Not certain what Defiance will have for options but I found that with the 90 hp, with weight in the back, it took longer to get up on a plane. I had the storage seat on the passenger side which has a padded seat behind the main seat. The 17' Sea Chaser has a smaller cuddy and with two storage seats, you'd have two more seats closer to the mid point of the boat. I believe the 17' is rated up to a 115 hp which would provide a better hole shot with additonal weight towards the stern.