posted 09-25-2006 10:26 PM ET (US)        

I had no responses to my questions on the "classic" side of this site - but was v pleased to see the various threads over here on the post-classic side.

I have been out a few times and everything works great. Lots of storage. I have a bit of a porpoising problem but will try trimming "in" a bit more - the motor is a 91 Yamaha 90 hp, and the trim pin is on the last-but-one hole. I have read lots of scary stuff about not trimming in too far, but will give it a go with the trim pin on the last hole, and take it easy. It seems triming is by trial and error only??

I too get water in the gas tank area. I have dried this out with a fan for a few days with the deck ports out. I took the deck out, cleaned up some foul smelling goo which I think was some uncured silicone mixed with v old salt water - but since I cleaned it up the smell has gone away. I put some hatch tape around the tank compartment, but a bit of wash-down water still gets in - maybe from the deck ports so just ordered two new o-rings from Beckson.

So first impressions after a month of ownership and 4 trips are very positive - I don't understand why the classic types turn their noses up at this one at all. I am in San Diego and use it only in the ocean, mostly for fishing. Love that "ski" locker!!

posted 09-25-2006 11:05 PM ET (US)            

Yes the drainage system on the boat is a bit mysterious in the way they designed it. I think your cleaning under the deck will take you where you want to go. The water around the tank seems to go first to the starboard aft storage compartment, then crosses to the port side compartment! Confusing, but it has seemed to work. Since we boat almost exclusively in fresh water I have not seen it as a big deal.

Our original engine was a 90 Johnson. Porpoising was a real issue. I went to a 90 Yamaha in 2001 and porpoising is essentially eliminated. I can trim the boat half out on the meter and still no porpoising. It trims out beautifully with four people in the boat.

Storage is unbelieveable for the size of the boat. It have taken to using the aft compartment as a cooler for beer and pop and I will stll have some ice the next morning. The insullation factor is amazing.

No question the 16SL was a transition boat, but we sure feel we made a good choice. We has a 15 and this boat is so much more drier and comfortable.

posted 09-26-2006 07:09 PM ET (US)            

we have had or sl16 for about three years now, previously she had been used as a water and shore patrol boat. porposing was initially a proble (90hp mercury classic) but we removed the limiting trim pin and now have learned to trim her, we never suffer any problems these days.

love the boat great for the family and good and comfortable for fishing. enjoy her?