Asking for advice. <SX190 or SX210>

[Dean P]

Honestly, I'm overwhelmed with how helpful all of you are so far. This place is wonderful!

It sounds like the better option is to go for the 190 and save a bit of money, and then I can put that money towards things to upgrade it. I guess now that i realistically think about it, the times that I would run the boat at WOT are not very common, as it would be used to cruise and goof around, and then anchor on a sand bar and enjoy the day.

The 190 should accomplish that fine it seems.

Following up then, I would definitely want to put a depth sounder on it since it doesn't have one...how easy is that process? Haha.

I could have sworn my 2015 192 had a depth finder. Are you sure it does not? If you scroll thru the different screens, there isn't one that displays the water temp, water depth, fuel readout (bar type), hours on the engine, etc.

 

[2kwik4u]

This is a ton of great information. I have a storage option for the boat, but a 19' would fit in my garage (granted, my vehicle won't at the same time, but whatever). That's the one big thing I'm thinking is pushing me towards the smaller boat, honestly.

Regarding my vehicle, the tow rating is right in the middle there at 4500 pounds. I wouldn't ever plan on towing the boat with a full tank of gas (seems unsafe to me to do so), so at least there's that.

I don't do any water sports currently, but may at some point do a little tubing and wakeboarding. It doesn't have a tower, obviously, but could always look at adding one if needed, I suppose.

I think my biggest question between the two is the handling. How much difference will I see between the larger boat and the smaller, and the single newer engine vs. the older dual engines?

The bigger boat weights several hundred pounds more, and on trailer will be around 600 lbs. shy of my tow capacity. The 190 will be almost 1000 under, which is really nice. The nice thing about the 210 is that it has all of the stuff already done to it that I would plan on doing (upgraded sound system, second battery, depth sounder [I think]), not to mention more storage and space...but I'm not positive that it would be a HUGE difference, and the times that I would have 8 people on board at once are pretty few and far between.

Sounds like a tough decision. I don't think you'll go wrong with either boat, but I'm still partial to the 190

I, too, had to start parking outside when we got the boat. I still make room for the wifes vehicle in the garage though, so that's a plus (for her I suppose). Here's what it looks like after I've "packed it in" for the week after boating all weekend. Most of my "garage stuff" gets packed around/under it so we can still get the other car in there.



I can't comment on the handling between the larger and smaller boats, however I CAN say that this Yamaha rides 200% nicer than my '98 Rinker did. They had similar deadrise (the angle at the transom of the boat) measurements, and the Rinker was about 750lbs heavier than the Yamaha. The Yamaha rides FANTASTIC in lake chop. Even very windy days on a relatively shallow lake still gets me an acceptably smooth and dry ride. I have to really get into some bad weather to get an uncomfortable ride. I would expect the larger boat to handle just as good or better in terms of comfort of ride. Again, I have little experience with the larger Yamaha's.

Storage space on the 190's is AMAZING. The rear compartments are literally cavernous. I'm 6'2" tall and 215lbs, and can easily fit my entire body in there and have the seat closed above me. I was all the way in the port forward compartment this past weekend running new stereo remote wires. I can get 6 adults, with 3 beach bags, 6 towels, and 2 large coolers on the boat and not have anything out on the deck. I also keep the wakeskate, tube, and big disc on the boat all the time, as well as our floaties, kids toys, safety gear, bumpers, lines, etc on the boat all the time. I've never had a hard time fitting everything that needs to go with us on the boat. Even with 4 adults 4 kids on the water for a day, storage is never an issue.

For me, the 190 is the way to go. Mods to make it your own are always better than someone else mods. Also, the lighter tow will be a blessing in disguise once you have the SUV loaded up with women headed to the lake for a day, even more so on the way home when everyone is sunburnt and has the start of a hangover already, and wants the A/C on . Nothing worse than having to stop and let the tow vehicle cool off on the way home, ask me how I know .

 

[2kwik4u]

I could have sworn my 2015 192 had a depth finder. Are you sure it does not? If you scroll thru the different screens, there isn't one that displays the water temp, water depth, fuel readout (bar type), hours on the engine, etc.

I think the 192/195 boats got the depth finder. My '17 190 does not have one. They are a simple add though. Found a dual guage with water temp and depth for like $50 online. It's on the christmas list for this year.

 

[Theryan]

I could have sworn my 2015 192 had a depth finder. Are you sure it does not? If you scroll thru the different screens, there isn't one that displays the water temp, water depth, fuel readout (bar type), hours on the engine, etc.

The newer models may have them, but the 2010 190 doesn't.

 

[Theryan]

I think the 192/195 boats got the depth finder. My '17 190 does not have one. They are a simple add though. Found a dual guage with water temp and depth for like $50 online. It's on the christmas list for this year.

Would you recommend doing a through hull, or an in-hull one?

 

[Theryan]

Sounds like a tough decision. I don't think you'll go wrong with either boat, but I'm still partial to the 190

I, too, had to start parking outside when we got the boat. I still make room for the wifes vehicle in the garage though, so that's a plus (for her I suppose). Here's what it looks like after I've "packed it in" for the week after boating all weekend. Most of my "garage stuff" gets packed around/under it so we can still get the other car in there.

View attachment 102390

I can't comment on the handling between the larger and smaller boats, however I CAN say that this Yamaha rides 200% nicer than my '98 Rinker did. They had similar deadrise (the angle at the transom of the boat) measurements, and the Rinker was about 750lbs heavier than the Yamaha. The Yamaha rides FANTASTIC in lake chop. Even very windy days on a relatively shallow lake still gets me an acceptably smooth and dry ride. I have to really get into some bad weather to get an uncomfortable ride. I would expect the larger boat to handle just as good or better in terms of comfort of ride. Again, I have little experience with the larger Yamaha's.

Storage space on the 190's is AMAZING. The rear compartments are literally cavernous. I'm 6'2" tall and 215lbs, and can easily fit my entire body in there and have the seat closed above me. I was all the way in the port forward compartment this past weekend running new stereo remote wires. I can get 6 adults, with 3 beach bags, 6 towels, and 2 large coolers on the boat and not have anything out on the deck. I also keep the wakeskate, tube, and big disc on the boat all the time, as well as our floaties, kids toys, safety gear, bumpers, lines, etc on the boat all the time. I've never had a hard time fitting everything that needs to go with us on the boat. Even with 4 adults 4 kids on the water for a day, storage is never an issue.

For me, the 190 is the way to go. Mods to make it your own are always better than someone else mods. Also, the lighter tow will be a blessing in disguise once you have the SUV loaded up with women headed to the lake for a day, even more so on the way home when everyone is sunburnt and has the start of a hangover already, and wants the A/C on . Nothing worse than having to stop and let the tow vehicle cool off on the way home, ask me how I know .

Well, it's starting to seem like i might go for the 190 if everything checks out on it. Honestly, the towing part is the one thing that I really love about the smaller boat. I don't want to put more stress on my vehicle than need be.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Ratket]

Here watch this if you are worried about storage. Should give you an idea.

 

[AquamanH20]

I made the mistake of buying a single engine Seadoo Challenger 18' as my first boat and every trip something went wrong. When all seemed right the jet pump would cavitate when trying to pull someone. It also did this weird dolphin thing at speed.
I have a friend that bought a single engine Yamaha and all he could say was that it was a complete lemon. "Hated that boat" The intake on these is right at the very bottom and you will get gravel in the pump and screw it up if you are anywhere shallow. (Ask me how I know.) I was able to sell that boat for what originally paid after a year and a half of the time and money put into it just to try to get it right.
I ended up with a 2011 AR210 w/200hrs for $23K and have nothing but high praise for this boat. It came with the Perfect Pass system, all the anchoring equipment and accessories from JBP you could ask for. I have only upgraded the stereo and added a Simrad nav/fishfinder Other than having to replace the bunks on the trailer I have had nothing but enjoyment with this boat. Going to have 7 people out this weekend and have no worries of any problems. I've put 50 hours on it in the 2 happy years I've owned it.
I vote you get the 210. It is good advise that your "first boat" should be your "second boat"
How many hours on the 210? I hear they will give you 2000 hours of reliable service.

 

[2kwik4u]

Would you recommend doing a through hull, or an in-hull one?

I found this one on sale awhile back. It matches the existing gauge set decently, and had depth and water temp on it.

Faria Digital Depth Sounder with Air and Water Temperatures

 

[2kwik4u]

I made the mistake of buying a single engine Seadoo Challenger 18' as my first boat and every trip something went wrong. When all seemed right the jet pump would cavitate when trying to pull someone. It also did this weird dolphin thing at speed.
I have a friend that bought a single engine Yamaha and all he could say was that it was a complete lemon. "Hated that boat" The intake on these is right at the very bottom and you will get gravel in the pump and screw it up if you are anywhere shallow. (Ask me how I know.) I was able to sell that boat for what originally paid after a year and a half of the time and money put into it just to try to get it right.
I ended up with a 2011 AR210 w/200hrs for $23K and have nothing but high praise for this boat. It came with the Perfect Pass system, all the anchoring equipment and accessories from JBP you could ask for. I have only upgraded the stereo and added a Simrad nav/fishfinder Other than having to replace the bunks on the trailer I have had nothing but enjoyment with this boat. Going to have 7 people out this weekend and have no worries of any problems. I've put 50 hours on it in the 2 happy years I've owned it.
I vote you get the 210. It is good advise that your "first boat" should be your "second boat"
How many hours on the 210? I hear they will give you 2000 hours of reliable service.

I think these negative issues with the single engine Yamaha's are from the older 2-stroke designs. I've never heard any of these complaints from the more modern boats.

The intake is on the centerline of the boat instead of slightly up the hull like the twin engine crafts had. I think if you're getting close enough to suck rocks into a 190, you're pretty damn close to sucking in rocks on a 210 as well. This is a wash IMO, either craft is going to go significantly shallower than a propped boat could hope to get to, so it somewhat becomes a moot point all together........depending on where you boat of course.

I'm not sure I agree with the "buy your second boat first" mentality. Lots of people say it though, There are a lot of pitfalls to that, and if you're buying used the risk of swapping to a larger boat in a few years is minimal. We're on our second boat, and it's the same size as our first (feels bigger, but isn't). Doubt we upgrade in the next 5 years either. I think choosing the right boat for your intended use is more important than "overbuying" because you think you might outgrow it. It's just like buying a car, or a house. Buy for what you need now, and what you feel comfortable planning for in the future.

 

[Theryan]

I made the mistake of buying a single engine Seadoo Challenger 18' as my first boat and every trip something went wrong. When all seemed right the jet pump would cavitate when trying to pull someone. It also did this weird dolphin thing at speed.
I have a friend that bought a single engine Yamaha and all he could say was that it was a complete lemon. "Hated that boat" The intake on these is right at the very bottom and you will get gravel in the pump and screw it up if you are anywhere shallow. (Ask me how I know.) I was able to sell that boat for what originally paid after a year and a half of the time and money put into it just to try to get it right.
I ended up with a 2011 AR210 w/200hrs for $23K and have nothing but high praise for this boat. It came with the Perfect Pass system, all the anchoring equipment and accessories from JBP you could ask for. I have only upgraded the stereo and added a Simrad nav/fishfinder Other than having to replace the bunks on the trailer I have had nothing but enjoyment with this boat. Going to have 7 people out this weekend and have no worries of any problems. I've put 50 hours on it in the 2 happy years I've owned it.
I vote you get the 210. It is good advise that your "first boat" should be your "second boat"
How many hours on the 210? I hear they will give you 2000 hours of reliable service.

He doesn't actually know the hours on it since that year didn't have an hour meter on it. He said that the previous owner said it was like 200+ and since he bought it three years ago he's put four tanks of gas in it.

So, no idea. The 190 does have a meter and it has 145 or so hours.

Don't all of them have the intake in that spot, and all of them run that risk? Also, I don't think comparing the Sea-Doo to this as a single engine is apples to apples since the engines are completely different.

 

[AquamanH20]

I thought Rotax engines were good, but the jet drive was the problem all of the time on my Challenger. The intakes on twin engine are up above the bottom of the hull. I have been on the Colorado river when it's hard to read the water and had the experience of actually feeling a slight drop after unintentionally going over a shallow sand bar. Single engine would have sucked up sand. Also had the experience of a tow rope getting sucked into one of my AR 210 intakes. 2nd engine got us back (albeit slowly) to the dock without having to depend on a tow. Twin engine is the way to go for me. As for my friend with his single engine Yamaha; It was pre 2012 so must have been the 2 stroke giving him all the problems.

 

[swatski]

@Theryan You are getting a lot of great advice here! this forum is fantastic, letting you look at the decision through different sets of eyes here.
Bigger is better, generally, and two engines are better than one, generally. Except when it comes to things like storage and towing, and those could be deciding factors.

Also, a 2006 boat even well maintained will be a bit of a project boat, no two ways about it. 2012 - less so, all things equal. I love the older 210s and 230s but the simplicity of the 190 platform with regards to strage/trailering/maintenance is really hard to dismiss!

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[Ratket]

He doesn't actually know the hours on it since that year didn't have an hour meter on it. He said that the previous owner said it was like 200+ and since he bought it three years ago he's put four tanks of gas in it.

So, no idea. The 190 does have a meter and it has 145 or so hours.

Don't all of them have the intake in that spot, and all of them run that risk? Also, I don't think comparing the Sea-Doo to this as a single engine is apples to apples since the engines are completely different.

I would have the engines scanned for documented hours, no ifs about it.

 

[IA_210SX]

We have a family of four, and between the water pad and super Mabel we run out of room pretty quickly. We usually take one or the other out with us but can find the room for both. We have way more room than our 18 ft Crownline had, I say look around for a newer 210.

 

[2kwik4u]

We have a family of four, and between the water pad and super Mabel we run out of room pretty quickly. We usually take one or the other out with us but can find the room for both. We have way more room than our 18 ft Crownline had, I say look around for a newer 210.

Those Lilly Pads Foam Things are giant. I don't know how anyone deals with those on a fiberglass boat south of 30ft. GIANT PIA to store. The kids love them though that is for certain.

We solved the tube storage/lilly pad issue by getting a slightly smaller tube (Bass Pro 2x2, 2 person) that deflates small enough to pack into the rear storage, and then a Slingshot iDrodic. It's basically a 5ft diameter round SUP that deflates and packs nicely. I have heard great reviews about the Airhead GangPlank as an alternative to the lilly pad. Might be worth looking into to help ease the storage woes.

Honestly, even a 24ft boat is going to struggle storing those two items at the same time.

 

[mwalker4]

Agree with @swatski, you now have to fit your life into all the advice. Since I bought a 190 six months ago, let me add a little more. Summary for me: I definitely would by a 19' again, maybe a 195 for some extra power. Empty nester, live in Ohio, lake boating, garage storage, don't have other reason for big tow vehicle. I love the ease of maintenance, storage, and towing my big jet ski. If I lived in the south or did more remote boating with debris in water, I would want a twin engine.

 

[swatski]

garage storage, don't have other reason for big tow vehicle

Can’t beat that.

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[Theryan]

Can’t beat that.

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You guys have convinced me to go with the 190 instead. I went and looked at it last night, and it's pristine.

I don't suppose you guy know the dimensions on the trailer, by chance, do you? It's the standard folding tongue, single axle. Curious on the length and weight; i can't find it anywhere!

Edit: disregard the trailer question. After a bunch of searching I finally found it. In case anyone is ever wondering the same thing, the trailer that came with is a Shoreland'r YAV2413SW. 19' length, and a weight of 548 pounds.

Thanks!

 

[2kwik4u]

You guys have convinced me to go with the 190 instead. I went and looked at it last night, and it's pristine.

I don't suppose you guy know the dimensions on the trailer, by chance, do you? It's the standard folding tongue, single axle. Curious on the length and weight; i can't find it anywhere!

Thanks!

Weight will be around 3,800lbs fully loaded on the trailer ready for a day on the lake. That's fuel, safety gear, tubes, skis, boards, anchors, and a couple coolers. +/- 200lbs or so depending on what you carry with you.

Width on trailer will be near 8'-6" or so. Depends on how much the tires bulge

Length with tongue folded is 19'-2" on my '17 AR190. Should be the same for yours. Might vary a little depending on where the bow stop is located.

Height on trailer is just under 6'-11" (83") for an AR with modified tower resting on the steering wheel. SX190 might be a shade (couple inches?) lower.