A site dedicated to discussion of these classic boats
8 Sep, 2011
Filed in: models and trim lines
Although I’m writing this “first post” a year after the fact, it’s probably worth recording what my Wahoo was like when I first bought it, what I paid for it, and so on.
Specs
Model: Wahoo 16.2 Striper
Year: 1987
Length: 16 feet
Beam: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 725 pounds
Capacity: 5 persons or 634 passenger pounds; 1104 pounds including engine and gear
Horsepower: Rated up to 90 HP
Features: Built-in 12 gallon fuel tank; full rail; original wooden lids and cushions; console controls include tachometer, tilt/trim indicator, and speedometer
The boat came with a 2008 Load Rite bunk trailer rated for 1500 pounds in good shape, and a 1981 50hp 2 stroke Evinrude engine (without power tilt/trim). The previous owner said he’d had no problems with the engine but for me it was hard-starting and prone to stalling at idle almost from the get go. After the first few trips I had to spray gas directly into the carb to get it to start, even when it was warmed up.
Notably not present at the time of purchase was a bilge pump, depth finder, or working kill switch.
Condition
Overall for its age (23 years) the boat was in pretty good condition, although certainly not pristine. The rail and cushions were in great shape. The wood needed refinishing. The fiberglass was solid (although the bow lip was cracked from being winched too tightly onto the trailer a few times). The gel coat had numerous small chips and had long ago lost its shine; it scuffed and dirtied easily. Some of the deck hardware (mostly screws and cleats) had rust or scaling. The bottom paint was who knew how old. The top of the console was full of old holes where it had been drilled into; inside the console, the wiring was spaghetti. The speedometer and tilt/trim indicator were not working.
Purchase Price
I paid $3900 for the boat, motor, and trailer (plus a few small extras like anchors and lines). That seemed all in all a reasonable price based on other Wahoos I’ve since seen sold based on where I live.
Added 2014
Replaced engine with new 2014 Honda 4-Stroke BF50
New key switch
Replaced tach with new Honda 7k Tach/Hour Meter
Added new Honda 37260-ZW5-000ZA trim meter
Added Jensen CPM100 AM/FM/USB w/MS30 Stereo with AMS602W Speakers
Added 2nd two-rod rock rack
Added Two Norestar flush-mount trolling rod holders
Added Dri-Deck mats
Replaced Fuel-water separator, fuel line, and coupling
Replaced deck pump with Seaflo Bilge Pump 750gph Auto with Float Switch
Added lighted bilge pump rocker switch
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I’m really interested in a 1650. I’m located in Rutland, Vermont. Where should I look for a good used one within 250 miles?
Hi Brian. Craig’s List is a good place to look. You may want to try the Craig’s List pages for all the New England states although in particular Massachusetts and Rhode Island may be your best bets. There may not be many listed at this time of year but you should see more as we get into spring. It’s also worth thinking about if there’s a particular trim line (Striper, Twin, LTD) that you want.
A quick check on the Boston Craig’s List a few minutes ago turned up a 16.2 Twin for sale in Methuen, MA.
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/boa/2779125980.html
I am seeing several 1650 boats out there with 50 HP engines. My initial thoughts are that these boats must be underpowered with only 50HP motors. I grew up skiing slalom behind a 15′ 6″ wooden Lyman boat with only a 40HP Evinrude. So I’m not looking for outrageous speed, but enough to take my kids tubing & water skiing.
What do you think of the 50HP on the 1650 Wahoo?
On the other hand is a 90HP Yamaha on a 1990 1650 Striper Center Console too much motor?
Hi Brian. My Striper came with a 1981 Evinrude 50. It was a tired engine and with a full boat it had trouble getting up on a plane. I replaced it with another 50…a 1995 Johnson 3-cylinder which has a lot more kick. I’d like to improve the hole shot so I’m going to add doel fins in the spring.
Because of how I use the boat (fishing and puttering) and the water where I live (loaded with bars, flats, rockpiles) I don’t really need more power than that. But for water skiing, tubing, etc. I wouldn’t hesitate to go with a 70 or 75. 90 I think would be overkill. It could also present a weight issue. The brochure specs say: Rated – 80 hp; recommended 60 – 75 hp; optional 90 hp.
It’s a very fast boat, I can tell you that, and handles well although I’m still learning.
Mike,
What do you think of this one?
http://harkle.com/threebelles/index.php?view=article&catid=42%3Apower-boats&id=92%3A1990-17-wahoo-6500&option=com_content&Itemid=70
I am concerned with the effects of saltwater on the motor, and the cost seems high to me. I would be interested in your opinion of a good price for it. Also, the bottom appears to be painted. Is that an issue, or indicative of it having had a problem?
Sweet looking boat. Looks well-tended. Bottom paint is standard on salt water boats–it prevents marine growth from fouling the bottom. You can have it blasted off for not too much money if you prefer an unpainted hull.
The price does seem high but without knowing more about the engine it’s hard to say what is reasonable. Need to know the year and whether it’s a two stroke or four.
Brian,
If you are still looking, I have an ’88 16.2 LTD with a 2007 Evinrude 90 Etec. I did not choose the motor, it was on it when I bought it. The Etec is not a very heavy motor so that is not a problem, but I think the 75hp would have been a better fit. But I have plenty of power! I don’t know if this helps your decision at all.
Enjoy the hunt. That is one of the funnest parts of a boat. My wife disagrees though.
Hi Kclonn,
Good to hear from you. Yikes, that 2 stroke Etec must fly! Yes, I am still looking. Are you saying your boat is for sale? If so, where are you? How about some pics? If not, I’ll appreciate everyone that keeps their eyes open for a good one and please let me know about it.
Thanks!
No, sorry, my Wahoo! is not for sale. I was just stating that the 90hp engine works fine on this boat so don’t rule that out if you find one. I am still having too much fun with mine. I have a few more years until I can retire, then I hope to use it a lot!
Anyone know what the draft depth is on the 1650 and 1750s?
The river I’m going to run on can get very shallow.
TIA!
Mark
PS – AWESOME site Mike, thanks again!