---

My wife and I purchased a 1978 Montauk 17, which came with a 2001 100hp Yamaha fourstroke, which runs fine and has given me no problems. I am admittedly new to this type of boat, grew up on a small pontoon.

Several people at our marina have told me that motor is too heavy for my boat and that I need something lighter. Is there any truth to this? If so, trying to figure out if the Etec 90 or YamahaF70 is a better choice. Any thoughts? Its usually just us two cruising, occasionally 4 people. We dont venture out in rough conditions by choice.

---

I have a 1979 Montauk with 90 HP Yamaha 4 stroke. I moved the battery into the console. Yes, it sits a little lower than my old 2 stroke, but the 4 stroke gas mileage, quietness and better running overcome this.

The boat may sit low in the water but I do not take any water inside the boat unless 2 people stand back by the motor. It is a compromise.

The Etec is lighter and the Yamaha 70 has only an 18 amp alternator versus 25 on the 90. Do you need more electrical power for electronics?

If I had to do it again, I would choose what I have.

---

Very likely not an issue unless the boat has water in the hull?

Where does the boat sit in the water?

When empty, at rest, where is the water line in relation to the rear splashwell drains? Below, at or above? If above, by how much?

Moving the battery to the console is always a good step to help trim. It a DIY we can walk you through.

---

I have a 17 Super Sport with a 90HP Suzuki 4 stroke. The fuel economy is ridiculously good but the weight is my only issue. at 350+lbs I always seem to take a little water over the back when I use the dive ladder. I love the horsepower and the fuel but hate the weight. I had a 2 stroke 70 Yamaha prior and the weight was perfect as well as the performance (top end 31MPH). However, when it was loaded to the gills she didn't like the weight. I guess what I'm saying is, I would take the performance and fuel economy over the weight problem any day of the week. She hauls butt with the new motor, about 42MPH with 4 people on board. I also think the ride with the heavier motor is a little bit better. Lastly, I can't comment on ETEC cause I haven't seen the performance but I hate buying special 2 stroke oil. If you're ok with it tell everyone to take a hike. There are lots of folks configured like you.

---

These several people are all Montauk 17 owners? and know what they are talking about?
As mentioned before the drain is a good indication of to heavy, if not already do move some weight further up front (console, anchor locker)

You motor weight of approx. 360 lbs is the same as the Mercury 90ELPT 4-stroke that many old Montauk 17 owners have re-powered with.

I would leave it alone until the motor fails and you must re-power. At that time you can visit this topic again in the meantime enjoy your new ride and know you have enough power to overcome anything and remember it is not a pontoon and as a smaller boat must be balanced a little more (i.e. don't have 4 adults in the back (behind the RPS) have 2 adults in front of the console when 4 aboard. Also don't have 4 on port or 4 on SB (even though the boat can handle it)you must balance your load.

---

Lots of good advice. Move weight forward and live with it. Be careful in cases where waves might come over transom. Do not overload!

---

I would love to see how you set up a dive ladder on the super sport. Can you post a picture?