Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 boat specs
Smoker Craft
Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006
2006
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VS
Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 boat specs
Smoker Craft
Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004
2004
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Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 vs Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 vs Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 125 hp, the Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 has a 85-hp advantage over the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 and its 125-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 with its 40-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSmoker Craft
MakeSmoker Craft
ModelBig Fisherman 16
ModelVentura 172
Model Year2006
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam70 in
Beam91 in
Beam - Meters1.78
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches7
Beam - Inches91
Depth - Detail22 in
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters55.88
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches22
Depth - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail420 lbs
Weight - DetailN/A
Weight - kg190.51
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.42
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail63 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Height - Detail31 in
Height - Detail36 in
Height - Meters0.79
Height - Meters0.91
Height - Inches31
Height - Inches36
Height [transom]LS
Height [transom]LS
Length - Feet16
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 5 in
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters5
Length overall - Meters5.23
Length overall - Inches197
Length overall - Inches206
Body / Hull
Hull thicknessBottom Gauge: .064 Side Gauge: .060 Rib Gauge: .064
Hull thicknessnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max40 hp
Engine max125
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - DetailN/A
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,100 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people5
Maximum peopleN

Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 vs Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 — Common Questions

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 is rated to a maximum of 125 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 tops out at 40 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 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 Ventura 172 2004 measures 91" wide, compared to 7" for the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006. 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 2006 and Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Smoker Craft Big Fisherman 16 2006 and the Smoker Craft Ventura 172 2004 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.