Re: 1969 16' v project
Hi MJames,
I had a 16-foot SuperSport aluminum and it could be a kidney cruncher at times, but it wasn't too bad. Mine had basically the same hull as yours. It was worst if I wasn't paying close attention to boat wakes, etc. and hit one too fast or at the wrong angle. Same could be said for most boats, I guess. Mine was rated for 85hp if memory serves. I ran a 75hp Johnson on it and it performed nicely. Putting excessive power on it will literally rip it apart over time through loose rivets, etc., particularly if you're running more than inland lakes.
Overall, if I managed the waves a bit it wasn't a bad ride. I don't recall it taking water over the bow, even on the roughest of days. Keep in mind that it is a small, lightweight boat and will bounce around a bit. Interestingly, my 15-foot fiberglass Starcraft rides considerably better than the aluminum 16-footer did...
- Scott