1974 Mako 17 power option

[saltysun]

Good evening everyone

I am getting back to finish a 17 project. I have the chance of a fairly new Mercury Optimax 135. Has anyone experienced this setup?

Feel free to give me pros and Cons v.s a 4 stroke 115 Yamaha

Thanks

[skmag357]

We had a 2000 Mercury 125 on our 1971 mako 17. You really need to watch the weight of the motor. Our scuppers were right at or below the water line so we had to plug them when in use. We would trailer the boat so it wasn't it issue.

Top speed I got out of the was 38 knots but I think it could have been more.

[saltysun]

Thanks Steve. I put together another 17 for my sister with a Yamaha 115 4 stroke. The Yamaha seems heavy as well forcing us to plug scuppers. That's why I want to hear if anyone has had the Opti 135 on a 17 classic. The deal I am getting on this Mercury its hard to pass.

If its too heavy I might get it, sell it and buy something lighter

Alex

[cgmiller]

I am the proud owner of a 1974 17 classic, she currently has her 4th different engine..a 2014 4 stroke 90 Yamaha. I have had scupper draining issues for the last 30 years. With the weight of the 4 stroke I had to give up and keep the plugs in all the time and install a small automatic pump in the well, which works fine. My boat stays in the water, but is behind my house so I am able to check it everyday. I also had a full cockpit cover made for large storms with heavy rain (but not big winds..) Big question is how long is the boat going to be in the water unattended? self bailing is great for piece of mind but there are other options.

[saltysun]

In my case only when in use. I keep it on a trailer always. I keep thinking on not going over 90HP 2-4 stroke. That 135 its a steal for that price and was wondering and hoping it would work

[saltysun]

In my case only when in use. I keep it on a trailer always. I keep thinking on not going over 90HP 2-4 stroke. That 135 its a steal for that price and was wondering and hoping it would work

[mrmako]

A 135HP would fly, probably 50+mph. But your feet are going to be wet unless you plug the scuppers. I have a 74 Angler with a 100HP Yamaha 4 stroke, scuppers are at or below the waterline depending on who is standing where. Been looking to repower, motors are lighter in the last couple years, would like a 115HP but wont do it if its heavier than what I have now. Even then if I went 90HP not sure if the 50lb. or so weight saving would make that much difference.

[saltysun]

I finally pulled the trigger on a pristine Yamaha 130. The transom was raised to 25 and I matched it with a 25in shaft. I'll post reports once finished

[saltysun]

I finally pulled the trigger on a pristine Yamaha 130. The transom was raised to 25 and I matched it with a 25in shaft. I'll post reports once finished

[Mr.B]

looking forward to seeing that transom!