2 hp motor
I use an old Johnson 2hp 2-stroke to push my 170 in and out of channels between the launch site and open water. These are "no wake" zones, so I don't have trouble keeping up with traffic. On occasions when the wind rises above my skill/comfort level, I drop sail and motor back to the dock. With a stiff breeze directly on the bow, the 2 hp provides headway, but just barely. In a stiff blow or a storm, my options would be limited. Maybe the newer motors provide more kick.My motor has no clutch and no reverse. When properly tuned, it will troll very, very slowly without stalling. I just have to make sure the boat is pointed in the right direction when I yank the starter cord. Reverse is awkward but manageable by turning the motor 180 degrees. Speaking from experience, a busy marina is not the best place to learn or to practice such skills. The old Johnson has an integrated tank and at mid-throttle will run about 30-45 minutes on a tank, depending on the breeze. I carry an extra gallon secured with a bungee cord. When the boat is bobbing on the waves, refueling an integrated tank is awkward, messy and environmentally unfriendly. The archives are rich with previous discussions of the merits of gas vs. electric. Also short-shaft vs. long-shaft. A hull diagram in my 170 owner's manual shows a chase tube for a trolling motor cable under the starboard seat as well as an enclosure for a battery forward of the mast. A rep at Hunter told me that these ideas never reached production.My guess is that the space under the seats is open and unobstructed. A factory rep, or a 170 owner who has installed an access port in the seat area, could tell you for sure. I opted for an outboard mostly because I had access to an inexpensive old one. Electics are quiet, and excellent for quiet channels, but there's no weight advantage, no easy way to secure a battery and cables to the 170, and the amount and duration of reserve power available is questionable.Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to spring. In the interim, it's good to hear from fellow snow-bound sailors.