Yamaha AR190 Articulating Keel

[jims190]

Hi! I just purchased a used 2017 Yamaha AR190. Much to my surprise, I noticed my new (used) boat was missing the articulating keel! I somehow must have missed it when doing my pre-purchase inspection, and being new to jet boats, didn't know what to expect during the lake test. However, it does have Cobra Fins installed. Do you think I will get noticeable better turning if I add the keel back? Reason for asking is the replacement set-up runs about $500 for the keel and miscellaneous parts involved. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

leave it the way it is

 

[Cambo]

Agree put 500 into something else

 

[2kwik4u]

Yeap. If you've got fins on it, I doubt you'll see a huge improvement with the keel. I have the keel and no fins on the same boat. It's still very "slippery" back there, and IMO the Keel doesn't do a whole lot to help. More sizzle than steak IMO.

Maybe I'll remove mine for a trip and see how it does just to test?!?!?!

 

[jims190]

Thanks, 2kwik4u! I have 30 years on a Sport Nautique, and just switched to the Yamaha about a month ago, so definitely a rookie at jets. First thing I did was add Jeff's Cobra Fins. By the way, thanks Jeff, for walking me through the installation! Probably a hassle to remove the keel, but let me know if you do and the results! For now I'll just stick with the Fins...

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

I get orders from a few 19 foot boats every year that either struck something or lost the pin that holds the rudder to the keel. They do not replace the rudder and do not need it ,if you have the super ultimate system or the deluxe version with the plaining surface you don't need to return the original rudder You can also add the forward leading mega fangs to that system for even more control at all speeds in forward and reverse. I also get orders from people that smashed their keel and broke it on oyster beds or rocks and just trim it to clean it up and leave it with just the Cobra steering because it is spring loaded adjustable and upgradeable. So unlike the original rudder with the cobra steering if you hit something the fins flip up and then come back down

 

[Sotally Tober]

I removed the articulating keel on my 242. Granted I have fins….but haven’t noticed a difference.