Mirrocraft Outfitter 167 SC Review

The newly redesigned Mirrocraft Outfitter 167 SC is a durable, no-nonsense fishing machine and is exactly the kind of boat many fresh water anglers demand.

Just as some anglers like to have all the most luxurious bells and whistles, others prefer to keep things clean, simple and straightforward. For anglers who admire function over all else, Mirrocraft’s Outfitter series of no-nonsense aluminum fishing boats have long been the popular choice.

Completely updated and redesigned in 2017, the company’s Outfitter line provides anglers with rugged, dependable and easy to care for aluminum boats that are made to last. With no less than six tiller and three side console models to choose from, the Outfitter line strikes at the core of freshwater fishing utility, being designed to handle everything from shallow water casting or bass and panfish to deep water trolling for salmon and lake trout. Perhaps no model in the lineup represents these values better than the Mirrocraft Outfitter 167 SC.

As its name suggests, the Mirrocraft Outfitter 167 SC is 16 feet, seven inches long and uses a side console layout. It follows a familiar footprint with a raised front casting deck, a deep central cockpit and an open stern with a second, smaller raised deck. It’s a proven design that allows this boat to deliver unmatched value.

The bow casting deck provides plenty of room for fishing, with two large storage compartments and a live well in its base.

The large bow casting deck houses two large storage compartments beneath its wide, vinyl-covered deck. Between the access lids is an aluminum base to accommodate one of the two pedestal-mount seats that come with the boat, or more likely, an aftermarket bicycle seat or leaning post. There’s also a third hatch at the aft end of the deck to access the 30-inch long, 50-quart aerated live well. One option that many buyers will likely spring for is the available re-circulation / timer kit.

The 30-inch long, 50-quart aerated live well is available with an optional re-circulation/timer kit.

The vinyl flooring continues in the main cockpit of the Mirrocraft Outfitter, where its durable, easy-clean and non-slip qualities are much appreciated. The fiberglass helm console provides a standard speedometer and volt meter, horn, a removable acrylic windshield and a neat row of rocker switches for electrical accessories such as the running lights, courtesy lights, and live well. The standard black composite steering wheel is comfortable in hand, but it may be upgraded for a more upscale wheel with an available tilt option.

The fiberglass helm console provides ample space for installing aftermarket electronics.

Along the port side of the cockpit a long rod locker secures a number of outfits to eight feet, six inches in length, keeping them securely out of sight when not in use. Along the gunnels. The 167 SC features Mirrocraft’s Mirro Track bracket system that allows accessories such as rod holders to be quickly and easily mounted wherever they’re needed, and without having to drill any holes in the boat. Four seat bases (plus a fifth base on the bow deck) provide plenty of seating options.

Mirrocraft’s Mirro Track accessory mounting system allows positioning rod holders and other items wherever they’re needed.

The rear casting deck is smaller than the one up front, but still comfortable enough to be fished from in comfort. It also houses a battery box.

Mirrocraft does offer a number of thoughtful options for this boat to enhance its capabilities. Upgrading the cleats to a flat-folding variety eliminates accidental tangles with fishing lines, while a tachometer and an AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo are popular dashboard upgrades. Mooring covers, Bimini tops and bilge pumps are also popular add-ons.

A port-side rod storage compartment accommodates outfits to eight feet, six inches in length.

The Mirrocraft Outfitter 167 SC is rated to handle outboards of up to 60 horsepower. Pushed by a fuel efficient, 40-horsepower Mercury four-stroke, this package will approach 30 mph, where maximum power delivers top speeds in the 35 mph range. That’s plenty fast for a 16 foot open fishing boat.

With its clean and straightforward design, strong build quality and care-free durability, the Mirrocraft Outfitter 167 SC is exactly the kind of boat that many anglers demand. Being lightweight enough to tow easily behind a smaller vehicle, or launch on back lakes with unimproved ramps, gives it even more appeal and makes it a great value.