Xpress xp16pf Stick Steer .. is a Yamaha 40 /4 Stoke enough engine?

Hi folks,

I posted this in the main forum without much pertinent feedback so I thought I'd post it here seeing as the boats are built in AR.

I've started looking into Stick Steer boats again and was wondering if anyone is running the 16' Xpress Stick Steer Panfish model w/ a 40 H.P. 4 Stroke Yamaha?

And if so do you find it enough engine, or, would you go with a 50 hp if you had to do it over?

It seems like quite a few of the used ones I'm seeing have 40's on them.

I normally fish alone 99.9% of the time and weigh 200 lbs., wife may come along once in a blue moon and she weighs about 135.
I don't usually fish rough/big waters but do fish a Coastal Sound sometimes where I may have to out run a storm in a hurry on occasion so I'm wondering if I'd be alright with a 40 on this boat.

I'm guessing the 40 would probably get me about 30 mph when I'm alone with a WOT, and that's fast enough for me.

Appreciate any input you may have.

Thanks,
YB

The 16' with a 40 hp yamaha is what I'm running. The 40 does fine but you can't have to much motor (if the boat is rated for it). I weigh 200 and the boat will run 32 mph under perfect conditions I usually run about 30. With 2 people it will run about 28 mph. The Express has a good V that sure helps out in rough water you just have to slow down and trim it where the nose of the boat is high . I bought mine a couple of years ago and sure have enjoyed it. When you get it set up right once you get in the boat and sit down you don't have to get back up till you get back in. Like any boat its not always perfect for every situation but works good for me most of the time. Be glad to answer any questions you have. I bought mine from BRM, He's a "Member Sponsor" and I'm sure he would answer any questions you have. Best of luck to you.

If it was me I would put the biggest hp motor on it that it is rated for. The more hp the more speed when loaded. I recently replaced a 90 hp on a tracker v18 with a 150 hp optimax. The difference is amazing. Top speed on 90 was 37 with me in boat. I now cruise at 40 and burns a lot less gas. The difference in gas burned is amazing. My 2 cents worth

Thanks guys, appreciate your input.
YB

Bill, my 754VS is 17 1/2 and a bit heavier than the Express. I have a 50 4 stroke Yamaha, stainless prop up one notch on transom. Great bow lift and runs 32 with just me. I have 3 big batteries and 10 gal of fuel right on transom, 4 compartments crammed full of junk, stuff out side of compartments and I weigh 245. I would think that 40 set up right would be all you would need. Mine is rated for a 60 but really see no need for it. That 50 is hard enough on my shoulder on a long run as it is.

Thanks cray, that's good to know. I hadn't thought about the larger engines being harder to operate with the stick. Someone else also pointed that out to me in another post. I've got some Rotator Cuff issues in both shoulders, so the least amount of resistance will benefit me.

I'm more concerned about having enough omph to get on plane properly in the chop in order to stay as dry as possible, than I am with overall top end speed.

Sounds like the 40 should be all I'll need for this boat.

Thanks again for the info, I really do appreciate it.

YB

Put what ever HP the boat is rated for. You don't have to run wide open but you will notice it with a load. My 2 cents


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have a friend that fishes out of one similar to that size boat with a 40hp on it an pushes it fine in my opinion. Not a big fan of the stick steers myself but he bought it because he fishes alone a lot around here local which I can understand that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Yankee Bill

Thanks cray, that's good to know. I hadn't thought about the larger engines being harder to operate with the stick. Someone else also pointed that out to me in another post. I've got some Rotator Cuff issues in both shoulders, so the least amount of resistance will benefit me.

I'm more concerned about having enough omph to get on plane properly in the chop in order to stay as dry as possible, than I am with overall top end speed.

Sounds like the 40 should be all I'll need for this boat.

Thanks again for the info, I really do appreciate it.

YB

---

Bill,
If the wind is blowing enough to cause white caps, you are going to get wet at any speed in a stick steer aluminum boat. I pay close attention to the wind forecast and I will drive extra miles to launch if it will keep me off large unprotected bodies of water. The ride up front is really bouncy and rough if there is a significant chop on the water, so running fast will still get you wet along with beating your brains out.
I sold my console steer Tracker because I got tired of climbing back and forth from the console to the front deck and back, plus a couple of my friends are a bit unsteady on their feet and I knew sooner or later they were going to take a tumble climbing up on the back deck. In the stick steer they don't have to move once they are seated.
The stick steer boat offers several advantages but a smooth, dry ride is not one of them. If I had plenty of money(I dont') I would buy one of the glass Royal stick steer boats made in Alabama. They are a really good looking rig and I suspect they ride smoother than the metal boats, but out of my price range.
Request Rejected

I have a 1998 16' Tracker stick steer. It came with a 40HP. After destroying the original 13 pitch prop in some trout water, I replaced it with a 14 SS prop. Lost a little coming out of the hole. But, gained 4 MPH on the top end. It will run 31 MPH according to GPS. Twenty seven with a partner and stuffed full of crap that I ain't seen in years. DP

The 40 and 50 weigh about the same. What is the difference between a 40 and a 50 when you back off the throttle? Is it the torque from different props? I'm not arguing, just looking to learn.

I not only sell stick steer boats, but actually used one for 10 years before I became a boat dealer. I had a 1542 boat and a 25 Merc on it. The newer bigger stick steer boats with the bigger engines have much more lift than the smaller boats like my old one. You get "less wet" when in the front of the new boats, but you will have weather limitations especially when the wind is howling. You will really like the fact that you don't have to get up and down from a deck, and if you have leg or knee issues, the stick steer can't be beat. The stick steer boats are really great for fishing brush and docks because you sit closer to the water also.
To answer your question about the 40hp on the Xpress, IT'S PLENTY. Your only other option is a 50hp. The 40 and 50 are about the same engine give or take a few MPH on the top end. Either will do you proud.

Feel free to call me at your convenience if I can be of any service to you in your decision. PM me for my number if you don't have it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

I not only sell stick steer boats, but actually used one for 10 years before I became a boat dealer. I had a 1542 boat and a 25 Merc on it. The newer bigger stick steer boats with the bigger engines have much more lift than the smaller boats like my old one. You get "less wet" when in the front of the new boats, but you will have weather limitations especially when the wind is howling. You will really like the fact that you don't have to get up and down from a deck, and if you have leg or knee issues, the stick steer can't be beat. The stick steer boats are really great for fishing brush and docks because you sit closer to the water also.
To answer your question about the 40hp on the Xpress, IT'S PLENTY. Your only other option is a 50hp. The 40 and 50 are about the same engine give or take a few MPH on the top end. Either will do you proud.

Feel free to call me at your convenience if I can be of any service to you in your decision. PM me for my number if you don't have it.

---

Hi Bill,

This is Bill from VA ... I called you and we spoke yesterday :) I'm still pondering what we discussed. Appreciate the additional input here as well.

Thanks,

YB

IMO, for what it is worth, it has been my experience from a resale perspective, that the resale and boat value is much greater if you try to sell it later down the road, if you max the horsepower out on the initial purchase.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lkconwayguru

IMO, for what it is worth, it has been my experience from a resale perspective, that the resale and boat value is much greater if you try to sell it later down the road, if you max the horsepower out on the initial purchase.

---

From my experience, I disagree. That's why most manufacturers offer different size engines on their boats.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

From my experience, I disagree. That's why most manufacturers offer different size engines on their boats.

---

I am only speaking from my personal experience, that's why I said IMO. I have always had glass bass boats, not tin boats. And when it came time to resale the boat (Fiberglass bass boats) I found it easier to sale (as a individual) with max Hp and not under powered. Bill you sale boats for a living as a dealer, so if you say it don't matter about the HP, then I am figuring you know what you are talking about. Its always been my understanding that boats get lesser HP, to cut the cost of the rig so that they appeal to buyers with lesser budgets to work with that still wanted that particular size and style of rig. I would not buy a ranger z520 and stick a 150 hp motor on it, and 5 years down the road expect to be able to resale it for what it would be worth if it had say a 250 sho on it. Any ways these are just my opinions and thoughts. Which I should have kept to myself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lkconwayguru

I am only speaking from my personal experience, that's why I said IMO. I have always had glass bass boats, not tin boats. And when it came time to resale the boat (Fiberglass bass boats) I found it easier to sale (as a individual) with max Hp and not under powered. Bill you sale boats for a living as a dealer, so if you say it don't matter about the HP, then I am figuring you know what you are talking about. Its always been my understanding that boats get lesser HP, to cut the cost of the rig so that they appeal to buyers with lesser budgets to work with that still wanted that particular size and style of rig. I would not buy a ranger z520 and stick a 150 hp motor on it, and 5 years down the road expect to be able to resale it for what it would be worth if it had say a 250 sho on it. Any ways these are just my opinions and thoughts. Which I should have kept to myself.

---

I see where you're coming from, and I tend to agree. Your opinions are valuable and are based on your experiences. Other people have different experiences therefore different opinions. Neither person is wrong. Keep them coming.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

I see where you're coming from, and I tend to agree. Your opinions are valuable and are based on your experiences. Other people have different experiences therefore different opinions. Neither person is wrong. Keep them coming.

---

I agree also, that's what makes for interesting conversations ... different opinions. These boards would be pretty dead if we all had the same opinions!

YB

The price point is a factor in a smaller engine. Some people just can't afford the max hp, but do want the comfort of a bigger boat. Some people aren't interested in speed either regardless of their financial situation. Bigger engines give you more speed and bass boys really like their speed to jump from hole to hole. In that case, I would and did max out my glass boat.

For most crappie guys wanting the style of boat that "This Thread Is About", 10 hp won't make one bit of difference, and most people wanting an aluminum rig tell me that speed isn't an issue with them. Most of the crappie guys that I talk to are looking for comfort, and quality at an attractive price regardless of their financial capabilities, and are happy with a 115 on a boat rated for a 150, or a 150 on a rig rated for a 200. Crappie guys get to where they're going and FISH most don't fly around the lake unless they fish the tourneys. Tourney guys moving around usually aren't catching fish and need to move. Once they locate fish they usually stay put.

Oh yea, some guys move around to look for someone else catching fish and move in on em. [emoji4]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

Oh yea, some guys move around to look for someone else catching fish and move in on em. [emoji4]

---

Don't you sell fancy binoculars too?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DRPEPPER

Don't you sell fancy binoculars too?

---

Of course. [emoji12][emoji23][emoji23]