Re: Honda vs. Mercury vs. Suzuki vs. Yamaha?
If your Montauk 17 is the classic (16'7") it is only rated for 100HP, Bozol.
On my 16'7" Whalers (1966 Sakonnet and 1981 Montauk) I used 2 100HP V4s, a 70HP 3 cylinder Johnson and a 2001 Suzuki DF70.
The Suzi was by far the most user friendly of the 4 engines but it is a heavy, complex, computer controlled EFI 4 stroke. It was also the cleanest, quietest and most economical. If I had another Montauk today the DF70 would be my choice.
The V4s didn't offer significantly better performance than the 70s. They had a higher top speed, but that was about it. Both were thirsty but reliable as a wheelbarrow.
The simplest, most straightforward engine was the Johnson 70. Performance was good and agility was better than with the heavier engines. I could do all routine maintenance in the garage. The big problem is that they don't make it anymore.
Many discussions on the "best" engine for a Montauk take place on the forums at continuouswave.com, a Whaler owners' website. I believe that the DF70 is the most popular choice.
If your Boston Whaler is a Montauk 170, rather than the classic Montauk 17, forget what I have said. It is a bigger, heavier boat that might just love a 115. That should probably be an etec or a Suzi DF115.