Thinking about a boat, need some advice.

[JBehrens]

Beware of the mr1 versions. You can't buy a new engine, only a junky rebuild from sbc. For mostly salt water use, get an outboard. They are more efficient and low water clearance offers no advantages in the bay and ocean. The prop is way more efficient, goes faster with less gas. Going through weeds and kelp is no concern. Massive support too. Nobody on the coast specialises on Yamaha boats. Run compression on anything you buy used! I didn't and got burned. Then I bought a ski with the same mr1 to swap into the boat and that's having issues and is down a cylinder. I love my ar230, but its been a headache.

If I was serious about the salt I would not even consider a Yamaha, something like a center console fishing boat would be what I am looking for. If I go into the salt it is on a calm day and it would only happen a handful of times out of the year, I am a river/lake guy. That sucks with your ar230, stories like that are the main reason why I am looking at new.

 

[JBehrens]

I think only the 24' with 12" Connext may give you a rider profile setting. I'm sure someone will chime in and confirm. I don't know what all consists of rider profiles on these boats other than speed settings since there are no wake making devices to alter to a riders desires. I don't have GPS on my boat so my speed control is RPM dependent. If I want something better than the factory Cruise Assist I would need to get either Ridesteady Hydrophase or Perfect Pass. Of the two I would choose Ridesteady as its newer tech and doesn't involve the installation of additional servo motors (something else to fail).

If I was going to go with a 195 the Ridesteady Hydrophase looks like they way to go, looks like a cool system overall. Have you installed any type of helm or swim deck remote for the stereo? I know you have the wireless one but I was not sure what else has been done.

 

[haknslash]

No I didn't install the wired remotes because I read reviews that they were not fully water sealed despite being IP7 rated. I didn't want to buy one and then have it fail like I've seen others not work. Some people have good luck with them though so I guess it's a toss up. My RF remote can still work if it's dropped in the water, not that I would, but I boat with a guy on here who always has his in the water or on the swim deck. The stock IR remote is useless as it needs line of sight in order to work (Radio is in the glove box on the 19' boats) plus it's not water resistant.

 

[JBehrens]

No I didn't install the wired remotes because I read reviews that they were not fully water sealed despite being IP7 rated. I didn't want to buy one and then have it fail like I've seen others not work. Some people have good luck with them though so I guess it's a toss up. My RF remote can still work if it's dropped in the water, not that I would, but I boat with a guy on here who always has his in the water or on the swim deck. The stock IR remote is useless as it needs line of sight in order to work (Radio is in the glove box on the 19' boats) plus it's not water resistant.

Ok I see, honestly that would most likely be the first upgrade I do to a 195, new stereo.

 

[haknslash]

Seadek was and still is my favorite mod. Just a world of difference compared to the carpet.

 

[JBehrens]

Seadek was and still is my favorite mod. Just a world of difference compared to the carpet.

Do you have a list of mods? or recommended mods? If i went AR195, sea deck, tower speakers, ride steady, and LED lights would be on my list of things to do. What else is good?

 

[haknslash]

First mod is to buy a Stoltz bow roller as the stock hard plastic one can mark up your boat pretty bad even on the first few times out. The stock stereo is ok but it's not going to boom or anything like that. I don't have a big stereo or anything. I think the 195's came with a different stereo than the M505 mine came with but I'm not certain on that. If the 195 does come with a different radio get a RF remote for it if it can take one. That way you can keep the glove box shut and still operate the radio. SeaDek is a GREAT mod and would for sure be on my must do list. Not having to take out the carpet after each use and dry it saves a ton of time when it comes to put the boat up. If you boat in a river with current you may want to get some trailer guides. I went with the C.E. Smith 60" with LED's on top. Those make landing the boat a breeze. Since you're looking at 195's they already come with the nicer intercooler and performance parts so you're good to go there unless you want even more power then you'll need to look into a tuner, larger SC wheel, etc. A blowoff valve isn't necessary however it will prolong the supercharger clutch life when you shut off the throttle quickly coming from boost. Other than that I would just farkle the boat out with whatever you want. You'll also want to get a battery tender or onboard charger. I use an onboard one made for a single battery setup. When/if you go to buy a boat have the dealer sweeten the deal by throwing in items such as ropes, dock lines, fenders, anchors, life jackets, USCG kits, etc. most dealers don't really budge from MSRP a lot on a new boat but best time to get one is usually around the boat show deals. Yamaha also does zero to low interest financing during that time and early spring.

One other thing I would mention is I also bought a rear seat hatch conversion kit from @JetBoatPilot which makes my rear bench seat have a padded step thru instead of cushion all across. That way I'm not walking on the cushions all the time when I enter/exit the boat. It's my second favorite appearance mod next to SeaDek and it also adds in safety as you will have surer footing than on a cushion. My wife and daughter really likes this.

 

[M_JB]

Been lurkng for some time and reading everything. School is in session. As always @haknslash is on point !

 

[Whisky]

We went through the same debate last year, went and saw every boat under the sun (at least that’s what the boss would tell you it seemed like!)

We grabbed an AR190. Though there have been 1-2 times I’ve thought the bigger boat and HP would be nice, I love the ease of use, fit in our storage spot and great fuel economy I don’t know if I would upgrade to a bigger one at this point. We usually have 2-4 adults, 6 - 8 are ok, gets cozy, but still loads of fun, especially if it’s warm enough to use the bow.

So far just been doing maintainance (just one year so that’s not saying much) but as others have said, I’m pretty confident given the success stories I read here.

I was really nervous but for us the reliability, jet drive, internal layout (and swim lounge) and fuel economy were the factors that led us to this boat, and a year in we still absolutely love it!

 

[JBehrens]

First mod is to buy a Stoltz bow roller as the stock hard plastic one can mark up your boat pretty bad even on the first few times out. The stock stereo is ok but it's not going to boom or anything like that. I don't have a big stereo or anything. I think the 195's came with a different stereo than the M505 mine came with but I'm not certain on that. If the 195 does come with a different radio get a RF remote for it if it can take one. That way you can keep the glove box shut and still operate the radio. SeaDek is a GREAT mod and would for sure be on my must do list. Not having to take out the carpet after each use and dry it saves a ton of time when it comes to put the boat up. If you boat in a river with current you may want to get some trailer guides. I went with the C.E. Smith 60" with LED's on top. Those make landing the boat a breeze. Since you're looking at 195's they already come with the nicer intercooler and performance parts so you're good to go there unless you want even more power then you'll need to look into a tuner, larger SC wheel, etc. A blowoff valve isn't necessary however it will prolong the supercharger clutch life when you shut off the throttle quickly coming from boost. Other than that I would just farkle the boat out with whatever you want. You'll also want to get a battery tender or onboard charger. I use an onboard one made for a single battery setup. When/if you go to buy a boat have the dealer sweeten the deal by throwing in items such as ropes, dock lines, fenders, anchors, life jackets, USCG kits, etc. most dealers don't really budge from MSRP a lot on a new boat but best time to get one is usually around the boat show deals. Yamaha also does zero to low interest financing during that time and early spring.

One other thing I would mention is I also bought a rear seat hatch conversion kit from @JetBoatPilot which makes my rear bench seat have a padded step thru instead of cushion all across. That way I'm not walking on the cushions all the time when I enter/exit the boat. It's my second favorite appearance mod next to SeaDek and it also adds in safety as you will have surer footing than on a cushion. My wife and daughter really likes this.
View attachment 67529

Not sure how much I like the look of having the walkthrough replacement but I like the idea. The SeaDek looks awesome, that will probably be the first upgrade. Did you make a custom kit or did you get a kit from @JetBoatPilot ? Is it snap in like the new Yamaha's or glued?

 

[haknslash]

I bought it from @JetBoatPilot towards the end of the boating season as that is when he does his annual SeaDek Group Buy. You save big so long as there are enough participants and I've never seen us not get a ton of people to make the biggest savings. SeaDek uses an adhesive backing material. You pull the carpets, remove the snaps on the bare floor, fill the holes with a dab of silicone or similar, clean the bare floor with a solvent and then install the SeaDek pressing it down firmly. Hardest part is getting it all lined up with even gaps like you want but it's not a hard job to tackle.

For the walk through he also sells an optional center filler cushion. I just chose not to buy it since nobody really sits there because the back support is low and of the people I know who have the optional piece, they never use it. The way mine is now is the same way the 21' and 24' boats come minus the filler cushion, plus I added SeaDek there on the hatch. The 19' is the only boat that has the full cushion over the engine hatch but if you're like me you will cringe anytime you have to step on cushions but maybe that's just me lol.

 

[swatski]

@JBehrens One thing to consider as far as towing a Yammie - there are few vehicles out there that outperform one of those 3.0 TDIs - especially at elevation, either Chrysler/RAM/GC or VW platform. Ford is supposedly coming up wiht one, too. Most people who get one just never look back.

--

 

[JBehrens]

@JBehrens One thing to consider as far as towing a Yammie - there are few vehicles out there that outperform one of those 3.0 TDIs - especially at elevation, either Chrysler/RAM/GC or VW platform. Ford is supposedly coming up wiht one, too. Most people who get one just never look back.

--

Haha thanks for the tip but I am kind of a die hard Chevy/Toyota fan, next generation of Tundra will probably be what I go with (if they finally get decent power plants).

I bought it from @JetBoatPilot towards the end of the hosting season as that is when he does his annual SeaDek Group Buy. You save big so long as there are enough participants but I've never seen us not get a ton of people to make the biggest savings. SeaDek uses an adhesive backing material. You pull the carpets, remove the snaps on the bare floor, fill the holes with a dab of silicone or similar, clean the bare floor with a solvent and then install the SeaDek pressing it down firmly. Hardest part is getting it all lined up with even gaps like you want but it's not a hard job to tackle.

For the walk through he also sells an optional center filler cushion. I just chose not to buy it since nobody really sits there because the back support is low and of the people I know who have the optional piece, they never use it. The way mine is now is the same way the 21' and 24' boats come minus the filler cushion, plus I added SeaDek there on the hatch. The 19' is the only boat that has the full cushion over the engine hatch but if you're like me you will cringe anytime you have to step on cushions but maybe that's just me lol.

Ok thanks for the tip, sounds like a good full day of work to install. I like the concept of having snap in SeaDek like what is found on the 212 and 242 lineup, just wish there was an aftermarket solution for the 195's.

 

[haknslash]

I'm not sure if you still have to remove the snap in SeaDek to clean under them from time to time or not. Someone with s newer boat with the snap in SeaDek may reply on if there is the same or similar maintenance as carpet. Obviously with it being SeaDek it will dry fast but with it not being adhesive backed I imagine water and dirt would still accumulate underneath and you would need to pull them if you want to clean the boat. Just something to consider. The snap in SeaDek is still a much better alternative than the carpet that is for sure!

 

[JBehrens]

I like the idea of snap in, that way if something happens it is easy to fix/replace a section. Would be interesting to know how much people like it on the newer boats.

 

[bumpy]

Haha thanks for the tip but I am kind of a die hard Chevy/Toyota fan, next generation of Tundra will probably be what I go with (if they finally get decent power plants).

We had an '07 Tundra with the 5.7 l; that thing pulled like a monster! We once owned a Four Winns 24' Vista, and had more than enough power with the Tundra. If they made a 1 ton, I wouldn't have bought anything but; needed something bigger for our new toy (and still be able to pull the boat).

 

[Foobar]

@JBehrens I have a 2017 Tacoma 4x4, which has a towing capacity of 6400 pounds. The 4x2 is 6800 pounds. The length of the boat doesn't matter. The full towing weight and tongue weight is what matters. Obviously, your trailer should have brakes. Moving the load isn't the problem. Stopping the load is what you should be concerned with.

So, I have a 210 FSH :

Dry weight: 3003
Trailer: 1000
Fuel, gear, etc. : 1000

That is 5003 pounds and that is being generous with the fuel and gear. (My trailer probably doesn't even weigh 1000 because it is made mostly of aluminum.) Add three or four big ass dudes to the truck and you are at about 5800 pounds. This is still within the Tacoma's towing range.

The AR240 dry weight is 3660. Trailer, fuel, gear, etc. and you are at about 5600 pounds. You are still 1200 under the max if you have a 4x2. Your truck will tow any boat Yamaha makes.

 

[Foobar]

Also to note, I do not like to go above 80% of max towing. Even if you use my 80% safety logic, you can still tow any boat made by Yamaha fully loaded with fuel and gear.

 

[Foobar]

One more thing ...

Have a real "trailer guy" setup your trailer. I don't mean one of the clueless asshats at the dealership that thinks they know something about trailers. I mean a trailer nerd that works at a trailer shop and sits around after work talking to his buddies about trailering and watching trailer videos on YouTube.

The trailers that come with these boats are "meh" at best, but a trailer guy can make sure everything is balanced correctly and that your truck is setup correctly to tow the boat. If you can afford it, get a high end trailer and sell the one it comes with. My 210 FSH rides on one of these. It rides like a Bentley.





https://www.charlestontrailer.com/charleston-new-trailers.php

 

[buckbuck]

What is the Gross Combined Weight Rating of the Tacoma?