summer.

My Ocean Master center console holds 320 gallons and I get non ethanol fuel at the marine. It could get up to $6.00 or more a gallon. The refineries charge $1.00 more for NOT adding ethanol.

Thanks for the replies..!!