Hi everyone,

It's been a long time since I've been here. Though I'm not from Texas, my brother (DFW), recommended I post this here to get some input. I am hp restricted with smaller water near me and was hoping to keep the outboard to a 25. That said, I'd like the most stable platform I can get provided I am able to plane off the boat and keep it from just plowing water at 8mph. The G3 dealer by me seems to think a 25 on their 1610 would be sufficient with the right prop knowing that it likely wouldn't perform at a high level. I currently own a Tracker 160 with a 25 and it'll perform great on my own, but will struggle with me and my not so small friend (6'4 280ish). Granted, it still gets up on plane but maybe only 12-18mph as opposed to 22+ on my own.

That said, there is approximately a 250lb difference between my current boat and the G3 or Stinger 175C. I can find ways to trim the fat in minimizing gear, going lithium, etc to help with performance but wanted to get everyone's opinion on a 17' platform with a 25hp motor.

The flatter and wider the bottom is, the better it will get up on plane. If speed and getting on plane is what you are looking for, I wouldn't go much longer than 16' for a 25hp motor. And even that seems a little big. What you really want is a john boat or a bateau to get all you can out of a 25.

I'm more concerned with a stable/wide platform for my son than I am about speed. I don't fish derbies so I don't need to worry about full live wells and added weight in tackle/gear, nor does speed come into play other than I don't want to be plowing water at 10mph. It's probably overkill to get a jackplate installed as well as a tuned, prop, but perhaps that could offset the loss in performance. If I'm able to just get somewhat on plane and be around 20mph as a top speed I'd be good. Plus as my son grows, I can always upgrade the motor to a more appropriate 50 or 60.

My input for what it may be useful:

In order to get any performance from a 25HP motor, you need to find an old 2 - stroke. We have a 25 HP limited lake here in the KC area. The 25 4 - strokes won't get out of their own way.

A lot of us that tournament fish that lake built specialty boats. I run a Lowe 1648 Big John with a 1985 - 25HP Mercury. Pull start. 24 volt Ultrex so 2 - batteries. Put in front and rear decks, carpet, the whole works. We just me and and a heavy tournament load (Real Heavy), I GPS 26.2 all day. Best I have seen is 28.3 in cold weather, light load.

With my partner (He's about 240), we still run 24 plus/minus. Stock aluminum prop. Motor is just the way I bought it new in 1986.

Never a problem with stability, but both of us are experienced boaters.

Building a boat may be more than you want to tackle, but best way to go.

I've seen a couple Yamaha 4 - strokes that seemed to run, but not the way my old Merc does.

90% of your boats performance is your prop. Until it's right, nothing else will be. If your holeshot is a dog, you've got too much prop, and need to adjust, four stroke motors really want to run at their max rpm range, if it's 6,000, then prop accordingly.

Being in aluminum jons for 25+ years specifically 16ft with 25hp, I will say a mercury 2 stroke is you best power to weight ratio. Weight plays an important role in a Jon when it comes to speed and hole shot. Next is position of said weight. Some guys go welded jons, they are beefy and heavier, slower. I always go riveted not as beefy but more light, faster. I always spent the extra on what I would of spent on a welded jon on a PT-35 tilt and trim unit. You can mount it high to jack the motor up a bit and it has a transom offset, this will give you better speed and holeshot. Stainless steel prop helps as well.


Here is an example of one I modified similar to what I described above:

Video