Newbie Looking for Advice

[ponyboy96]

oh no, it's another newbie wanting some boating advice! Lol.

I've been researching and reading for over a week now. Been looking for my first boat. I have some boating experience, but it's very limited. Ive driven some and been on quite a few. Planning on taking a boater safety course and beginner class soon.

Anyways, typical story I guess, family of 4, 2 young kids (10 and 7). Looking for something to do it all, but more than likely more geared towards fishing. Would be nice to be able to take out my family and another from time to time. I'm up in Atlanta area, so primary use will be at one of the local lakes with plans to go to Savannah and run it at the coast a few times per year.

Here are the boats I'm looking at currently:
1. Yamaha 190 FSH Sport - probably closest to what would work. Still not sure on the build quality, resale, and it being a jet boat. Been reading here a lot and low speed/dock maneuvering would be a concern.

2. Chaparral h2o 21 or 19 ski/fish - going to look at these tomorrow. Seems really nice, but more a cruising boat than fishing. I do like that they come with the fish finder already and the trolling motors. Costs a bit more than the Yamaha, good reputation and resale.

3. Robalo r200es or r206 - more dedicated fishing boat. Build quality is up there from what I've read. Look pretty impressive from what I've seen. Comes with fish finder/gps and trolling motor. I'll be taking a look at there tomorrow also. Costs a bit more than the chaparral.

4. Sea pro 228 bay or 218 cc - don't know that much about these. Done some reading, but not a ton out there on them. Comes with gps/fish finder and trolling motor as well as a bunch of other options. Another dedicated fishing boat. Costs close to the Yamaha and chaparral.

Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on these or if there's any other boats you'd recommend. I'm definitely open to used boats as it's my first. I would actually prefer used. If someone knows of a used 190 fsh even better. Any advice appreciated.

 

[tdonoughue]

I'm not really a fisherman much. Much more of an 'oil changer' (see other thread).

That said, let me offer a minor 2 cents: On the Yamaha, yes, low speed maneuvering takes some practice. But it is far from impossible or a 'problem'. I even was without any fins for the first three years I had my boat. Upside is that if you are planning on fishing in shallow waters (and most do), nothing beats the ability of the Yamaha to get in close. Very shallow draft and no prop to worry about.

 

[ponyboy96]

Yes that's definitely a plus. Also the higher speed maneuverability will be nice. Probably more fun in that regard.

 

[robert843]

If you want something fish oriented go with the Roba.lo I would even look at the Robalo r207 and r227 these are both very family and fishing friendly boats.

 

[ponyboy96]

Went and looked at some of those boats listed today, but time was very limited due to sporting events. The sales guy offered to set up a demo ride for us next weekend in the Chaparral so we will need to set something up. He was really pushing the 21 H2O ski/fish with the outboard vs the inboard. I like the looks of the inboard better personally. The outboard just looks out of place in that boat. Any input on inboard vs outboard?

We did get to see a couple Robalos. Those are really nice. Didn't see the 200es which is what we really wanted to look at. It was at the other store and time was an issue, so maybe next weekend.

I think the wife and I are still leaning towards the 190 FSH Sport though. We both like the overall looks and perceived utility of it. Seems like it would be better for fishing than the chaparral ski fish. It's also about $10k cheaper than the chappy, but the chappy comes with the boat cover, spare tire, fish finder, and a few other things the 190 doesn't have out the box. I guess that's something we could possibly get the dealer to add with the deal or at a reduced rate? I guess the best thing for us to do is see if the Yamaha dealer will let us take a 190 on a demo ride also. How hard are those to set up?

 

[dlkhmk]

I looked at all the same options that you are considering. I got my FSH 190 last September, and overall am very happy with it. The FSH is a great all around fish / family boat. There are definitely some give and takes. If you hop over to the FSH thread you will read alot about the different positives and negatives.

Don't let some of the stuff scare you away from it. It was my first boat too. The slow speed maneuvering does take some practice, but any boat would. As for the leak issues, they are all fixable with a minor amount of mechanical ability and a good tube of 3m 4200. Or you can go in with the knowledge and make the dealer fix before you take delivery. The main things is go over it thoroughly and check the anchor locker drain, thru hull fitting etc.

The FSH has all the fishing features needed and the rear swim deck is great for the kids and family. It really does make a 19' boat feel like a 21 foot without having the outboard hanging off the stern.

Not the fastest boat, but will do 40mph which in my opinion is more then enough. Low and ease of maintenance is a great plus. Towing is easy with a reasonable sized truck.

My final decision was made by the ability to keep it in the garage with the removable ttop and the fold back tongue on the trailer. Also a great looking boat.

 

[robert843]

Went and looked at some of those boats listed today, but time was very limited due to sporting events. The sales guy offered to set up a demo ride for us next weekend in the Chaparral so we will need to set something up. He was really pushing the 21 H2O ski/fish with the outboard vs the inboard. I like the looks of the inboard better personally. The outboard just looks out of place in that boat. Any input on inboard vs outboard?

We did get to see a couple Robalos. Those are really nice. Didn't see the 200es which is what we really wanted to look at. It was at the other store and time was an issue, so maybe next weekend.

I think the wife and I are still leaning towards the 190 FSH Sport though. We both like the overall looks and perceived utility of it. Seems like it would be better for fishing than the chaparral ski fish. It's also about $10k cheaper than the chappy, but the chappy comes with the boat cover, spare tire, fish finder, and a few other things the 190 doesn't have out the box. I guess that's something we could possibly get the dealer to add with the deal or at a reduced rate? I guess the best thing for us to do is see if the Yamaha dealer will let us take a 190 on a demo ride also. How hard are those to set up?

I agree I prefer the looks of the I/O but functionality wise the outboard is the way to go. Lighter, more fuel efficient, more reliable, lower draft and easier maintenance overall the new outboards are some of the best longest lasting engines out there.

 

[Bennie]

but the chappy comes with the boat cover, spare tire, fish finder, and a few other things the 190 doesn't have out the box. I guess that's something we could possibly get the dealer to add with the deal or at a reduced rate?

When purchasing our boat I worked into our deal that when I took delivery I was able to get any accessories that I wanted at employee cost (dealer cost + 10%). We purchased the premium cover, a few nice jackets and some a few other items at that time. You may want to try working in a deal like that and get your FSH just like you want for much cheaper than the chappy.
.02

 

[ponyboy96]

Thanks for the replies

When purchasing our boat I worked into our deal that when I took delivery I was able to get any accessories that I wanted at employee cost (dealer cost + 10%). We purchased the premium cover, a few nice jackets and some a few other items at that time. You may want to try working in a deal like that and get your FSH just like you want for much cheaper than the chappy.
.02

That's what I was thinking too. Have them throw in the fish finder, boat starter kit, and cover or negotiate a cheaper deal on it.

I agree I prefer the looks of the I/O but functionality wise the outboard is the way to go. Lighter, more fuel efficient, more reliable, lower draft and easier maintenance overall the new outboards are some of the best longest lasting engines out there.

That seems to be what I've been reading. The sales guy said that outboards were the trend these days. More folks going that route. I know most folks tend to not believe sales people and I'm always skeptical of them. Long story short, bought an atv a few years ago, went in looking at one thing, sales girl pointed me in another direction. Turned out that was the better choice and I've been very happy with that advice.

I looked at all the same options that you are considering. I got my FSH 190 last September, and overall am very happy with it. The FSH is a great all around fish / family boat. There are definitely some give and takes. If you hop over to the FSH thread you will read alot about the different positives and negatives.

Don't let some of the stuff scare you away from it. It was my first boat too. The slow speed maneuvering does take some practice, but any boat would. As for the leak issues, they are all fixable with a minor amount of mechanical ability and a good tube of 3m 4200. Or you can go in with the knowledge and make the dealer fix before you take delivery. The main things is go over it thoroughly and check the anchor locker drain, thru hull fitting etc.

The FSH has all the fishing features needed and the rear swim deck is great for the kids and family. It really does make a 19' boat feel like a 21 foot without having the outboard hanging off the stern.

Not the fastest boat, but will do 40mph which in my opinion is more then enough. Low and ease of maintenance is a great plus. Towing is easy with a reasonable sized truck.

My final decision was made by the ability to keep it in the garage with the removable ttop and the fold back tongue on the trailer. Also a great looking boat.

That sounds exactly like me, though I only wish it would fit in our garage. I'll have to pay to store it unfortunately. The fsh is probably the way we will go. Wife wants to wait until Jan to purchase and of course I'm a bit impatient and would like to purchase now. Definitely would be better to wait until next year's bonus season.