2017 Yamaha AR195 - Modifications and Upgrades - Work in Progress

[tsledford31]

I recently posted my first thread since I bought my 2017 AR195 last week. I wanted to create a thread to track my progress with all of the modifications and upgrades that I will be doing over the next few months. Just about everything I am installing on my boat came from recommendations on this forum, as well as extensive research into each option. Thank you fellow jetboaters! - And a special thank you to other AR owners and the details you all have posted!

1st Upgrade - Had a little bit of time this evening to install my first 'upgrade'. I wanted to do this in case I ever get a flat on the trailer. I view this kind of like I do 4 wheel drive... Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

More to come!

 

[Crob83]

I can't see your pictures

 

[David Martin]

Nice Job.....I still remember those trailer days.

 

[Babin Farms]

Now just make sure you have the tools with you to change a tire.

 

[tsledford31]

Now just make sure you have the tools with you to change a tire.

Absolutely

 

[tsledford31]

I can't see your pictures

That should be better, was having upload / network issues last night!

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Now just make sure you have the tools with you to change a tire.

I always keep a floor jack in my truck. Luckily I have never had to use it, but it has saved others a ton of time.

 

[tsledford31]

So I had to hold off on some of the mods to the actual boat to address a more pressing issue... Replacing the bunk boards on the trailer. The old ones were rotten and one was completely broken, just being held together by the carpet. Used severe weather-treated 2x6's and purchased new bunk carpet/padding as well, more to come soon!

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

With a new boat you are on a Journey of DIY projects. I can't count how many I've done to make the boat (17 SX190) suitable for me, my guests and the places I get to launch from. You will enjoy "almost" every minute of it! My best projects were the Garmin, the Dual Battery System, the solo boating accessories and the trailer rinse systems. Good Luck and have fun!

 

[tsledford31]

With a new boat you are on a Journey of DIY projects. I can't count how many I've done to make the boat (17 SX190) suitable for me, my guests and the places I get to launch from. You will enjoy "almost" every minute of it! My best projects were the Garmin, the Dual Battery System, the solo boating accessories and the trailer rinse systems. Good Luck and have fun!

What solo boating accessories have you added?

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

Simple things like quickly adjustable cleats for the fenders. Out here the docks are concrete, stationary and just waiting for a low freeboard boat to come along so they can scratch and gouge the finish and you need to adjust them per the side of the dock that you come in on which you dont know till you turn the corner.

Because the SX190 has such limited storage I put storage locations around the cockpit that are open so you can quickly get to a knife, cell phone, keys, camera and sunscreen. The 190 only comes with a single courtesy light so I added lights in the holds, lights in the cubby locker and lights around the deck interior. All for night boating solo so I could see the deck and be able to quickly open a hold to get something out while under way.

One of the simplest things that I learned from an experienced Salt was not to use a bow and stern line to hold you alongside a temporary berth like during loading and unloading. Just use a single mid-cleat line. I favor tying up on my Starboard side and have a 15' line always attached to the cleat off my right shoulder and I drape the line over the windshield and into the space behind the chair. Its super easy to reach when docking and keeps you right at the controls. No need to run fore and aft to tie up, just throw the line beyond the cleat on the dock, pull it and draw the boat in and you can almost cleat it while sitting on the seat bolster.

You'll find lots of little things you'll want to "fix" to your personal needs and once you do one you'll move on to another and then boating becomes easier and easier. Three Last Tips: 1. Take care of your trailer like your boat and carry the tools necessary to change the tire as mentioned above. 2. Develop your system of getting in and out of the water and adjust as necessary and 3. Never go any faster than you are willing to hit something.

Good Luck!

 

[tsledford31]

Simple things like quickly adjustable cleats for the fenders. Out here the docks are concrete, stationary and just waiting for a low freeboard boat to come along so they can scratch and gouge the finish and you need to adjust them per the side of the dock that you come in on which you dont know till you turn the corner.

Because the SX190 has such limited storage I put storage locations around the cockpit that are open so you can quickly get to a knife, cell phone, keys, camera and sunscreen. The 190 only comes with a single courtesy light so I added lights in the holds, lights in the cubby locker and lights around the deck interior. All for night boating solo so I could see the deck and be able to quickly open a hold to get something out while under way.

One of the simplest things that I learned from an experienced Salt was not to use a bow and stern line to hold you alongside a temporary berth like during loading and unloading. Just use a single mid-cleat line. I favor tying up on my Starboard side and have a 15' line always attached to the cleat off my right shoulder and I drape the line over the windshield and into the space behind the chair. Its super easy to reach when docking and keeps you right at the controls. No need to run fore and aft to tie up, just throw the line beyond the cleat on the dock, pull it and draw the boat in and you can almost cleat it while sitting on the seat bolster.

You'll find lots of little things you'll want to "fix" to your personal needs and once you do one you'll move on to another and then boating becomes easier and easier. Three Last Tips: 1. Take care of your trailer like your boat and carry the tools necessary to change the tire as mentioned above. 2. Develop your system of getting in and out of the water and adjust as necessary and 3. Never go any faster than you are willing to hit something.

Good Luck!

All great information, thank you for sharing!

 

[tsledford31]

JBP lateral thrust vectors installed today, also a Krypt wake/surfboard rack, and the famous Lucky 13 pump cone with all 3 spacers. Forward thrust vectors going on tomorrow, along with my newly painted (black) fuel tank cover and retractable transom straps. Upgraded the bow roller to a Stoltz.

Lateral Thrust Vector Note - While I am new to jet boats, I am not new to modification and upgrades and consider myself better than average when it comes to self-install. Those gave me some fits however, and I believe it might have been due to year difference in the instructions and videos. Ultimately (and wish I had done this from the start) I disassembled the entire rear end, installed the thrust vectors, and reinstalled as a single unit. I would recommend JBP show that in the videos as a lot of the spacing on my boat differed slightly from the 2016 in the videos and made removing/installing bolts quite difficult in the right space.

 

[tsledford31]

Alright, got my Thrust Vectors on Sunday morning along with my ratcheting transom straps and painted gas cap. Took it out Sunday afternoon with the wife and daughter and it was by far our best trip yet! This was only our 3rd time out since buying, but my wife and I have gotten down our routine and the steering enhancements gained from the upgrades were incredible. Might get it out one more time before “winterizing”, hoping for one more warm day. Still a few more tricks up my sleeve before I have this girl ready for the 2022 season!

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

Aloha,

What are your impressions on the Pump Cone. I used them in race ski's back in the day for different conditions but haven't seen anyone post anything about their use in these boats.

 

[tsledford31]

Aloha,

What are your impressions on the Pump Cone. I used them in race ski's back in the day for different conditions but haven't seen anyone post anything about their use in these boats.

So far, I've only taken the boat out once since I installed the Pump Cone, and honestly, I haven't really tested it. I was more interested in testing the thrust vectors but I certainly noticed the lack of cavitation. I'll be more interested to see it's performance in the spring when we wakeboard/surf/tube.

 

[bks223]

I have a 2017 AR195 as well. We installed the Cobra Super Ultimate AK deluxe fins and absolultely love them.. Just purchased the fangs from Cobra last week to use like the lateral thrusters, I have not installed them yet, however. Jeff at Cobra is great with helping!!!

We did install some more seadek on the bow and just in front of the windshield.

I have a piece of Seadek on the rear swim platform that is loose and wants to come up.
Does anyone know the best way I can reglue these back down?? Any recommendations on what adhesive to use??

Here is some pictures of ours...

 

[tsledford31]

I have a 2017 AR195 as well. We installed the Cobra Super Ultimate AK deluxe fins and absolultely love them.. Just purchased the fangs from Cobra last week to use like the lateral thrusters, I have not installed them yet, however. Jeff at Cobra is great with helping!!!

We did install some more seadek on the bow and just in front of the windshield.

I have a piece of Seadek on the rear swim platform that is loose and wants to come up.
Does anyone know the best way I can reglue these back down?? Any recommendations on what adhesive to use??

Here is some pictures of ours...

View attachment 167191View attachment 167192View attachment 167193

Looks great! I have a piece of seadek on the swim platform that is coming up on one corner as well, but I am just planning on replacing all of it when I do the cabin after the holidays. My next project is the one I'm really looking forward to, installing an interior LED light kit!

 

[tsledford31]

Been a while since I’ve posted on this thread, but finally completed a few more modifications. Took advantage of Jet Boat Pilot’s inventory clear out and picked up the full SeaDek kit and finished install today. Also installed a hatch on starboard side, more for access to the panel than extra storage. Also did stage 1 of my soundproofing, this was actually a 3 step process to soundproof the engine bay hatch. What a day! Winds were high which made it touch but this boat is finally almost ready for the season! A few more items to check off but am happy with the progress! By no means am I a professional and this is my first boat and first time doing many of these projects, Photo dump below!

 

[Jon-0]

Alright, got my Thrust Vectors on Sunday morning along with my ratcheting transom straps and painted gas cap. Took it out Sunday afternoon with the wife and daughter and it was by far our best trip yet! This was only our 3rd time out since buying, but my wife and I have gotten down our routine and the steering enhancements gained from the upgrades were incredible. Might get it out one more time before “winterizing”, hoping for one more warm day. Still a few more tricks up my sleeve before I have this girl ready for the 2022 season!

Nice work, and thanks for all the great info on your upgrades.

How have the Thrust Vectors been working in combination with the Lucky 13 Cone? Have you had any issues running them together?