Picking up a new 195 next week -what should I look for?

[Dirt squirt]

Hello all.
I've been lurking here a while while deciding which boat to get. Decided on a base model 195 (200 hp) . I pick it up at the dealer next week and I'm wondering if any of you fellow scarab owners can give me some tips on what to look for. The delivery includes a test ride out in the lake as well, so I'll be able to get out and run it some. Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

[ScarabMike]

Welcome @Dirt squirt !

Here are some things you should look for....

Loose seat bolts
Radio remote, and radio working properly
Front Seat functionality
Vinyl seams (look for missing stitches or tears)
Check lights
Check the intelligent throttle controls on the dash, and make sure they all work
Check the reverse bucket, and position
Check the trailer for rust
Check the hull for bubbling, cracks, or bumps.
Check the engine temp while running the boat. Should be from 180-200 degrees.
Cycle the back seats, and make sure you are able to move them to all positions.
Take your time.


Make sure you like the boat, and understand all of its functions before taking possession of the boat. Get all warranty paperwork, and anything promised in writing.

 

[Dirt squirt]

Awesome! Thanks. Never bought a new boat before, but If boat dealers are anything like car dealers, I want to keep any return trips to a minimum and make sure it's right before I take it home. They don't call them "stealerships" for nothing!

 

[MikeyL]

@Dirt squirt !
So glad you've joined us.
Congrats on the new boat, and wishing you the Best Boating Season ever !
Best Wishes, Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA

 

[Dirt squirt]

Ta Da! Here she is:

Love it so far. It's got 1 hour on the meter, so I've got some more boating to do before I get the max performance out of it. But I can tell you the interior is fantastic - plush and super comfortable any way you flop on it, and the stereo sounds better than I expected for the base model. I'm very happy so far. I did noticed a couple of things I might want to tweak: It wants to creep forward a little bit when in neutral. In order to get it to "stop" I need to engage reverse ever so slightly. Also the on center feel of the steering is a little sloppy. At speed you can move the wheel a inch os so side to side with no effect. I assume both are minor adjustments I can do myself? or should I have the dealer do it at the first service?

 

[PapaBear]

I'm buying mine Fri...thanks for the post.

 

[MikeyL]

Ta Da! Here she is:

Love it so far. It's got 1 hour on the meter, so I've got some more boating to do before I get the max performance out of it. But I can tell you the interior is fantastic - plush and super comfortable any way you flop on it, and the stereo sounds better than I expected for the base model. I'm very happy so far. I did noticed a couple of things I might want to tweak: It wants to creep forward a little bit when in neutral. In order to get it to "stop" I need to engage reverse ever so slightly. Also the on center feel of the steering is a little sloppy. At speed you can move the wheel a inch os so side to side with no effect. I assume both are minor adjustments I can do myself? or should I have the dealer do it at the first service?

Good Luck. As we all know, it take a bit of time to work out a few kinks here and there.
Best Wishes and good luck - Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA

 

[ScarabMike]

The creep forward can be adjusted at the reverse bucket very easy. It may take a couple tries to get it perfect. The problem with the aftermarket "vectors" is they are designed and made for Yamaha, then the exact same kit is just modified to work with the Rotax. You either cant get them out of the way for reverse docking/beaching, very flimsy, or you have to drill into your jet nozzle to attach. Not worth it.

 

[MikeyL]

The creep forward can be adjusted at the reverse bucket very easy. It may take a couple tries to get it perfect. The problem with the aftermarket "vectors" is they are designed and made for Yamaha. You either cant get them out of the way for reverse docking, very flimsy, or you have to drill into your jet nozzle to attach. Not worth it.

I am editting my post above. I mis-read the Model, and sincerely apologize.
As usual, @ScarabMike is so correct.
Best Wishes to all, Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA

 

[PapaBear]

Driving down tomorrow to pick up my new 195 HOI. First time ever throwing this type of money down on a toy. I've got three great posts here from guys on the forum thanks Mike and Dirty. Anything else to check during the shake down test.
I just read the problems two guys had on the 165 and I'm a little concerned maybe just gun shy signing up for 40K.
My question is since I am not going to get full power due to the 10hr break in what rpm and speed am I looking for. I saw somewhere in a post its 7800 max until 7/8 hrs but didn't say speed. I believe it's just myself and the sales guy in the boat tomorrow.

 

[ScarabMike]

@PapaBear Dont buy anything without a sea trial. Ill pm you my telephone number, I may be able to meet you when that happens.

 

[Scottintexas]

glad to have you both on board, keep us updated with your reviews of the boats,

 

[Dirt squirt]

Papa Bear, I've got the ghetto model with the 200hp, and I'm seeing 28-30 mph at about 7k RPM. That's all the revs it will give me for now.

 

[Dirt squirt]

Well, as luck would have it, it's been raining just about every day since I got my boat. Thanks, Al
Gore! But I did get a ride in last night, and I gotta tell you, this is one nice boat! One HUGE plus is this is the only boat I've ever driven where I can comfortably sit in the front seat and look straight through the windshield. Seems like every other boat ever made puts the top of the windshield frame right in your line of sight. Flip up the bolster, and you're head and shoulders above it all. Very nice design. And the motor noise. Just a purr at idle, but a blip of the throttle stirs up an angry growl that becomes a wailing supercharged crescendo at speed! It just sounds great! Like a seriously pissed off industrial sewing machine. Nice ride too. It was pretty choppy last night and I was impressed with how smooth the ride was. So far so good.

 

[PapaBear]

Just finished a long weekend Aquapalooza here in Daytona. Slept out on the island overnight. ..NO NOT MY BOAT,I NEED A/C. Boat did great. Got 3 hrs on it now. I notice that I get 6800 rpm max 32mph Bimini up. Boat doesn't like anything below 3800...motor surges a couple hundred rpm. I'm thinking it's just break in time.
I noticed the decals don't like being rubbed on over night. I tied up to my buddies boat over night ...won't do that again.
Boat looks great at night with everything lit up. ...sound system rocks.

I did notice that if you turn the key to run to play radio the Engine Meter runs...I really don't think I have 3 hrs on it yet? !
I'm gonna install a radio play here decal on the ignition to remind me.
Other than that. ...boat was great.

 

[Dirt squirt]

Ditto on that mid-RPM engine surging. Mine was doing that as well at about the 3-4 hour mark. I've got six hours and a several tubing runs under her belt now and it seems to have gone away. It might have something to do with that's about the time I added the ethanol treatment to the fuel that I forgot to do initially. I know what you mean about the key/ignition set up. Seems like for 30+ thousand dollars, they could have at least coughed up a key from a nicer lawn tractor and popped for a Acc-Off-On-Start sticker on the dash! Oh well. Awesome boat though! Those flippity-floppity back seats are the bomb!