I have been looking for an outboard Dyne in California and the pickings are very slim. I did find a 17.5 for a reasonable price. We just formed the ShowCal Skiers Show Ski Team in Southern California and we need a tow boat. Evinrude had committed to providing a motor. Does anyone have any thoughts on how the 17.5 Hydrodyne would perform? We don't expect to pull more than 12 people at one time this first year. What motor would you recommend? 175hp, 200hp or 225hp? Thanks for any responses to this!
I would lean towards a big block if you are looking to pull more than about 6. So a 200HO would be a good option, or of course bigger. If you can find a 20 foot hull, I think you might end up being a bit happier, but the 17.6 should work. Maybe check for a capacity plate though, since I think most of them have one, and the listed max HP is not very high. Not sure if you would be able to operate outside of the listed capacity plate where you are or not (local authorities, Coast Guard, insurance, etc.) If you don't mind travelling, you should be able to pick up something used and in decent condition. I think there might still be one listed on this site.
If it's going to be used as a club boat I have to agree with River Rat that the 20 footer is the way to go. Erick with the Must-Ski club has a nice 2009 Dyne hull and trailer for sale on this site. Did your club pick up on that 17.5 Dyne that belonged to a ski school ? Bob
I believe Erich's 20' hull is already sold as of this past weekend. Maybe he will see this and chime in.
We have not bought this boat yet. It's currently in Northern California. We don't want to buy any boat with motors. We will rig with new Evinrudes. An older 18' or 20' would be great. Problem is they are mostly in Wisconsin with shipping costs of around $1800 to $2000. This is a new Team with a very low budget this year.
Nobody was telling you not to get the 17.6. We are just giving you things to look for (max HP capacity?) and what we have all seen for good ski team boats. Will the 17.6 work? Yes. Is it the best option around? Probably not. Is it the best option available in your current situation? Maybe, but that is a question you have to answer. Congrats on getting a new team started up on the west side of this rock. If I ever make it out to your side of the country (and I hope to!), I would love to see a show.
Under 20' the boat has to comply with the US Coast Guard plate. 20' and over, it's just a suggestion. If those are your prices to ship, you are getting screwed. Try Uship and get a reputable shipper.
Thanks for all of the great responses. The one issue that concerns me is regarding the maximum HP under 20' I know that Flightcraft made an 18' outboard in the late 80's that was packaged with a 200hp. I've seen a few Ski Show Club 18's with 200hp and one that was modified as a twin. Are you certain that the USA Waterski Club Boat Insurance Program will not cover a boat under 20' with hp greater than 150?
The reason why you see many of those vintage 18s get away with bigger motors was many of them were made before the capacity plates existed and/or many of those had plates on them with high horsepower ratings. Many 18 owners on here have those plates on their current boats.
There are at least 2 17.6 dynes in use by ski teams that have 200s on them. You can get insurance, yes. The question is what happens if there is a claim and the insurance company looks at the hp tag? Even the 20 Hydrodyne which has up to 900 hp on it has been scrutinized because in the ABOS blue book a hp rating of 275 is listed for the "20 dyne comp outboard".
