Re: Thoughts on 16 ft 1970 Crestliner Dane?

[David Stanton]

It should perform well, but it depends on just what kind of performance you want. I’d stay with the 85, but I’m into fast planeing and speed. The 55 should work well with a low pitch prop, but don’t expect much over 25 to 30 MPH and less with more people in the boat. Fine for cruising – marginal for pulling an experienced skier. Thge 55 should use a lot less gas than the 85, but be sure you give it enough throttle to get it up on plane and set the trim pin so only 1/3 to 1/2 of the hull is in the water at max throttle. Running not fully planed is probably the #1 gas waster on any boat as the boat becomes a water plow. For faster planeing, put in another gas tank under the bow deck. For max speed, put the gas tank at the rear.
Dave