50 or 60 hp on a 17' sea class TDB

G

Graham

New member
I recently purchased a 17' sea class TDB to use mainly on the Columbia and larger bays or OR and WA. My 14' barnegat just wasn't cut out for the rough days and long hauls. The new boat does not have a motor and I was hoping to get some opinions on a 50 or 60 hp 4 stroke. The boat is rated for a 60 and more seems better for this big water. Any thoughts?
 
I have been in a TDB 17 Sea Class on the Atlantic. Total of 4 guys and 1 dog. It had a 50hp. The boat moved along nicely. I always believe in Max HP.
 
Many years ago, when I used to work winters at the Hampton Shipyard, Fred Scopinich told me you always put the biggest engine yo possible can on or in your boat and then use 1/3 the available Hosepower. Its a lesson that I've lived by all my life on the water
 
Having a boat loaded down with more gear than normal, hull covered in ice with gallons of water inside hull, wind driving heavy waves and blinding snow and you then realize you don't have enough horsepower is not a good time to decide to get something bigger for next time out..there might not be a next time...buy the biggest engine possible for that hull and rest easy...My 2 cents worth..
 
yep go big. I just purchased a 17 classic with a 40hp and I will be looking for a 50 or 60. The 3 TDB's I know of out here they have 50's or 60's on them. I bet we hunt alot of the same places. Not alot of TDB's out here.
 
My 17' classic is powered by a 50 honda,it gets on plane at about half throttle is easy on fuel and very dependable.
Bill.
 
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