AMERICAN ANGLER 1660 BASS & BAY

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

I have to admit, I’m a bit spoiled, especially when it comes to boats. But I also respect utility and minimalism. So when I got the call to test the latest edition to Smoker Craft’s American Angler series I went with my bias. After all, I’ve tested Smoker Craft boats before, and for lack of a better term, they are plush. Well, the 1660 Bass and Bay is not for you champagne drinking types; this is a man's man boat, complete with just the basics, hull, engine and seats, but there are some features that cross the line between comfort and necessity. For instance, a pair of swivel casting chairs comes standard, as does a small helm console and adequate dry storage compartments.

Construction

Where the B&B really shines is in its rugged, no nonsense, easy to clean and easy to keep personality. It all starts with a hull built with heavy gauge aluminum that’s welded throughout to give decades of faithful service. Then, an all composite floor is installed. According to the company, this flooring material will never rot or mildew, plus it comes with a texturized surface that gives you excellent grip. Finally a set of folding seats are placed at the helm and companion side to give you and your pals a place to sit.

At the Helm

The helm is…well, bland, but then again you don’t need much on a boat like this. A fuel gauge, a speedometer and an accessory power switch panel make up the helm’s dash. I recommend you have a tachometer installed since most speedos fail or do not read accurately anyways. I also found the driving position very uncomfortable due to un-adjustable seats and non-tilt steering wheel. Remember, I’m spoiled though. On the up side, the helm and companion seats are mounted to boxes that give generous dry storage right at your finger tips.

Fishing Features

Now for fishing fun, the boats forepeak has a full-beam casting deck and uses sturdy diamond plate aluminum for maximum grip and toughness. There is a convenient power plug built into the gunwale for the optional trolling motor and it’s all pre-wired. The gunwales incorporate built-in rod holders and a handy shelf system to keep equipment secure and easy to access. At the back of the boat, the 1660 has a raised deck with ample space to cast from and includes a mount for a second bass chair. Below the deck are two storage tunnels and access to the engine’s battery box.

Considering the Bass and Bay’s purpose in life it accomplishes it very well: rugged utility, value, and fishing fun. So if you’re a hardy sportsman looking for a stout, economical mate then I think I have a match for you.

• Top speed for the American Angler 1660 Bass and Bay is 31.3 mph (50.4 kph), burning 4.3 gallons per hour (gph) or 16.28 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the American Angler 1660 Bass and Bay is 21.9 mph (35.2 kph), and the boat gets 9.30 miles per gallon (mpg) or 3.95 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 151 miles (243.01 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 50-hp Honda Four-stroke.


• Time to plane for the American Angler 1660 Bass and Bay is 5.9 sec. seconds.


• Time from 0 to 30 of the American Angler 1660 Bass and Bay is 12.9 sec. seconds.