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I've had all kinds of outboards in the last 45 years including an old 140 Mercury tower of power,loved that motor and so did the gas station. I can still hear that thing throttling up, what a sweet sound. I didn't even care how much gas it used. That being said I now have a 1999 Boston Whaler 17 with a Yamaha F70 on it and it is the best motor I've ever had and I've had a lot. This is my first 4 stroke,it's quiet, it starts like a car, and is the most fuel efficient outboard I've ever owned. If you are going to keep your boat long term and can swing it I would go with a newer 4 stroke outboard. The Yamaha F70 will top out at 36-37 mph on a Montauk 17 and is light enough that it will not have an adverse effect on your boat. If you feel the need for 90 hp the Etec 90 at 320'lbs would be my choice. Personally I would never put more than 320 lbs of motors on the back of a Montauk 17. That 88 special was also a great motor.