Boat Question

[Islander]

Anyone using a Crestliner Sportsmen series in the 16 foot range? Engine used and your opinions to date on this boat.

[SabikiRig]

Islander,

I have a 2005 16 Sportsman with a 25 Johnson.

No problems with me and the Lab. You do need to shift some weight forward for a brief moment (like your fishing partner) to get it on plane if your running with two people. Or have your partern sit on the middle seat when you getting ready to get her going on plane. The 25 just does not have the power to make it just jump out of the water.

I have a battery and a 6 Gallon Gas Tank at the back of mine which does not help right now. I should move the Gas Tank up to the bow, I just have not gotten around to it yet. With 2 guys, battery and fuel at the stern the 25 struggles.

My best friend and fishing partner has a 2003 16 Sportsman with an older 35 Johnson. There was not much different between my newer 25 and his older worn out 35. He had repowered his boat with a 4 Stroke Merc 40 HP after the 35 was stolen.

There is a definate night and day difference between the 25/35 2 stroke and the 40 Stroke from a performance point of view. 40 Horse is max power as stated on the plate and is more than enough power.

I if were in the market to retrofit new power or to power a new boat I would go with a 40 E-Tec you would not be disappointed. A 30 Honda or 40 Yamaha would be more than enough too.

Overall I am happy with the boat even with the 25 especially since I took it off a previous boat that I sold to my uncle.

[Islander]

Thanks for the information. Is this boat a good fishing platform as well? Are you pleased with the boat in general? I thought of a 25 HP as well. Now you have me thinking otherwise. Thanks for the feedback.

[SabikiRig]

I love the boat and never second guessed my decision. The ride is dry and comfortable and makes not only a great fishing platform but a great tending rig for layout shooting.The 25 is fine. The boat trolls nice and is not too bad on fuel. A little bit more power would be nice but, hardly worth swaying you away from buying one.If you have the budget I would power it with a 40. If your budget is tight the 25 is just fine. You can always repower in the future.Buy the boat you will not be disappointed.