JJ,
I respectfully disagree ... at least in part.
Yes, there are compromises to made but a 16' aluminum boat with a 60 hp motor should be able to carry three people and get on step with no problem.
I don't believe trim tabs are the only solution either. The right prop and a hydrafoil should correct the problem of getting on step with a heavy load. I'm going out on limb by saying that since I've never even seen a Smokercracft 161 XL but based on my experiences it should work.
Whether or not a prop change is needed depends on what rpm it's running at WOT on plane. That's also an indicator if the motor is making 60 hp. Another factor in deciding if a prop change is necessary is how fast it gets on step with a light load.
