New Boat Review: McKee Craft 16 Foot Skiff

Honda 75 Horsepower and Mckee Craft 16 Skiff Combination Reviewed

The McKee Craft 16 foot skiff is unsinkable. A fact that McKee Craft is proud to display on their hull. This is a review of a brand new McKee Craft skiff. The boat was powered by a new 75 HP Honda four stroke. Options were limited to the flip back cooler seat, Bimini top, recirculation live well under the forward center console seat and the center fore deck storage compartment that makes for a fine casting platform. The owner added a Garmin 440s combination GPS map/Sonar and an Icom VHF radio. The electronics were neatly flush mounted in the center console leaving the top of the console free for a single tackle tray and compass. The starting battery and 12 gallon fuel tank were mounted under the center console making for a very clean, open fishing area. For sun lovers, the front deck has three cushions for laying out in comfort.

We launched at the Old Wooden Bridge Fish Camp on Big Pine Key and headed out Big Spanish Channel to the Bay side. Since we had to go through the motor break-in procedure, the owner and I had a little over an hour wait before we could get the boat on a plane. That wait wasn't a problem. The water was so clear the slow trip was interesting as we watched bait, rays, sponges and barracudas slip by under the boat.

Once the engine break-in allowed us to exceed 2000 RPM we could see how the skiff performed. At approximately 3400 RPM the McKee planed nicely. Between 3000 and 3100 RPM the skiff maintained a minimum plane for the load. Speed at minimum plane was 16 knots. With flat calm conditions, the ride was of course smooth as silk. Due to the break-in schedule for the Honda we had another eight hours before we could put the throttle in the corner. Still at 5000 RPM the combo made a respectable 30 knot cruise. The boat handled very well though I had forgotten how stiff cable steering can be. Hydraulic steering may be over kill for a skiff, but I would think about it if I bought a new one. As is, the boat steered fine, I just like the lack of feedback you gain from hydraulics and may just be getting a little lazy.