Cant go wrong with Yamaha and Evinrude. The Mercury 80 jet has been pretty solid. Yamahas are typically a bit heavier HP depending, something to consider when thinking about properly balancing a 17' jet boat, especially when combining a kicker motor. Evinrudes will give u more "pop" out of the hole. They often come with the better warranty out all the outboard manufacturers. Last boat show season they gave 10 years which is pretty darn incredible. Still love Yamaha though and its really a matter of the configuration, beam, how many u r operating with most days etc. Tons to think about really. USCG has some pretty stringent rules on tiller HP under 20' length boats. For most tiller model17's, you will have to stay around 80HP and it must be posted on the cowling. Consoles u can get alot more... just my 2 cents.