Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 boat specs
Smoker Craft
Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005
2005
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VS
Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 boat specs
Smoker Craft
Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008
2008
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Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 vs Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 vs Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 at 16,0 ft versus Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 tips the scales at 725 lbs — 683 lbs less than the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 at 42 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 carries a rated maximum of 40 hp. Engine data for the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 and Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeSmoker Craft
MakeSmoker Craft
ModelBig Fisherman 16
ModelResorter 161
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in
Beam81 in
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters2.06
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches81
Depth - Detail22 in
Depth - Detail25 in
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Centimeters63.5
Depth - Inches22
Depth - Inches25
Weight - Detail420 lbs
Weight - Detail725 lbs
Weight - kg190.51
Weight - kg328.85
Weight - lbs.42
Weight - lbs.725
Width [transom] - Detail63 in
Width [transom] - Detail74 in
Height - Detail31 in
Height - Detail33 in
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Meters0.84
Height - Inches31
Height - Inches33
Height [transom]LS
Height [transom]LS
Length - Feet16
Length - Feet16
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail16 ft
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters4.88
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches192
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom Gauge: 0.064 Side Gauge: 0.060 Rib Gauge 0.064
Hull thicknessBottom Gauge: 0.080 Side Gauge: 0.064 Rib Gauge: 0.08
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - DetailPortable
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Engine max40 hp
Engine maxnot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacity1,250 lbs
Maximum people5
Maximum people5

Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 vs Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 or the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008?
The Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 is the longer of the two at 16,0 feet overall. The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 comes in at 16,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 or the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008?
For trailering, the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 has the edge at 42 lbs dry weight versus 725 lbs for the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 has a documented max rating of 40 hp. Engine specifications for the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 measures 81" wide, compared to 7" for the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 and Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2005 and the Smoker Craft Resorter 161 2008 are built by Smoker Craft. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.