A 90 HP to 115 HP Pro XS Command Thrust repower can suit a properly rated 17-foot fiberglass bass or multi-species boat when the owner wants stronger acceleration and performance tuning. This is a planning example, not a completed customer job. HBW confirms the hull rating, exact motor, controls, propeller, rigging, and current quote before making a recommendation.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
Quick answer: This illustrative scenario compares a 90 HP setup with a 115 HP Pro XS Command Thrust repower on a 17-foot fiberglass bass boat. The current bare-motor price is published in the pricing reference; removal, controls, propeller, rigging, and water testing depend on the actual boat and belong in a written quote.
A 90 HP to 115 HP Pro XS Command Thrust repower can suit a properly rated 17-foot fiberglass bass or multi-species boat when the owner wants stronger acceleration and performance tuning. This is a planning example, not a completed customer job. HBW confirms the hull rating, exact motor, controls, propeller, rigging, and current quote before making a recommendation.
Key facts
- Old motor: Mercury 90 HP FourStroke (still running)
- New motor: Mercury 115 HP Pro XS Command Thrust
- Boat: 17-foot fiberglass bass / multi-species hull
- Pricing: current bare motor in the pricing reference; installed quote depends on the boat and rigging
- Boat with us: 2 to 5 days (motor lead time separate)
- Power jump: 25 HP, roughly 28% more rated horsepower
- Warranty: Mercury Limited Warranty, confirmed at quote
- Deposit: $500 to hold the order
What was on the boat before?
The planning example starts with a properly rated 17-foot fiberglass bass or multi-species boat carrying normal fishing load: trolling motor, batteries, livewell, fuel, tackle, and two anglers. Before comparing motors, HBW would document the capacity plate, current engine, measured performance, mounting height, propeller, and full operating load.
The decision should be based on the owner's measured acceleration, RPM, handling, and speed goals rather than a generic result assigned to every 17-foot hull.
Why upgrade to a 115 Pro XS Command Thrust?
The 115 Pro XS is Mercury's performance-oriented 115 HP option. Command Thrust uses a larger gearcase that can turn a larger-diameter propeller, which may suit a heavier or more heavily loaded hull.
No responsible planning scenario can promise a planing time, top speed, fuel result, or handling change without the actual boat and baseline measurements. HBW would select engine height and propeller on the water and verify WOT RPM against Mercury's specification.
What did the job involve?
This is more rigging than a FourStroke-to-FourStroke swap. We confirm the transom plate rating and Coast Guard capacity plate, pull the old 90, inspect the transom skin and bracket, and mount the 115 Pro XS Command Thrust with a bigger bolt pattern in some cases. The Pro XS often runs digital throttle and shift (DTS), if the boat had mechanical controls, we either keep mechanical or upgrade to DTS depending on what the helm can carry.
Propeller selection takes care here. The Command Thrust gearcase uses a different propeller family than a standard 115, so the correct model and pitch must be selected from the actual hull, load, engine height, and measured WOT RPM.
Water test on Rice Lake confirms WOT RPM, listens for any rigging issue, and checks gauges. Pickup-only at Gores Landing, we don't ship or deliver.
What did it cost?
Use the pricing reference for the current bare-motor price. The complete installed quote depends on shaft length, controls, steering, propeller, removal, fuel-system condition, transom condition, and the amount of rigging the boat can reuse. Any trade value is assessed separately after the motor is identified and inspected.
HBW can arrange financing through DealerPlan and Canadian lenders on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more at the current 5.48% APR promotional APR through Dec 31, 2026 (OAC). The financed quote includes the $349 DealerPlan documentation fee where applicable and discloses the contract term, amortization, and any balance due at maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a 115 Pro XS Command Thrust repower take?
- Two clocks. Your boat is with us for 2 to 5 days, drop-off to pickup, install and water test. Motor lead time is separate: in-stock 115 Pro XS ships immediately, special orders wait at Mercury (the wait depends on the model and current Mercury availability), and your boat stays with you until the motor arrives.
- What is the difference between a 115 FourStroke and a 115 Pro XS?
- Same horsepower rating but different attitude. The Pro XS has tuned intake and exhaust, sport-tuned ECU, and stronger hole shot. The Command Thrust gearcase is a bigger torpedo with more bite, better for heavier hulls or higher loads.
- Will a 115 Pro XS fit on a 17-foot bass boat?
- On most 17-foot fiberglass bass and multi-species hulls rated 115 HP or higher, yes. We confirm the transom plate rating, dry weight allowance, and Coast Guard capacity plate before quoting. We never overpower a hull.
- Is there financing for this kind of repower?
- Yes. HBW can arrange financing through DealerPlan and Canadian lenders on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more at the current 5.48% APR promotional APR through Dec 31, 2026 (OAC). The financed quote includes the $349 DealerPlan documentation fee where applicable and shows the full lender disclosure. A $500 deposit holds the order.
Visit Harris Boat Works
Harris Boat Works · 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON K0K 2E0 · Phone (905) 342-2153 · Family-owned since 1947 · Mercury Premier Dealer, selling Mercury since 1965.
We're the repower side of Harris Boat Works. When you book a Pro XS job, the Harris Boat Works service team on Rice Lake is the same crew that rigs and water-tests the motor before pickup.
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