What do you guys feel is the minimum thrust I could use on a 17ft fiberglass hull boat. I won't use it much, but I am definately getting one and have no clue what 40lbs or 55lbs can do. I am mainly getting one so I'm not completely 'up a creek' if the outboard goes south...that and if I want to put it in a pond (which won't be very often at all, the boat is too big for it anyway)

Thanks.

I wouldn't go smaller than 40 lb thrust. I would get the biggest that I could use with one single battery instead of 2 ....12 volt system
Chuck7

54 lbs is the minimum I'd want. Id much prefer 70 or 82#, if its the littlest bit windy, you'll appreciate the power.

Houston,
Josh has a boat closer to your size. His opinion here is no doubt better than mine .Here ye him.
C7

75 LB for a boat that size is best... I use a 50 on my little bass buster....

I have a 40lbs on my 16' Starcraft...pulls it just fine.

On a fiberglass hull - 50+

I have a 17' nitro fiberglass boat and it has a 35 as standard equipment. It pulls just fine and I fish the big lake with lots of wind and waves.