Difference 16ss vs 18ss

[roscoe]

So, after 18 months of delays, I'm ready to start rebuilding the 16ss, and here comes an nice 18ss (outboard) for sale. Dang it all anyway.

So, what can you all tell me about differences between them.

175# heavier.
2' longer.
and 5" wider beam.

Do they use the same windshield?

Any other differences or similarities?

I'm thinking bigger is better, and could use all the stuff I bought for the 16, to rebuild the 18. Would need a longer steering cable and cover, and an extra yard or two of nautolex flooring.

 

[djpeters]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

Rebuild both?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

Rebuild both?

Agreed, collecting Starcraft boats is a great pastime

 

[dozerII]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

Well after owning one of each, I can tell you the 18 rides a lot better than the 16. And the 18 can definatlly handle a lot rougher water. And then the extra room is a plus.
Glen

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

Also have owned each, the 18' is bigger in every way. Feels like a much bigger boat and rides better.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

I had a 18' crestliner and like it more than my current 16'SS on a good chop. There are benefits to both so you really should have 1 of each. Seriously.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

I have a 16' SS and it about as big as a 16 footer can be...so I love it.

The fact that it fits in my tiny 1 bay garage made the decision for me. Otherwise I'd rather have an 18 footer.

The real advantage to an 18 footer would be the capability to have larger fuel tanks either below deck or under the splashwell.

As mentioned they will of course handle bigger waves also, but I've been very happy with the way my 16' rig negotiates Lake Huron swells

I think I'm gonna keep the 16' and get a 22' down the road to quiet any 2-6'-itis I might experience.

EZ can probably measure his windshield for comparison if you ask nicely

 

[roscoe]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

Ok, questions, Space between the consoles? The 16 has 18" walkway, what about the 18' ?

Also, more free board? Have to ask as I haven't seen either in the water and don't know how deep they sit.

Last question,on the 18", from sole (deck) up to the top of gunwale, how many inches?

Thanks guys

I really like the idea of the 18, and hopefully could devise in-floor rod storage like in many of the new boats. The 16 just doesn't have the space for it.

What would you all suggest as the minimum HP for the 18. Not looking to max it out, just want to plane her with 3 people and a cooler, and run in about 28 mph. It has a 1973 Merc 65 on her now, and the seller says it does "about 30". Not sure I believe him.

I know I can do that with a 70 hp on the 16.

thanks again.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

I'd say it could do 30MPH with a 65HP. I was gonna say 70HP minimum but obviously the 65HP is in the ballpark. I have a (perhaps slightly hopped up) 90HP and can hit 40MPH with a light load.

It definitely have more freeboard than the 16. I can get the measurements for you tonight.

 

[Aldo P.]

Re: Difference 16ss vs 18ss

Roscoe, Had an 18SS with a 65 'Rude back in the day when my kids were kids (now parents of their own)... It was just OK, would do close to 30 w/ me solo- w/ SWMBO & the kids; not so much. I would say 65 in the absolute minimum for an 18. As for size, my buddy has a 16 and I really notice the difference! Currently I'm looking for another 18 and will put a 90 minimum on it. Of course, there's EZ's "special" 90 to consider if you can find one Go big!