Looking at scarabs and Yamaha 195 or 215?

[Brad Dunn]

We are new to boating. Have a old 17 Larson with 3 litre. Want to upgrade. Looking at scarab and Yamaha. Leaning towards scarab. We would like to go on long day boat rides on a large lake once in a while plus go enjoy water sports on our small lakes. Would like to beach boat sometimes. We have not wake surfed but seems to be the in thing so would be nice to beagle to do that. Found a great deal on a 2016 195 impulse with ballast. But will this boat do the trick or do we need to get the 215. Will the 195 still get the job done with a full load. ? We won't always have it loaded up but want it to do the job when needed. Thanks for any opinions. The 195 is 52000 and the 215 is about 80000. Found a 2015 Yamaha 212 for $75000.

 

[luanders]

Where are you located? Those prices seem very high. The 195 is IMO too small to surf and is a bit underpowered for tow sports with many people onboard. The 215 with twin engines gives you just enough to do most things. We surf behind our 215 with wake blast system. I can't provide any opinion on Yamaha but those that have them...seem to love them.

 

[BMF JK]

Where are you located? Those prices seem very high. The 195 is IMO too small to surf and is a bit underpowered for tow sports with many people onboard. The 215 with twin engines gives you just enough to do most things. We surf behind our 215 with wake blast system. I can't provide any opinion on Yamaha but those that have them...seem to love them.

Regardless if it's your opinion , thats a rather bold statement and rather far from the truth . I have no experience with wake surfing. Is the 195 HOI too small for surfing maybe . I'm sure with factory ballast and well placed fat sacks or human ballast you could make it happen . 195 HOI absolutely has plenty of power for water sports . I've been wakeboarding since I was a kid and our 195 HOI gets me outta the hole with ease . I've even skied slalom behind our boat not dropping one , thats straight outta the hole with only 1 ski . Anyone knows that takes power . And tubing ha no problem ! Oh and usually have 4-6 adults on board with gear and fully stocked cooler .
@Brad Dunn
When we ordered our 2016 195 HOI after the options we wanted , was around 50 grand after rebates at the time we got it for 44 G's and we love it ! It's a great all around boat !
Make the decision based on what suits you financially and your needs . I have no experience with Yamaha, but I'm sure you'll enjoy which ever boat you go with. We too came from a stern drive 3 litre merc and the jet is a blast !Have fun and good luck with your search !

 

[luanders]

@BMF JK - Sorry, I didn't mean to come across so pessimistic - however, with my 2014 195 HOI and my experiences, I found that I almost always wanted more power. So I upgraded, and now power is no issue. We did try to surf behind the 195 many times and found, even when weighting the boat with big people, the wake was just a little to small to get push - but we're adults. Kids could prob surf behind. My 195HOI would not pull me up on 1 ski (but i'm 250lbs). I agree with you to purchase what you can afford... @Brad Dunn - you'll certainly enjoy whichever boat you buy! Water test a few and see what you like!

 

[BMF JK]

@BMF JK - Sorry, I didn't mean to come across so pessimistic - however, with my 2014 195 HOI and my experiences, I found that I almost always wanted more power. So I upgraded, and now power is no issue. We did try to surf behind the 195 many times and found, even when weighting the boat with big people, the wake was just a little to small to get push - but we're adults. Kids could prob surf behind. My 195HOI would not pull me up on 1 ski (but i'm 250lbs). I agree with you to purchase what you can afford... @Brad Dunn - you'll certainly enjoy whichever boat you buy! Water test a few and see what you like!

No worries I was just pointing out that the 195 HOI "will do the trick" as he asked . Noooow size and horsepower envy is endless !

 

[funbobby]

Just make sure you test drive both.
Also, there are already a few threads in this forum comparing the two brands, so a little reading should help enlighten you. Then see my previous comment again.