View Full Version : 196 Starcraft Superfisherman
fishalot
03-07-2002, 06:52 PM
Are there any owners of 196's on the board? I am considering buying one of two available. The one is equipped with a standard 125 Merc.the the other one has a 150 Optimax for about 3k more. My question is the 125 adequate for a 19ft. boat & what kind of top end could you expect from either motor. I usually fish alone or with one other buddy. Thanksfor any input. Ray
Pro Elite Driver
03-07-2002, 08:29 PM
The SFM 196 with the 125 is a good package. It will Troll down slow enough for Walleye and will hit the high 30's to low 40's depending on the load. I basicly tell it like this, if you run 10 miles to your favorite spot at 40 mph it takes 15 minutes. with the 150 optimax you will get in to the high 40's . So you would only save 2 minutes of run time for the price of the upgrade and the cost of the kicker to troll.Thats alot to consider.
Good Luck
good boat , i use mine for great lakes salmon on L. Michigan. Used on L .Erie. Lots of room, i have 125 merc. 4 guys all gear 33mph tops in waves. Love it for its room, easy to stretch legs out w\ 4 guys.
bobco
03-08-2002, 12:31 PM
A good friend of mine has the same rig, seems to do ok even at higher elavations (less power) we have out in Colorado. He is happy with it. I personnely do not like the Mercury 2+2 concept, at slow speed/rpm I think under 1800 only runs on 2 cylinders. I know this has been around for awhile but...a 2 cycle needs fuel/oil in the cylinders for lubrication, so what about the 2 cylinder that are not firing...I just don't like it. I believe if you want to troll allot a kicker is the way to go not a big motor. I would lean towards the Optimax or better yet put and 150 EFI on it, the EFI is proven technology, runs good, less $$, you have to run allot of hours to get the fuel savings back from an Opti.
RickT
03-08-2002, 04:54 PM
I've been running the 196 superfisherman for 2 years. My last 2 boats were Starcrafts. Mine has the 150 xr6. mercs hot rod motor with a high five prop. Will hit low 50's loaded with tournament gear. I think Starcraft gives you alot without the big name price tag. I fish this boat for walleye and on Lake Michigan for salmon. From what ive seen we stay pretty dry compared to the others.
I HAVE THE 196 WITH THE 125 AND A 9.9 KICKER AND USE IT FOR WALLEYES AND WE ALSO FISH A LOT IN THE MOUNTAIN LAKES FOR LAKE TROUT AND SALMON. IT'S A GREAT BOAT BUT I RECOMMEND THE KICKER FOR TROLLING.