Flechter GTO 16

[Brent]

I know must people visiting this forum talk about larger boats. But can anyone share their experiences with me regarding performance of the Fletcher GTO (16 foot) range built around 1989 ~ 1992 and what outboard option gives best performance. Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[byron]

Not true mate, lots of people here run Speedboats. Some also tell Porkies about what boat they have. Excuse me, can't finish this message as my helicopter is just landing on my stern landing pad the wife must be back from shopping at Sainsburys where they have a great 2 for the price of 1 offer on fish fingers.

©2001

 

[ChrisP]

Oh lucky you. I've just had a bloody sea gull (maximum allowable wingspan) land on my deck and nick my bread roll.

 

[Guest]

Had two Fletchers in the past - a 127GTO and a 170GTS. Both were excellent deep V hulls, and handled very well. The 127 was rated to max 40hp, but had a 60 on the back, and could break 50mph. The 170 had a Mercruiser 3.7l 165hp straight 4, and once pulled up 5 adults on skis (very slowly...)

The 160 will handle extremely well, and the GTO version has a good amount of room inside. Engine wise, you would probably want something around 90hp on it (though check what its max rating is). You could get away with 75, but it would struggle with an adult on a mono ski, 115hp would be blistering.

 

[Geoffs]

Do you let the missus drive the 'copter, or do you have a pilot, auto or otherwise.

The deal on fish fingers sounds kewwel. I'll have to nip down to the local. It'll mean getting the Roller (blades) out, as Mr Sainsbury (or is it Lord) has not provided us with a heli pad. Bit of an impoverished area you see.

Anyway, Brent, I have a Fletcher as well, not a GTO 16 though, so can't really help you much.

 

[jfm]

Yes, 70hp would be minimum, 115 or 125 would be fast and need careful control at WOT. I wd guess 48knots ish with a 125 and 2 people on board, and very little hull in water, whereas 30knots with a 70. Are you buying a new 'gine, if so there are good and bad places to shop. You will need power trim if you get the high powered set up, but most will have that anyway.

IMHO the pecking order (though it depends slightly on exactly which hp you are buying and whether you want 2 or 4 stroke) goes something like this, starting with best - Mercury, Mariner, Yam, Suzuki, then junk like Tohatsu, Selva etc. OMC would come after yam, but not sure wot's happenin following the change in OMC ownership. Honda make fine engines but the 90/115/130 would be a bad choice IMHO for your particular boat because way way too heavy.

JFM

 

[Guest]

I have a 1992 Fletcher 160 Arrowstreak fitted witha Yamaha 130HP. (I think it is a bit different to a GTO, mine has high sides and a walk-through windscreen).

Its agreat alround Skiing and fast cruising boat. Top speed is around 53mph, but with a bigger pitch prop it should do more (hitting rev limiter @ 6000rpm).

It handles rough water much better than a lot of similar sized boats, Fletchers seem to have a good reputation for thier sea going abilities.

When I bought mine I saw several similar ones, most had either 90 or 115 mercury engines. I would avoid a 75hp if you intend to ski with it, 115-130 are ideal for this size of boat.

Gary

 

[Scubadoo]

Hi,
Well I used to own a Fletcher Arrowstreak 161GTO (BlackMax Package), I purchased it new in 1989. The engine was a 80hp Mercury (standard then). I enjoyed the boat for nearly 10years before I upgraded to something larger.

All my trips were from the Solent and many times I ventured past the needles towards Poole and round the Isle Of Wight. So she had plenty of sea trips in conditions upto Force6/7 (Not planned I might add!). This boat is very stable and sea worthy and I never felt insecure.

My activities were cruising, Ski-ing and diving, the 80hp with just me onboard could manage near 50mph (I think once when new it achieve 55mph). Ski-ing was not a problem with two onboard and a skier. To greatly improve things and gain more speed/Pull I fitted a Dolphin Hydrofoil which I strongly recommend and a stainless steel prop.

The 161 GTO is rated to have upto 125hp Outboard engine, which I feel is more than enough for this boat, anymore power could be dangerous.

Also I found that 10gallons of Petrol would give you approx. 4hours running time when doing around 30mph. I always carried an extra 2gallons in the bow for backup.

If you need anymore particular info just let me know.

Regards,
RM.