16 Cruiser Performance

S

Stephen Williams

New member
I've owned a 16 Cruiser with Honda 50 for just over 1 year, and usually operate it with 2, sometimes 3 people. This weekend, I had 4 people on board, including myself, and can't believe the difference in performance. We 4 were just at the 700 lb weight limit, and could barely get on ANY plane. Now I know what "lugging" means!!

I also just added a 4 HP kicker which adds 55 lbs to the transom. Would moving the gas tanks, a 6 and a 3 gal. to under the forward berth provide any relief?

Another question: While increasing power at maybe 6 MPH, the engine would start to cavitate. Why does this happen when I'm going slow and there seems to be good water flow to the props which probably means there is not good water flow to the props.

I guess the 16' is just not a 4 person boat. I'm kinda disappointed as I'd like to have another couple join us from time to time. Maybe I need to be satisfied at a lower speed, or maybe it's time to move up!! Steve Williams
 
Stephen Williams":1yxg3gws said:
Maybe I need to be satisfied at a lower speed, or maybe it's time to move up!!
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Often times we tend to view our "cute little boats" as much larger and more capable than they truly are. That being said, I believe that you have come up with answer to your concerns. When we had our 16' Cruiser we were guilty of those perceptions and although we would cruise in the San Juan Islands with three adults and one pre-teen (at the time) or two adults and two pre-teens, we quickly learned that we were exceeding the capability of our delightful vessel.

This is a dilemma many of us face as we want to share our pride and joy crafts with our friends.

In order to remedy the problem we "moved up" to the 22'. At times that seems a bit small when sharing our vessel with guests, but it is certainly more doable.
 
Charlie,

I'm not sure what "spun" you prop means. I haven't had it out since this weekend, so I'm not sure if with 2 person, it's normal or not. That said, I think it's just what Dave S has said in the latest post, "It's only a 16", and I've read on other posts that when loaded, it performs poorly. Thanks for you comments. Steve
 
There is a rubber bushing between the prop hub and the shaft that provides cushioning and a safety in case it hits something. If it separates, the prop will "spin" on the shaft or slip very badly. Dave is probably right though...

Charlie
 
Charlie is also correct as to what you thought was cavitation. Take your boat out with just you on it and make certain that your vessel/engine is performing as usual. Most likely it will and every thing will be fine. Then when you take your guests out you know your limitations and can still enjoy a cruise around the harbor, bay, lake etc. at a "putt, putt speed" and enjoy a delightful day.... :lol:

(In due time we'll be anxious to hear about the day that you "super size" your C-Dory as we did..... :wink ).

Certainly don't get me wrong....we LOVED our 16 Cruiser...it just didn't jive with our intended purposes. (Now Marty is an example of one owner who "downsized" from a 22' to a 16' and loves that choice for his purposes. Of course there are a few on the site that can't decide and have a 16' and a 19' or a 16' and a 22', or a 16' and a 25'). :thup

As for me......so many choices and so little time and money :disgust .
 
Now for a Final Report: Went out yesterday with one other person (along with a maiden voyage for my two Havanese Dogs), and found the 16' performance perfect!! My top speed was 29 MPH via GPS. So, the problem was that I simply overloaded the boat. Maybe if my guests had tried to sit more forward, we might have been able to get on plane easier. But, it still would cause the engine to strain, I believe.

Best to just be content at a slower putt-putt speed with 4 on board, and on the St. John's River which I frequent almost weekly, it's sooooo much better at that speed anyway. Thanks again for your comments. Steve
 
I bought this as a spare wheel but after "sea trials" left it on and carry the stock wheel as the spare. I think it gives me better control of my 16 Cruiser with some weight in the boat, but that's strictly seat of the pants judgement.

C4 x 10.5 x 13

MSNET-IMG_0037.JPG


-- Chuck
 
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