New Boat Review: McKee Craft 16 Foot Skiff

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.

At this point in the test ride I had no problems with the hull. I was a little disappointed with the engine and its gauge. First the gauge, an analog tachometer with small LCD read out we had set on hour meter for break-in, fogged over. That was a minor pain in the butt, but not what I expected from a brand new Honda. Secondly, at dead idea, the engine vibrated at the perfect harmonic frequency to get the skiff windshield shaking. Boosting the throttle a touch past dead idle everything smoothed to what I would expect from a four stroke outboard engine.

Test ride or not, as a fisherman we had rods and bait just in case. We had one shot at a tarpon and no desire to play with the scores of barracuda that patrolled the flats (nor did we have 'cuda tubes). We did release a variety of smaller fish that inhaled our baits in search of a bonefish. Unfortunately, we released one prematurely that was strong enough to pull a fairly heavy drag on twenty pound test.

On the ride back to the Old Wooden Bridge Fish Camp the wind pick up a little against the current and we had to run into a one foot chop. The McKee Craft, like all cathedral hulls, is a boob bouncer in a chop. This isn't a big deal for most guys, but the ladies may what to consider wearing a jogging bra.

For a 16 foot skiff, the McKee Craft performed better than my expectations. The boat is extremely well constructed and the fit and finish nearly impeccable. The only modification to the rig I recommended was adjusting the Bimini for height when stowed. This just required an alternate set of mounting brackets. If you look at my first photo you will see that the Bimini can stow upright, which is nice. With the alternate brackets it stows upright where you don't hit your head. The second photo shows a very clean electronics installation.

Since the live well is recirculation not raw water fed, I recommend a collapsible bucket to add water as needed and storable without being in the way when not needed. Also having Zip-Lock bags of ice for the live well will help extend the life of your bait on a hot day.

The McKee Craft 16 foot skiff is solid and highly recommendable. Given the reputation of Honda, I am sure the minor gauge and vibration issues experienced during the sea trial will be corrected.

This article was submitted for non-payment for absolutely no good reason. Associated Content has not reviewed and does not endorse the views of this author. They also missed a great day on the water.