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JRP back to your original question the 75HP Honda would do, on either a 17 or 170 but will be a little heavy for the 17 and slightly under powered for the 170 especially with a "full" load. If the pricing for both the older 17 (with newer power) and a 170 are inline/equal i would recommend the newer 170 for where you boat (bay area) due to its stability and better ride.
The newer 170's also have a Port and SB stern seats option if not not a full bench seat. These single seats are nice next to the live well which becomes a nice table surface in between the seats. (see the build your boat on the BW site)