2001 Smokercraft Stinger 161
 

Considering buying this unit which is 'new' but is paired with a 60 Merc which is used.

With only a 60 hp I consider this to be 'underpowered'. Am I on the right track with this mindset.

Appreciate the wisdom !

RE: 2001 Smokercraft Stinger 161
 

Ran a 1991 Sylvan Sea Troller - same dimensions (in a sense)with a 60hp Merc. Newer boat is going to be wider, etc.

Was able to do 32-33MPH - GPS speed. That particular boat had a max HP of 85, I believe.

I think you will be ok, but it is really going to depend on what you define as being acceptable.

RE: 2001 Smokercraft Stinger 161
 

I justed checked and the current 161 Stinger is rated for a 60. I am running a 1999 160 Pro Tiller, a little longer and about an 1" wider than the stinger and it too is maxed out with a 60 Mariner. I don't have GPS so the only thing I can go by is the speedo and it does around 37-38 with the 60.
In my opinion you should be ok with that set up.

RE: 2001 Smokercraft Stinger 161
 

I just purchased a 2003 16ft smokercraft Pro Tiller. I have a yamaha F60. The Pro Tiller is wider, deeper, and 320 pounds heavier than the 161 Stinger. I can get about 32Mph with 2 people in the boat. I think the 161 would do fine with the 60hp. You're probably looking at close to 40 mph with 1 person.

RE: 2001 Smokercraft Stinger 161
 

Just bought a new 161 from a prominent dealership in northern Michigan. They featured a 40 HHP Merc. I asked the salesman if it was adequate HHP and he said it would easily do 30 mph. I upgraded to the 40 HHP four stroke and it does 35 mph which is as fast as you can go around here under most conditions.

RE: 2001 Smokercraft Stinger 161
 

I had a 1999 and have a 2000 stinger sc w/50 hp johnson 2-stroke (rated for 60). One person w/2 batteries = 33 mph gps. One person, 6 hp kicker w/6 gal can, 3 or 4 batteries = 30 mph gps. Add a person & livewell to all the gear = 28 mph

It gets on plane adequately when loaded. Pretty quick when its light.

If you have other questions, feel free to contact me by e-mail.

Good Luck,
jc