Silver Streak 16' Challenger vs Lifetimer 1600 Skiff

[Alex_c]

The welded deck is nice because you don't wash junk down into the bilge. Ideally the area under the deck has nothing in it - just an air-space and a fuel tank - not even foam. Mine wasn't welded in (just screwed down) and was open under the seats so sand/dirt would get into the bilge and there is no good way to flush it out to the back

For the welded deck on a non-self bailing boat, the nicest configuration is to have them fully weld the deck to the hull as one continuous piece (under the seats as well), and then weld a small sump at the transom where the bilge pump sits. This is how Silver Streak does it, and you can see it in one of the photos on their website.

I'm really surprised the two boats are comparably priced. My impression was always that the silver streaks were significantly more expensive.

Yeah mine has a little well at the transom where the bilge pump and drain plug go. Everything drains into there. There is a threaded bung as well that allows access to under the floor for inspection or drainage. I ran my bore scope in there and there is no foam, it’s just an air pocket. I was happy to see there was no water or corrosion build up in there either. At the bow, under the front casting deck, there is a vent tube that runs up to avoid condensation build up. The hull is pretty much maintenance free sitting on a trailer. I’m really happy with it. Have been thinking of selling it as I don’t use it as much as I should, and we’re looking at buying a property. The money I’d get for it is a small fraction of the down payment so I’m sure I’d regret it lol.

 

[Aquaholic]

I think four https://burnewiin.com/ on a SS or any of the aluminum builds would be wicked, so make sure to hammer them on price so you can save for some goodies!

A budget build with Burnewiin hardware?

 

[Alex_c]

There are a million things I’d spend money on for a build before I bought bougie rod holders lmao.

 

[kaelc]

The quick release down rigger setup would be money well spent in my opinion! I agree on the $400 rod holders, but when you are getting her built wince once and put the mounts in!

 

[Max123]

I'm more willing to spend my money on a builder/welder doing thoughtful details in metal rather than in the hardware department. All of the best things on my boat show off the skill of the builder.

For example, check out this transom door - crazy profiles, compound angles, etc. The skill it took to fabricate something like this so it actually opens/closes amazes me, not to mention the satisfying 'clunk' (just watch your fingers).

 

[Aquaholic]

I'm more willing to spend my money on a builder/welder doing thoughtful details in metal rather than in the hardware department. All of the best things on my boat show off the skill of the builder.

For example, check out this transom door - crazy profiles, compound angles, etc. The skill it took to fabricate something like this so it actually opens/closes amazes me, not to mention the satisfying 'clunk' (just watch your fingers).

Nice rod holders.

 

[Yyjdennis]

Visited the Silver Streak factory & got to see a few boats at various stages of production; very nice. Order placed, now I wait...

 

[Max123]

Visited the Silver Streak factory & got to see a few boats at various stages of production; very nice. Order placed, now I wait...

Don't forget to share some photos when it is finished!