deposit down, countdown to buy 2016 Element 16 has started!-gctid813731

[Bob_H.]

Hello Everyone!

New member here, but I have been reading, lurking here and other sites (THT even!) to get as much info as we can on this model before we buy. It was a dealer trade-in for a larger boat. Engine has 44hrs (60hp BigFoot) and although it has some dock rash and a couple of small gelcoat chips, the overall condition is very good!

Now, I've read and researched all the issues/reviews/comments/rants-n-raves so we don't have to rehash any of that. Here's what I'd like to know;

Overall, has this boat lived up to your expectations?

We live on a older Chris Craft (1987 381) and want to have a small boat that our children and grandchildren can use to run to the beach, run a water toy around on calm days and for everyone to use for river runs and harbor neighbor visits.

Thanks in advance for your honest input!

Dealer is detailing the boat as part of the sale, completing all inspections, warrenty work before we sea trial next week. If this model doesn't live up to Bayliner's claims; I'd like to know before then.

[oakplank]

Mine also has the 60 Bigfoot and 40 hours. It's a 2014.

I have it tied up to our dock ready whenever I want to take a ride around the lake with my wife or friends. It serves my purpose and that's what any boat should do. If it fits your needs, great. If it doesn't fit your needs, it's the wrong boat for you. As far as issues, other than loosing a cushion bringing it home for the first time and water in the sponsons. I love the boat. A new free cushion was sent to my house by UPS and the extra plugs were installed free of charge. So I'm happy with the service I'm getting from Bayliner and the boat's performance.

take care, on and off the water

Oakplank

[Bob_H.]

Great input oakplank!

For the money I couldn't find anything new or used that has this boats function. I'm not dealing with rubber boats or leaky stern drives; just want a simple fun boat for the family that doesn't take all my time to maintain. Just pull the cover and go!

One question; did you bottom paint or barrier coat the bottom?

[oakplank]

"Bob H." post=813746 wrote:
Great input oakplank!

For the money I couldn't find anything new or used that has this boats function. I'm not dealing with rubber boats or leaky stern drives; just want a simple fun boat for the family that doesn't take all my time to maintain. Just pull the cover and go!

One question; did you bottom paint or barrier coat the bottom?

No bottom paint. However, I do wash/wax it when the season is over prior to putting it in storage.

[Guest]

2014 16' Element 60HP Bigfoot for 14 months, also purchased used. Currently @ 250 hours. Love it. No problems, no failures, so far. The closer you get to maxing out the weight limit the lower the performance. Duh, but 800 pounds is not that many big boys. Get the Smart Tabs SX60, Walmart online $99. Get a couple of 5 gallon gas cans with valves to refuel. Average 2 gallons/hour. Very stable boat with people moving from side to side or even jumping off the sides or swim platform. Tune the left/right (steering) trim tab on the motor above the prop to your preference, mine is two notches to the right for best steering at 20 mph.

[Bob_H.]

I'll order those Smart Tabs right away, extra gas cans too. Thanks! Mostly we will be 3 adults and two small children so I think we can stay under that 800#'s. Good advice on tab tuning too. I knew you guys would get me the info I need. Much Appreciated!

[fishbayers]

Sounds like you did your homework and know the common issues with this boat. Therefore, since it sounds like this boat has likely already spent time left on the water, you must find out if there is water in the sponsons. If there is ANY water, I would walk away. Also do a sea trial as some owners with water retention issues show lower performance due to the added weight.

[Bob_H.]

"fishbayers" post=813866 wrote:
Sounds like you did your homework and know the common issues with this boat. Therefore, since it sounds like this boat has likely already spent time left on the water, you must find out if there is water in the sponsons. If there is ANY water, I would walk away. Also do a sea trial as some owners with water retention issues show lower performance due to the added weight.

Sounds like good advice! The dealer we are purchasing this from is not an authorized Bayliner dealer, but they are inquiring into Bayliner on how to proceed if they find water while installing the Smart Tabs. Their service tech noted that the only reason this problem is an issue is because the water cannot get to the bilge area. He claims even high end models are never water tight! We will know for sure next week.......

[6104696]

"oakplank" post=813737 wrote:
Mine also has the 60 Bigfoot and 40 hours. It's a 2014.

Oakplank

40 hours since 2014?!?!?!? hmy:

Holy short Canadian season, Batman! Since April 1 of 2017 I have put 30 hours on the Element and another 25 hours on our 24 foot dual console. And the boats are at our summer cottage, 108 miles away.......

[Pichy]

I own a 2014 that I bought new. Overall it has been a great boat for our family of six. It has a lot of space and storage for a 16 foot boat. Issues I've had are that the factory prop was not allowing the boat to plane off for a long time, and porpoising was a serious issue. Trimming the boat was not possible, as I had to run it trimmed all the way down at all times. I am happy to say that I have solved those problems with the help of this forum and others. First I installed a four blade Nemesis 13.8 x 11 prop, and it made a huge difference. I keep the factory prop on board as a spare. No comparison. I consider it an absolute must if you have more than two people on board. Yes, I did lose a few mph off the top end, but that's ok for us. Next, I installed smart tabs, and found water in the sponsons after drilling. The dealer has now installed sponson drains and says that the wood inside is pressure treated, and the hull is warranted for life. Not ideal, but workable. I will now at least be able to drain whatever water manages to get in the sponsons. The smart tabs have corrected the porpoising completely, and made for a smoother ride in choppy conditions. One final issue that I will address is that water collects in the fuel compartment, since there is no way for it to escape. The fuel demand valve ends up partially submerged, which seems risky if connections ever fail. It needs to be raised up above the water that collects in there. My dealer did that for me no charge just for mentioning it. I will probably install yet another drain, this one through the transom so I can empty the fuel compartment water whenever needed. When I bought the boat, the 60 hp motor was all that was available at the time, but if I had a chance to do it over, I'd be getting the 75 hp. As I said, overall, it's been great for us.