Nitro boat outboard size

[choov21]

Hey everyone,

I bought a used 17' Nirtro bass boat last year without an outboard, and am looking for a good used one to purchase. What is the smallest size (hp) I should get? What are your favorite used motor sites?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

[nofearengineer]

I'd say a 90 bare minimum, with a 115 or larger recommended.

[choov21]

The boat originally had a 90 on it, I have been told I could go smaller... I am not looking for a whole lot of power or anything, just enough to get up and down the water

[bassboogieman]

I rode in a 17' Nitro on the Potomac a few years ago and it had the 90HP. It would NOT get on plane with two on board, our tackle and fuel. 115HP would be a better match. That combination was not a safe ride on that kind of water.

[bamabassman]

listen to nofear and boogieman on this one pal. it HAD a 90 on it right? that should be minimum, but also like nofear and boogieman said,(ok, the y didn't SAY it, but oyu know what i mean) a 115 would be so much better. NOT TO GO FASTER, better in the long run. a smaller motor wil only cause oyu problems in feul, and maint later on. too small a motor wil work HARDER and not last near as long.

[MississippiBoy]

Not to harp on it too much, but yes, bigger is (to a certain extent) better. I'd get whatever the maximum size motor the boat is rated for. That's probably going to be a 115, but look on the Coast Guard plate to make sure.

[Lvitch]

Every nitro I have been on accept one was way under powered. Most have issues getting on plane. I would go with the largest its rated for. Fuel economy won't be much different if at all and the boat will be safer. I believe nitros are generally marketed to the buyer looking for a low cost bass boat. Usually this means putting a smaller motor on it to keep the sticker price lower. Not always a good idea. Good fishing boat, but usually underpowered.

[encorebilly]

Originally Posted by Lvitch

Every nitro I have been on accept one was way under powered. Most have issues getting on plane. I would go with the largest its rated for. Fuel economy won't be much different if at all and the boat will be safer. I believe nitros are generally marketed to the buyer looking for a low cost bass boat. Usually this means putting a smaller motor on it to keep the sticker price lower. Not always a good idea. Good fishing boat, but usually underpowered.

I don't think vandams is underpowered or cheap.

[Tavery5]

I have a 18ft Nitro, it has the Merc 115, would be much better with the 150. If the 17 is rated for a 150, I would not go with less.

[Top Tiger]

Originally Posted by encorebilly

I don't think vandams is underpowered or cheap.

I doubt that KVD has an entry level boat. Or that he wrote a personal check for it.

[lilmule]

Kinda doubt he paid for them at all as they are his sponsor,like many boat companies they dont have a very high hp rating per length,the 17 fter is most likly rated at 115hp and will run better nearer the rating 90-115 ,as would the larger 18 with a 135-150 would.
Some boats are a tad harder to tip over on plane then others,somewhat in design as well,gamblers even need a trim tab to assist,just means one has to have seat time.
How they are propped also effects how they pop up as well as top end.
Best bet hitch a ride in the model of your choice,or have a dealer take you out in a test run.

[nofearengineer]

My Tracker (same company as Nitro) is 18', and rated for 175hp.

It's safe bet the 17' is rated for 150hp.

[champman]

I totally agree with all of you guys and gals, if any are posting, get as much power as you can. Never settle for less and you will never question yourself later. You can also put on 40 lbs. like I have since I bought my boat and still get up on plane.lol