I have the Suz DF140 w/jet on a 20' predator and couldn't be happier with the power to weight ratio of that combo. I have never pulled anything with it, but it has no trouble doing 20-25 mph up river with a full load at a comfortable throttle setting. On a 17 foot boat, that motor has more than enough get up and go for your intended purposes.

My predator has a tunnel hull as well and with the fin kit on the motors lower unit, I rarely have any cavitation problems unless I have it trimmed way up for super shallow water. With the lower unit trimmed all if the way down, I can't get it to cavitate unless I slide out in a tight turn, but drag is noticeable with that much boot in the water. I have run mine on big lakes with 3-4 foot chop/waves with no issues. Tight radius turns at high to medium speeds will be a thing of the past with a jet unit.

The motor throws a pretty good stream out behind the boat. I don't know the standard length on tow ropes, but I think you would need at least 100' to get out of the nozzle wash.

The one thing you won't like about the motor is the fuel economy compared to your 65hp prop. The 140 is very good for its class but will be much more thirsty for sure.