And as another data point, the 18' I own never had a capacity plate. When I bought it, I put a 200HO E-tec on it, and our team used it for a few years. If you calculate out the HP rating according to the USCG formula, it comes out around 140 hp max. Prior to a certain year in the 70's (I forgot which one), capacity plates were not required. I don't know what the 17.6' would calculate out to, but I think it is a bit higher than the 18' due to it being wider.
There is a 20' for sale with 250 Etec for $18,000. Don't know if they will sell just boat. https://www.facebook.com/groups/412321035447873/
