Thank you for your time and Hello from Ontario.. I'm looking at purchasing a 2016 Yamaha SX190 which is listed for CAN$32500. A bit hesitant to switch from a inboard to a jet but looks like a lot more fun and appreciate the back platforms on most jet boats. My #1 priority is not to buy an under-powered boat. I just sold my 1st boat which had a 3.0 Mercruiser which I bought knowing it was temporary. We will be using the boat for water sports (tubing/skiing) and want to ensure the next boat has the power to do so. What Hp is needed in a jet, and is a twin engine boat more issues than a single engine boat...? Also, should I avoid superchargers.
We will be in freshwater lakes (obviously lol...)
Thank you
I traded a 3.0L Mercruiser I/O for a 1.8L Yamaha Jet. Our "old" boat was a '98 Rinker 182BR at 19'2" long. The "new" boat is a '17 AR190 at 19'6" long. Both were four cylinder normally aspirated engines driving 19ft-ish boats. The Mercruiser was "rated" at 150hp, the Yamaha is "rated" at 180hp. Performance is remarkably similar between the two. Largest difference in drive and feel are based on hull shape. Time to plane, top speed, and mid-range acceleration are all very similar.
The jet planes faster, and has more initial hit. I can rip the handle from a skier's hands if I hit teh throttle too hard in the jet. They are within 2mph of each other on the top end. 42mph CONISISTENTLY from the Rinker, 45mph once in the jet, usually closer to 40mph. VERY dependant on loading. Put two adults in the bow and it drops into the 30's. Put the anchor and everyone in the aft seating and it'll do 45mph into the wind.
For tubing, the I/O was better. The jet bleeds speed in the turns, and makes tubing somewhat of a PIA. I changed my technique, but am still not a 100% fan of it. I hear adding fins will help, but I tube about 5-6 times a year, and like the feel without the fins. The jet wash/spray into the face of the tube is a problem for some. Doesn't bother us, just keep the tube outside the wake and it's a non-issue.
I ride a wakeskate often. I can be on top of the water faster with the jet than I could with the I/O. It hits a little harder. Either one I was up, and outside the wake before I got to the prop/jet wash. Setting speed in the jet is a nightmare. It varies A LOT, and the driver has to be really on top of their game to hold a good steady 18-20mph. The I/O was "set it at 3,200rpm and forget it", it was a tractor in that regard. The solution (which I haven't purchased yet) is GPS ride control. Search for Ridesteady here on the boards, it's a great product with tons of excellent reviews, and great customer service. It's pricey at ~$1k though.....Probably because it's worth it.
Back to power. I have taught people to skate behind both boats. Both with "Full Loads". Time to plane suffers as you add load. It's still acceptable enough in the jet with 8 adults (2 adults and 6 15+ teenagers) to get on plane, and teach a new person how to skate. The I/O wouldn't plane at all at that load. I attribute this directly to the jet drive, as the force is more inline with the hull instead of stuck 18-20inches below the planing surface of the hull. Make no mistake though, the jet was still VERY slow to plane in this configuration.
If you want speed and power, the 212 models are where it's at. They have the twin 1.8L engines in the lightest hull available. Those boats will move into the 50mph range with a medium load on them. If you need/want to stay in a 19ft, your best bet for power is the 192/195 boats. They have the supercharged 1.8L engines, and larger 160mm pumps. These will have no problem maintaining short time to plane numbers, and will be less sensitive to loading than the 190's
The complexity of the twins is nothing to be scared of IMO. Even with two engines, there are still fewer parts/systems to deal with than even a single I/O. No power steering (don't need it in a jet), no trim adjustment system, no water impellers for cooling system, no alternator (replaced with a stator and voltage regulator), no outdrive (just a cable operated reverse bucket). The jet drive system is FAR FAR less complex than an I/O system from a maintenance and parts count standpoint. Same goes for the supercharged boats, the complexity is still far lower than your standard I/O setup. Just less stuff to break/replace/maintain. I'm a huge fan of jets for that reason alone.
