Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

T

Tennessee Honey

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Jul 18, 2012
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To those that know more than me,

I am looking at purchasing my first deck boat (2007 Hurricane); however, the motor on it is a 90 hp 2001 Yamaha OB. Is it just me or does this seem a bit undersized?

The main purpose of the boat will be for cruising/fishing/tubing. That being said, I would like to be able to handle the occasional skier or wake boarder. I should have approximately 4-5 adults on the boat.

Thanks for your help guys! I am going to look at it this afternoon.

-Tom
 
R

renegade15

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Mar 29, 2009
Messages
99
Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

For the most part that motor should be fine. One simple thing you could always do is go up or down a pitch size on the prop to effectively give it more torque for pulling a skier or boarder, or give you a more comfortable cruising speed with more upper end. Props are easy to change and you can usually pick up a decent used aluminum prop on ebay or craigslist for under $100. And depending on your lake, it might be good to have a spare on the boat as well!
Good luck, let us know if you pull the trigger!
 
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robert graham

Admiral
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Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

You may be pleasantly surprised at how well that 90HP motor pushes that boat. By boat is 18' with a 90HP Yamaha and I rarely use all the power. Of course, you could take the boat for a test ride before buying it...to check speed, power, anything else that might not be just right!;)
 
T

Tennessee Honey

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Jul 18, 2012
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Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

Thanks guys! I feel a lot better about it and appreciate the prop advice.
 
A

airwo.lf

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Joined
Jun 12, 2010
Messages
26
Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

a 4 blade prop is great for pulling skier's and wake boarders, you will loose a couple mph, but you will gain TORQUE !!
 
T

Tennessee Honey

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Jul 18, 2012
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Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

I did not pull the trigger on the Hurricane. It was in fairly rough shape. The fact that the motor was older than the boat, in addition to a lot of visual damage made me leery. It was a smaller boat dealer and I could not take it off the premises to have a mechanic look at it, nor could I run it on the water.

I don't care how good the deal is, I was not ready to gamble with those variables.

That being said I am looking at an older Bayliner tonight. Going to run it around the lake a little bit and then have it checked out. Not quite a Hurricane, and the interior needs some cleaning, but seems to be solid.
 
dpfundst

dpfundst

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2005
Messages
71
Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

I have that exact motor, size and age, and it is pushing a bigger boat than yours
I'm very happy with it
That motor is a Yamaha 2 stroke mide range work horse, and should serve you well
 
dpfundst

dpfundst

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2005
Messages
71
Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

Tennessee Honey said:
I did not pull the trigger on the Hurricane. It was in fairly rough shape. The fact that the motor was older than the boat, in addition to a lot of visual damage made me leery. It was a smaller boat dealer and I could not take it off the premises to have a mechanic look at it, nor could I run it on the water.

I don't care how good the deal is, I was not ready to gamble with those variables.

That being said I am looking at an older Bayliner tonight. Going to run it around the lake a little bit and then have it checked out. Not quite a Hurricane, and the interior needs some cleaning, but seems to be solid.
Click to expand...

What motor is on the Bayliner? I had a Bayliner 1950 Capri with a 125 Force Outboard...........
 
F

Fragamag

Cadet
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
22
Re: Is a 90 hp Yamaha Outboard enough for a 17 foot 3 in deck boat?

I have a f90 on a 22ft pontoon. Plenty of power.
 
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