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Have a 17 ft hull that verses selling was thinking a out just motoring as a fishing boat.

Pacific Northwest river and a few mountain lakes. No need to go fast

A 25 - 40 hp seems to be a breaking point for very affordable (not an investment) sized motor. I realize bigger is always better, but would a 25 hp 4 stroke be enough?

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NO, 40hp is probably what you need and you might get by with a 30hp but 25hp is not enough.
I know you're not looking for speed but you probly still want to get the boat on plane and being on a river you have to overcome some kind of flow.
For your safety go with a minimum of 40HP.

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I had an old 50 2-stroke and it was a great motor on a light 17.
For a week had a nicer 40 and was not impressed,
had to work much harder to perform less.
The 50 was cheap fuel and would cruise at 19 high at 26-28.
Now if you just want to put-put around then 25 will work!
TP

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No, a 25 wouldn't be what you want. You have to get to the next block size for the 30-50 or so HP. A little more money but very much value added. You could putt around with a 10hp engine but it is painful. It doesn't get significantly less painful until you jump to the >30hp level, and it is also a lot safer.

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I'd think 50 HP would be the bare minimum and anything under 70 is a waste. If budget is an issue I'd say look for something used or just put a 9 HP on it because you probably won't really be able to get up on plain with a 25 - 40 anyway.

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I like the 40hp on my 17'.

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JPB - Are you able to get the hull on the plane with your 40?

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Yes...it gets on plane in a hurry and with a lite load WOT is 32 and will cruise easy at 25 with a full load and 3 men.

Here is a video from when I was testing props.

http://youtu.be/fV1YZY4IFSA

Keep in mind that I am currently running my boat with most of the OE interior removed thus saving weight. You can see in my personal page how it is setup. A 40hp may not work well for everybody but maybe the OP can get some ideas....it works very well for me.