triton 17 explorer with 50 hp mercury

[rwaldrum]

I just purchased this boat from a friend, and am curious if anyone has any feedback on its performance with a 50hp merc.
I believe its underpowered and not sure if I should look for a 75-90.
Havent run it yet so will see hortly if its just too lil on the hp

[Transom]

There are a lot 17 foot aluminum boats on the water with 40-60hp. They get around just fine.

[BigFishSteve]

It will do fine. Just no speed demon. With the correct prop it will be just fine. Go fish.

[wareagle24]

I would leave it alone. I have a friend who was thinking just like you about his boat. He sold the 60 and bought a 90. He gained 4 mph but it cost him a few thousand dollars plus it burns quite a bit more gas and oil. He's told me a hundred times that he should have left it alone and used that money on better rods and reels.

[06 SB]

My brother had one with a 90. He used when his boys fished in the high school tournaments. It fished 3 guys just fine. Once he got it propped correctly, its hole shot was good. I would think a 50 would struggle. If you do upgrade, get a 90 or a 115 (some were rated for 115).

[printman71]

if you want to go fast, sell it and buy a glass boat.
Keep it, go fishing, and don't worry about it being underpowered.

[cwilt]

if you want to go fast, sell it and buy a glass boat.
Keep it, go fishing, and don't worry about it being underpowered.

It is a glass boat.

[FloridaFlyer]

Don't do anything until you use it some. Right now is not the time to buy a motor.

It will get on plane probably and run about 30 or so. So much depends on the size of the lakes you will fish. To me, that would be the determining factor.

[printman71]

It is a glass boat.

My error, still wouldn't change the motor.

[Eddie B]

What year is your boat? In 2010 it was rated for a 115.

[chatabass]

it's gonna be underpowered by nearly half, but depending on what your priorities are it might be ok. I would run it a few times and then decide.

[TampaJim]

2X the engine ain't 2X the speed. Leave it alone, it's a good boat.
And, as noted, this isn't the time to go shopping. Enjoy the ride.

[fly by night]

Oh you will be just fine. I have a 1756 foot triton aluminum river boat with a 50 HP Mercury 2 stroke and it does great.