1995-1998 Sea Rayder F16 Specs and Review [Video]

The Sea Rayder F16 was a 2-stroke Sea Ray jet boat manufactured from 1995 through 1998. This lively 16-footer mini jet boat was available with 120hp I4 and 175hp V6 Mercury SportJet engines. Its sibling was the smaller lighter Sea Rayder F14.

In this post, we’ll review the iconic Sea Rayder F16 and its factory specifications.

Sea Rayder F16/F16 XR Review

In the ‘90s marine manufacturers tried to take advantage of the popularity of mini jet boats, and Sea Ray was just one of them.

Sea Ray entered this market with the introduction of the 1993 Sea Rayder F14, which was followed by the 16-footer F16 in 1995.

This larger model was available in two configurations, the base F16 had the 120hp, I4 engine while the more advanced F16 XR had the optional 175hp, V6 engine, and larger pump.

Aside from their different power sources, propulsion systems, and cosmetic elements, these boats were identical. Because of this, they were often classed together.

Compared to the 14-footer F14, the F16 was built on a larger platform and was available with larger engines.

In terms of dimensions, this fiberglass hull itself measured 15.5 feet, which was increased to 16.33 feet with the standard swim platform. The beam of the boat was almost 7 feet while its draft was 11 inches.

Unlike its competitors, which typically had a deadrise of 17-20 degrees, this patented hull design had a significantly deeper-V architecture, featuring a 23-degree deadrise.

The Sea Rayder F16 was not only slightly larger but it was also heavier than most of its rivals. With the 175 engine, the boat weighed 1425 pounds dry and about 1800-2000 pounds fully loaded on a trailer.

Its completely open, sporty top deck housed a deeply bolstered, three-across bench seat in the cockpit and two padded seats in the bow.

Even though the F16 was rated for 5 people or 750 pounds, it was comfortable for 4 adults.

The engine bay was hidden beneath a large hatch, which was covered by a padded sun pad.

Storage compartments included two under-seat storage units, a larger container next to the engine, and a side console glovebox.

Interestingly, the latter housed the AM/FM radio, which was thus protected from splashing water.

Engines

The Sea Rayder F16 was marketed with single engine packages, the standard F16 housed a 1.7L, I4, Mercury SportJet 120 while the high-performance F16 XR had the optional 2.5L, V-6, Mercury SportJet 175. As their name suggests, these engines were rated and 120 and 175hp, respectively.

Both utilized modified 2-stroke, oil-injected outboard powerheads, which were redesigned for jet propulsion systems.

The 1.7L Mercury Sport Jet 120 utilized a Force powerhead while the 175 was based on a Mercury Black Max outboard. The latter was not only much more powerful, but since it was a “real” Mercury engine, it was far more reliable as well.

In a nutshell, the key features of these power mills were as follows:

Mercury Sport Jet 120 (F16):

• Number of engines: 1
• Powerhead: Force outboard
• Architecture: In-line, 4-cylinder
• HP at impeller shaft: 120hp
• Displacement: 1678cc (102.9 cu.in.)
• Bore x Stroke: 85.7 x 73.05 mm
• Intake: Reed valve
• Induction: 4 float-type side-draft carbs
• Lubrication: Oil-injection
• Starter: Electric

Mercury Sport Jet 175 (F16 XR):

• Number of engines: 1
• Powerhead: Mercury Black Max outboard
• Architecture: V6
• HP at impeller shaft: 175hp
• Displacement: 2507cc (153 cu.in.)
• Bore x Stroke: 88.925 x 67.31 mm
• Intake: Reed valve
• Induction: Loop Charge (3 x 2v Carburetors)
• Lubrication: Oil-injection
• Starter: Electric

These engines were paired with a single mixed-flow, gear-driven Mercury SportJet pump.

This advanced propulsion system housed a stainless-steel impeller and a manual reverse bucket.

Features

The key features of the Sea Rayder F16/F16 XR were as follows:

• Ski hook
• Lifting eye
• Bow and stern eyes
• Navigation lights
• Rearview mirror
• Rub rail
• Rear sun pad
• Swim platform
• Drain plug
• Tie-down hooks
• Cup holders
• Glovebox
• Grab handles
• AM/FM Stereo with dual speakers
• Deck carpets
• Deck drain
• Bilge blower
• Bilge pump
• Built-in fuel tank

Helm station instruments and features included:

• Steering wheel
• Engine controls (forward and reverse)
• Safety lanyard
• Speaker
• Clarion Stereo AM/FM
• Grab handle
• Custom Sea Ray Backlit Instrumentation:
• Tachometer
• Hour meter
• Speedometer
• Fuel gauge
• Illuminated weatherproof rocker switches
• Emergency cut-off switch

Riding Experience

The high-performance Sea Rayder F16 was marketed as “the Top Gun of the jet boat category,” and with good reason.

Even though it was only available with single engine packages, this boat still had great performance with the optional 175hp power source.

Besides its remarkable engine power, the F16 was known for its smooth and predictable handling, even on a light chop.

Thanks to its deeper keel and heavier hull, it had a much better rough water performance than its lighter rivals. In return, it was less nimble and playful.

Yet, its responsive attitude ensured a thrilling “PWC-like” riding experience. Believe it or not, this tiny boat had a quarter turn lock-to-lock steering, which was more than enough to do tight turns and donuts.

Its open-deck architecture and safe jet propulsion made the F16 suitable for a lot of different purposes like pleasure boating, wakeboarding, tubing, and even fishing.

Therefore, it instantly became popular among families and watersport enthusiasts.

Fitted with the 175hp engine, the Sea Rayder F16 XR offered great hole-shot acceleration and a top speed of 50+ mph. At this speed, its fuel consumption was 17-18 gph (2.8-2.9 mpg), which ensured a fuel range of 60-65 miles.

Its best cruising speed happened at 30-32 mph where the engine burnt around 7 gph while getting 4.5 mpg. The cruising range at this economical speed was a remarkable 100-110 miles.

Sure, the base F16 was much less hungry with the 120hp engine package, but the better fuel economy came hand-in-hand with an underpowered performance.

With this standard engine the top speed of the boat was only 42-44 mph, not to mention its sluggish acceleration.

Problems

Even though the Sea Rayder F16 was a high-quality jet boat, it had its problems and design flaws.

There’s no question that the weakest part of the base F16 was its standard 120hp engine.

This unit featured a modified Force outboard powerhead, which was not only much less powerful but also far more unreliable than its 175hp brother.

In contrast, the 175hp engine option of the F16 XR had a Mercury powerhead that proved to be more dependable in the long run.

Another common complaint against the F16 was the lack of convenience features like an under-floor ski locker, ski pylon, reboarding ladder, or fill-in bow cushions.

It also had a very limited storage space and only two cup holders in the cockpit.

Sea Rayder F16 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the main specs of the Sea Rayder F16 / F16 XR in these charts:

Dimensions and Capacities

Hull Length	15’ 6” (4.72m)
Length with Swim Platform	16’ 4” (4.98m)
Beam	6’ 11” (2.11m)
Draft	11” (28cm)
Dead Rise	23 degrees
Dry weight (w/175hp engine)	1425 lb. (648kg)
Maximum people on board	5/750 lb.
Total weight capacity	750 lb.

 

Engine Specs

Engine Opt.	Mercury Sport Jet 120 (F16)	Mercury Sport Jet 175 (F16 XR)
Number of Engines	1	1
Type	2-stroke	2-stroke
Number of Cylinders	I-4	V-6
Displacement	1687cc (102.9 cu.in.)	2507 cm³ (153 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke	85.7 x 73.05 mm (3.375 x 2.876 in.)	88.925 × 67.31 mm (3.501 x 2.650 in.)
Cylinder Material	Cast Iron	Cast Iron
Piston Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Performance	120hp (89.5 Kw)	175hp (130.5 kW)
Lubrication System	Oil injection	Oil injection
Induction System	Loop Charge (4 x side-draft carbs)	Loop Charge (3 x 2v Carbs)
Number of Carburetors	4	3
Intake System	Reed valve	Reed valve
Ignition System	CDI	CDI
Staring System	12V Electric	12V Electric
Cooling System	Water Cooled (Self Draining)	Water Cooled (Self Draining)

 

Drive Unit

Propulsion System	Jet pump
Jet Pump Type	Axial flow, mixed stage
Transmission (120hp)	1:1 constant mesh w/reverse bucket
Transmission (175hp)	1.25: 1 constant mesh w/reverse bucket
Impeller Type and Size (120hp)	Stainless steel/5-blade/6.43 in. dia.
Impeller Type and Size (1750hp)	Stainless steel/3-blade/7.25 in. dia.
Nozzle	Ski type (low angle discharge)
Reverse	Twin-aperture flow diverter

 

Fuel and Oil

Fuel system	Gasoline w/Oil injection (variable rate, gear driven)
Recommended Gasoline	Unleaded 87 octane minimum
Recommended Oil	Quicksilver TC-W 3 or TC-WII 2-cycle outboard oil
Fuel tank capacity	25 US gal.
Oil Tank Capacity	3 US gal.

Disclaimer: These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Looking for a Sea Rayder F16 For Sale?

Even though it went out of production before the Millennium, you can still find plenty of Sea Rayder F16s for sale on the used market.

You can expect the asking prices to be anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the age and the engine configuration. It’s a fun fact that the original price of this boat back in the late ‘90s was no less than $18,000!

If you are considering buying this model, make sure to choose the F16 XR with the 175hp, V6 engine option.

Also, don’t forget that maintaining a carbureted 2-stroke jet boat requires a lot of attention and some mechanical skills. On top of that, most repair shops refuse to work on these aged vessels.

Consequently, if you are not mechanically inclined, you may want to invest in a younger, 4-stroke boat instead.

References

jjotool.tripod.com