River jet Boat size question

[Pondhopper8]

Looking into a g3, Crestliner, seaark jet tunnel. I am stuck between a 16 or 18 foot. I mostly fish solo and on occasion with 1 or maybe 2 other people at the most. My question is will I still have enough fishing room with the 16 footer, as I prefer this size because of the price point. Thanks in advance!!!

[Jhunter1]

16 foot is fine but I wouldn't get anything less than 60" wide. I have a 1760 sea ark tunnel with a 75/50 jet. Next boat will be a 1872 but for now this is more than good.

[Sako1]

I have a 1652 SeaArk conventional hull and I mostly go out by myself and it's very manageable byself getting it on/off the trailer, and perfect for two. Depending on the fishing style, 3 would likely be ok.

Consider when you go from 16ft to 18ft you'll need a bigger, heavier and more expensive motor. My 1652 will get up to plane nicely with the 9.9 honda I have on it for RV and really moves in the salt with the 25.

My only regret with my SeaArk is that I didn't buy it sooner; very well made and designed.

Dave

[hammer4reel]

I have the Crestliner 1870 FCC With a 115/80 Mercury 4 stroke jet .
Extremely stable boat even with 3 guys standing on the same edge of the boat .
Nice platforms for fishing .
Runs in super skinny water .

I think it would be great with even the smaller 65 jet as the 80 pushed it faster than most guys will run it .
.
The extra width on both bottom and beam are worth the extra money over most other standard size boat .

And it’s no harder to trailer and use the wide 18 as it is to use any smaller boat .

[Pondhopper8]

Originally Posted by hammer4reel

I have the Crestliner 1870 FCC With a 115/80 Mercury 4 stroke jet .
Extremely stable boat even with 3 guys standing on the same edge of the boat .
Nice platforms for fishing .
Runs in super skinny water .

I think it would be great with even the smaller 65 jet as the 80 pushed it faster than most guys will run it .
.
The extra width on both bottom and beam are worth the extra money over most other standard size boat .

And it’s no harder to trailer and use the wide 18 as it is to use any smaller boat .

Thanx for the info everyone!!! I really like the Crestliners, both the 1660 and 1870 because of the width and price points. I think I’m going to hold out to be able to afford the 18’. As far as the outboard, I am no speed demon myself, you do agree that the 65 would suffice as a sufficient power option on the 1870?

[acabtp]

if you can afford it, you probably want the biggest motor the boat will take.

with boats, i look at it this way - more horsepower is not for getting you to the fish faster... it is for getting you back to the ramp faster when a storm is coming or someone gets hurt. but getting to the fish faster is a nice bonus.

[hammer4reel]

Originally Posted by Pondhopper8

Thanx for the info everyone!!! I really like the Crestliners, both the 1660 and 1870 because of the width and price points. I think I’m going to hold out to be able to afford the 18’. As far as the outboard, I am no speed demon myself, you do agree that the 65 would suffice as a sufficient power option on the 1870?

I went with the bigger motor as felt could get up on plane quicker in skinny water .
The FCC tunnel is made for the jet to actually be above the bottom of the boat .
IMO the 65 would be fine .


I drove out to Halls Marine in Muncy Pa to buy my crestliner .
They gave me a better price as well as didn’t jerk around the numbers like the local dealer in Allentown did .
They set up a lot of jet boats for the Susquehanna there and know the details well .
A call to them you can get solid info

Another tid bit of info .
I bought a camo version , it is CRAZY hot because of the dark color .
A friend bought the tan version , he can walk in bare feet on his , you can’t do that on mine