DonG,
I would say that 17 satellites is not normal for most folks. The Estimated Position error is based on the HDOP reading which in turn is based on not the number of satellites so much as their position in the sky. In other words: more satellites does not always mean that you will have a more accurate position. It’s been a little while since I have watched the Estimated Position Error number while on the water but I don’t remember seeing anything over 10 to 12 feet that I can remember.