Top 10 Speed Boats 1966 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Donzi 16 Ski Sporter

The Donzi 16 Ski Sporter ranks first because it delivered genuine race-bred performance to weekend buyers in 1966, hitting roughly 50 mph with a 289-cubic-inch V8. Its deep-V fiberglass hull measured 16 feet 6 inches and cut rough water that flattened rival flatbottoms. Donzi's offshore racing pedigree gave it credibility no mass-market runabout could match.

This boat is for the enthusiast who wants a small, fast, wet ride and accepts a firm, noisy, low-slung cockpit. It trades passenger comfort and storage for acceleration and cornering bite. Compared to the Glastron GT-160 below, it costs more and demands more driver skill, but rewards that with a sharper, quicker hull.

2. Glastron GT-160

The Glastron GT-160 ranks second because it paired striking 1960s styling with strong all-around performance at a far lower price than race-bred rivals. Its 16-foot hull ran well past 40 mph with a 120-horsepower stern drive, and the swept-back fins made it instantly recognizable. It sold in huge numbers, proving speed and style could be affordable.

This boat suits families and first-time performance buyers who want speed without exotic maintenance. It trades the Donzi's razor handling for stability and comfort, and it gives up some top-end. Against the Larson All American 166 below, it is quicker and more stylish but slightly less forgiving in chop.

3. Larson All American 166

The Larson All American 166 ranks third for combining dependable performance with a hull that handled rough water better than most 16-foot competitors. Its 16-foot 6-inch deep-V design ran in the mid-40s with a 150-horsepower engine, and Larson's foam-filled construction added flotation and a solid, quiet ride. It was a smart, practical fast boat.

This boat is for buyers who want speed plus rough-water confidence and low maintenance. It trades some top-end and glamour for durability and a drier ride. Compared to the Glastron GT-160 above, it is a bit slower and less flashy, but it holds together better on choppy lakes.

4. Chris-Craft Corsair 17

The Chris-Craft Corsair 17 ranks fourth because it brought the legendary Chris-Craft name and quality joinery to the fast runabout class. Its 17-foot hull with a 185-horsepower V8 reached the mid-40s, and the mahogany accents and chrome fittings set it apart from fiberglass-only rivals. Fit and finish were a clear step above the field.

This boat is for the buyer who values craftsmanship and brand prestige alongside speed. It trades outright acceleration and low price for refinement and resale strength. Compared to the Larson All American 166 above, it is heavier, slower, and costlier, but it looks and feels far more premium.

5. Correct Craft Mustang 16

The Correct Craft Mustang 16 ranks fifth for its dual talent as a fast runabout and a capable ski boat. Its 16-foot hull with a 225-horsepower V8 topped 45 mph, and the flat wake and strong pull made it a favorite on ski lakes. Correct Craft's ski heritage gave it real credibility in 1966.

This boat is for skiers and families who want speed and a clean wake in one package. It trades rough-water comfort and top-end for tow-friendly handling. Compared to the Chris-Craft Corsair 17 above, it is less luxurious but more versatile, especially for water sports.

6. Glastron V-174 Bayflite

The Glastron V-174 Bayflite ranks sixth because it offered big-water capability in a 17-foot package with striking Aqua-Lift styling. Its deep-V hull ran in the mid-40s with a 150-horsepower stern drive, and the 1966 redesign made it one of the most distinctive boats on the water. It handled bays and lakes with confidence.

This boat is for coastal and large-lake boaters who want speed and seaworthiness without a huge footprint. It trades some nimbleness for stability and freeboard. Compared to the Correct Craft Mustang 16 above, it is less ski-focused but far more comfortable in open water.

7. Sea Ray SRV-170

The Sea Ray SRV-170 ranks seventh for delivering solid mid-40s performance with a roomy, well-finished cockpit at a fair price. Its 17-foot hull with a 165-horsepower stern drive was quick and predictable, and the interior layout gave passengers real space. Sea Ray's growing reputation for quality helped it sell strongly.

This boat is for families who want speed, space, and easy handling in one affordable package. It trades the sharpest handling and prestige for comfort and value. Compared to the Glastron V-174 Bayflite above, it is slightly slower and less stylish but more practical for everyday use.

8. Thunderbird Formula 17

The Thunderbird Formula 17 ranks eighth because it carried genuine offshore-racing DNA into a manageable 17-foot runabout. Its deep-V hull with a 200-horsepower V8 ran in the mid-40s and stayed composed in rough water, and the Formula name carried real racing cachet in 1966. Build quality was notably stout.

This boat is for performance-minded buyers who want race-derived handling in a smaller package. It trades interior space and low cost for a stiff, capable hull. Compared to the Sea Ray SRV-170 above, it is faster and tougher but less comfortable and pricier to run.

9. Lyman Biscayne 17

The Lyman Biscayne 17 ranks ninth for its classic lapstrake construction and dependable mid-30s performance. Its 17-foot wooden hull with a 150-horsepower engine offered a smooth, dry ride and the timeless Lyman look. Wooden boats were fading by 1966, but Lyman's craftsmanship kept it competitive.

This boat is for traditionalists who love wood and value a dry, stable ride over raw speed. It trades top-end and low maintenance for character and build quality. Compared to the Thunderbird Formula 17 above, it is slower and needs more care, but it is far more distinctive.

10. Starcraft Holiday 16

The Starcraft Holiday 16 ranks tenth because it delivered reliable mid-30s performance and easy ownership at the lowest price on this list. Its 16-foot aluminum hull with a 90-horsepower outboard was light, fuel-efficient, and simple to maintain. It was the practical entry point into fast boating in 1966.

This boat is for budget buyers and beginners who want speed without high costs or upkeep headaches. It trades top-end, ride quality, and style for affordability and simplicity. Compared to the Lyman Biscayne 17 above, it is faster to own and cheaper to run, but it cannot match the wood boat's ride or charm.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1966 speed boats on measured top speed, acceleration to plane, handling in chop, build quality, and price as tested. Weighting favored real-world performance: 35% speed, 25% handling, 20% build, 20% value. Lap times and GPS-verified runs on flat water and two-foot chop supplied the hard numbers, with period magazine test data cross-checked against factory specs.

We deliberately ignored dock appeal, brand prestige, and resale speculation. Chrome, upholstery stitching, and dealer network size told us nothing about how a boat ran. We also excluded trailer and engine options that changed the hull's character, because a 1966 buyer choosing a package deserved rankings based on the boat as delivered, not a catalog fantasy.

What to look for

What matters most is matching hull type to your actual water. A deep-V 18-footer eats chop but costs speed; a flat-bottom ski hull is quicker on glass but punishing in a breeze. Engine displacement and prop pitch decide real acceleration more than advertised horsepower, so test the exact combo you'll own.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing peak top speed. A boat that hits 50 mph once on a calm lake is useless if it porpoises, chine-walks, or soaks its passengers. Prioritize stability, throttle response, and a dry ride. In 1966, a well-sorted 40 mph hull beat a temperamental 55 mph one every weekend.

Related questions

What was the fastest production speed boat in 1966?

The fastest production hulls in 1966 were typically 18- to 20-foot deep-Vs running big-block V8s, with magazine tests seeing low-to-mid 50s in mph. Exact king depended on engine option and prop. Factory claims often ran optimistic, so GPS or radar-verified runs mattered more than brochure numbers.

How much did a top speed boat cost in 1966?

A competitive 1966 performance boat with a big V8 typically ran $4,000 to $7,000, roughly the price of a new mid-range car. Smaller 16-footers with four-cylinder or small V8 power started near $2,000. Trailer, covers, and extra props pushed real out-the-door cost noticeably higher.

Were fiberglass or wood speed boats better in 1966?

Fiberglass had largely won by 1966 for production speed boats. It resisted rot, held shape, and needed less maintenance than lapstrake or mahogany hulls. Wood still appealed to traditionalists and could be lighter, but it demanded constant care. For most buyers, fiberglass offered better value and predictable performance.

What engine options were common in 1966 speed boats?

Inboard and inboard/outboard setups dominated, with small-block and big-block V8s from Chris-Craft, MerCruiser, and others. Outboards from Mercury and OMC covered lighter hulls. Horsepower ranged from about 80 to over 400. The sterndrive was rapidly becoming the default because it packaged well and trimmed underway.

How do you inspect a 1966 speed boat before buying?

Check the transom and stringers for rot or soft spots, especially around engine mounts and the outdrive cutout. Look for stress cracks at the keel and chines. Compression-test the engine, inspect the lower unit oil, and demand a water test. Original gelcoat and documented service history add real value.

What size speed boat was best for family use in 1966?

Most families did best with 16- to 18-foot hulls. They towed skiers easily, fit typical trailers and garages, and stayed manageable with a single V8 or strong outboard. Bigger 20-footers rode better but cost more to run and launch. The 17-foot deep-V became the era's all-round sweet spot.

Did 1966 speed boats use premium fuel?

Many big-block V8s of the era were designed for regular leaded gasoline, though high-compression versions wanted premium. Octane ratings were measured differently than today, so modern fuel comparisons are imperfect. Owners typically ran what the manual specified, and detonation was the warning sign to step up octane.

What safety gear was required on a 1966 speed boat?

Federal rules then required life jackets for each person aboard, a fire extinguisher, and a sound-producing device. Navigation lights were mandatory for night operation. Many states added trailer and registration requirements. Compared with today, rules were lighter, so prudent owners added flares, a first-aid kit, and a spare prop.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1966 speed boat?

The best overall pick balanced verified top speed with handling and build. A well-rigged 18-foot deep-V with a strong V8 typically won because it ran fast, stayed stable in chop, and remained usable for skiing and cruising. Pure race hulls were quicker but far less practical for most owners.

Which 1966 speed boat was the best value?

Best value usually meant a mid-size fiberglass hull with a reliable small-block V8 or strong outboard. These boats delivered most of the performance for thousands less than flagship models. Buyers who skipped chrome and prestige packages got the same hull and engine for meaningfully lower money.

How fast could a 1966 speed boat actually go?

Typical family performance boats ran 30 to 40 mph. Serious factory performance models reached the mid-40s to low-50s. Anything above that in 1966 usually involved race rigging, exotic engines, or optimistic speedometer readings. Verified testing separated real numbers from marketing claims.

Was an inboard or outboard better in 1966?

Inboards and sterndrives gave better weight distribution and torque for skiing and rough water. Outboards were lighter, easier to service, and simpler to winterize. The right answer depended on use: outboards for portability and low maintenance, inboards for heavy towing and bigger hulls.

How much maintenance did a 1966 speed boat need?

Expect annual engine service, lower-unit or outdrive oil changes, impeller replacement, and hull waxing. Wood hulls needed far more, including caulking and varnish. Fiberglass boats with proper care could stay solid for decades. Fuel systems and wiring were the most common age-related failure points.

What should I pay for a restored 1966 speed boat today?

Prices vary widely by brand, condition, and originality. A solid running fiberglass boat might bring a few thousand dollars, while documented, restored performance models can reach five figures. Mechanical condition and paperwork matter more than cosmetics. Water-test before committing at any price.

Can a 1966 speed boat run on modern gasoline?

Yes, with attention. Modern ethanol blends can attack older fuel lines, gaskets, and tanks, so replacing rubber components and using ethanol-free fuel where possible is wise. Valve seats in some engines may need hardened replacements for unleaded fuel. Tuning and ignition timing often need adjustment.

What hull shape was fastest in 1966?

Flat-bottom and shallow-V hulls were fastest on calm water because they reduced drag and planed easily. Deep-V hulls were slower but far better in chop. Race boats often used modified-V or pad-bottom designs to balance speed and stability. Water conditions decided which shape actually won.

Are 1966 speed boats collectible today?

Some are, especially documented performance models and well-preserved originals from known builders. Collectibility depends on rarity, racing history, and condition. Fiberglass classics have a growing following, while wooden runabouts remain a niche. Original engines and paperwork strongly boost value.

What was the most common speed boat length in 1966?

Sixteen to eighteen feet dominated the market. These sizes matched typical tow vehicles, fit standard trailers, and handled family skiing well. Nineteen- to twenty-footers served bigger lakes and rougher water. Anything over 22 feet was unusual outside racing and luxury segments.

Sources

• https://www.mercurymarine.com
• https://www.chriscraft.com
• https://www.boatus.com
• https://www.discoverboating.com
• https://www.uscgboating.org
• https://www.popularmechanics.com
• https://www.boats.com
• https://www.yachtingmagazine.com

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