Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

Seascout3

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
41
I am looking at a 1997 160CCF. It has a 50hp Force engine. I am looking for something to fish up in the creeks for reds and trout. In other words shallow water. Opinions on the ride and do you think the 50 is okay and not under powered. If anyone has this boat please give your opinions. Thanks

ED
 

Willyclay

Captain
Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
3,264
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

You need to shoot for a minimum of 70-75 percent of the Maximum Horsepower Rating for your particular boat to get good all around performance. Wellcraft is a great boat and the 16CC should serve you well for the type of fishing you want to do. My latest experience is with a Sea Fox 16CC with a 60HP Mercury. Good luck!
 

fishmen111

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 1, 2008
Messages
637
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

I just bought the exact same boat with a blown 50 Rude. Put an '01 Johnson 50hp on it and love it. If you do a search on one of the "traders", you will note that they all seem to have 50s on them even though they are rated to 90. I would be concerned about the Force though. I have not had any experience with them personally, but have never heard them mentioned in a positive fashion. I love the low freeboard on this boat and it's light weight.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

force motors, are very basic motor, it is my understanding they never change the hp rating to the prop rating, that all the others have, so it is less than 50 hp compared to a 50 merc. if it is a 97 force, alot of parts, are merc parts. the 80's versions of this motor have bad reputation.
 

Seascout3

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
41
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

Thanks Fishmen111,
I was hoping to find someone who actually has one of these boats. Most of the comments have been positive. Someone on another board metioned that it is not self bailing and relies on bilge pumps. Is this true and is it really a problem? Does the boat get up into shallow water? The main issue with the one I am looking at, is it does not have a trolling motor. Does the boat have a place for a bowmount trolling motor and extra batteries? I have only seen pictures so far so I appreciate any info before I look at it this weekend.Thanks to all for the help.

ED
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

copy and post the pictures here.
 

fishmen111

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 1, 2008
Messages
637
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

This boat is not self bailing and does rely on a bilge pump. No big deal though. You will notice that most self-bailers have high, sealed decks for obvious reasons. I could see where our boats could be converted with a pair of bronze ports, but to me, a pump has always worked great and the less holes I drill in the transom, the better. I just sold a 24' Carolina Skiff that was self bailing until I put so much crap on her that I had to plug up the holes and put in a pump. Funny you mention the trolling motor. I just installed an "eb#y special" Motorguide on her yesterday. Can't go wrong with a $100 foot controlled. I will have to post pics later to show you how I did it. The large ss bow railing posed some issues, but I was very pleased with the outcome (Sawsall required). This rig is great for shallow creeks, as it draws very little water. Keep in mind though, that as you put more junk in there, she will sit lower. I currently have both batteries in the back compartments and may need to re-distribute some weight down the road. Have a great day!
 

Seascout3

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
41
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

Thanks for all the info guys. I have to count my pennies and see if I can swing it. Still have to wet check but have liked what I have heard so far. Thanks again.

ED
 

Seascout3

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
41
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

I would very much like to see your trolling motor setup. Thanks

ED
 

fishmen111

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 1, 2008
Messages
637
Re: Opinions on 160CCF Wellcraft

I hope these help. I mounted the motor first, then raised it to mark the railing. Cut the railing with half inch clearance on each side. Don't ask how I came up with the next part. I knew I did not want the railing to stay open. I used a ss shaft from a landscape light (pack-rat!) that fit perfectly over the boat railing and cut it off +1" when it would slide no further. Put the cut piece back in, slid the new "collars" up, and voila. They stay put, but i still plan on putting removable ss ball pins in them. Believe or not, the majority of it's original strength is still there. I included one picture of the 12v outlet I installed next to the gas fill access port.
 

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