Purchased 2020 Yamaha AR190

[bigwaves]

Ok, I bought the AR190 yesterday contingent on a test run this week. The Yamaha will be a second boat. I currently have a Formula 41pc which I’m definitely keeping. I love that boat. I’ve never owned or operated at jet boat. I’m going to use the Yamaha as a runabout, quick trips, restaurant and marina hopping around the Annapolis/Baltimore area, exploring creeks and coves, maybe some tubing, no racing or any foolishness. It won’t be run hard or thrashed around.
I’m pretty competent maneuvering my 41pc in tight spots and docking with the twin diesels. I know the jet is a different animal. What should I expect, what should I be cautious of??
How difficult is the maintenance? Repairs? What typically breaks with these boats?
Anything else I should be weary of? Thanks!

 

[Dean P]

Hi and to the forum. Great people here to help keep you safe and on the water. When I came from a stern drive to a jet my biggest concern is steering. Steering is low to react at idle speeds. I'd look into Cobra fins to help. I had a 2015 192 that did not have any aids; I believe yours does.
Maintenance is is pretty easy on your boat. Lots of room to work. The engine is very sound and you "should" have no problems. Do your normal oil and spark plug changes and you will be good.
There's lot of mods people do (including myself - check sig) to allow more "fun" on the water. Good luck!

 

[Gunner]

I faithfully use the Yamaha Fuel Med Rx additive, keep oil, filter and plugs fresh and coat the engine and other medal with Yamashield corrosion protection. Other than that pretty much turn key and have fun. I have a 2018 and installed Cobra Fin Viper system which helped control at all speeds, was an easy install and inexpensive. Good luck

 

[Gunner]

And salt away engine flush after every use

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

@bigwaves Something else to be aware of as you switch from the 19ft to the 41ft, not just the steering but the differnce in the throttle binnacles. The easiest way to avoid some frustration is to understand what your throttle binnacles are doing on the two boats and how they differ. The jet drive throttle binnacles are moving the jet drive gates up (forward) or down (reverse) ....and then once the gates are in full position THEN the throttle increases. The positions for the gates are big movements on the jet binnacle and boat will be at idle speed for all of these big throttle movements. The impeller is ALWAYS spinning forward if engine is on, there is no gear box.
I learned to drive a jet boat so I got used to moving the binnacles HUGE movements with little care between forward and reverse. Now that I sold the jet boat and have an outboard I have to be really conscious of how I am moving the binnacles as very little movement puts it in/out gear and applies throttle (something you are well aware of I'm sure on the 41ft). You will likely be the opposite as you are probably used to very little binnacle "throw" and this will be a likely point of initial frustration in the jet boat as it will be virtually unresponsive to these tiny little inputs.
To give you a comical example, the first time I drove the outboard, I was in reverse slowing backing out of the dock. All was good then my muscle memory kicked in and I moved the binnacle about a 6 inch throw forward (standard operating procedure on the jet to get LIGHT forward thrust). But on the outboard I almost threw everyone out of the boat including myself and almost ended up back on the shore. I went from idling in reverse to damn near wide open forward. I keep checking qualifiedcaptain everyday to see if I'm on there.

 

[PJ73]

 

[Compatico]

What everyone else said, and the steering to push or pull the stern is opposite. Since the engine is running and "pushing water" all the time, when you're docking turning the steering wheel port will push the stern to starboard in toward the dock. A prop drive in reverse pulls the stern in when turned toward the dock. There's no transmission or reverse in a jet boat, the direction of thrust is changed to produce forward and reverse. It's odd feeling first time you're on a jetboat or jetski, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find docking may be easier than with a prop drive.

Try watching some youtube videos of jet boats and manuevering, plus boattest.com has reviews of boats with some helpful info.

 

[bigwaves]

What everyone else said, and the steering to push or pull the stern is opposite. Since the engine is running and "pushing water" all the time, when you're docking turning the steering wheel port will push the stern to starboard in toward the dock. A prop drive in reverse pulls the stern in when turned toward the dock. There's no transmission or reverse in a jet boat, the direction of thrust is changed to produce forward and reverse. It's odd feeling first time you're on a jetboat or jetski, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find docking may be easier than with a prop drive.

Try watching some youtube videos of jet boats and manuevering, plus boattest.com has reviews of boats with some helpful info.

Thanks for the tips. I’ll check out the videos.

 

[Compatico]

Thanks for the tips. I’ll check out the videos.

Don't limit yourself to Yamaha videos either, the Vortex and Scarab jet boat videos have useful info too. There's hours and hours of stuff out there to watch while waiting to get on the boat.

Oh one thing to remember about exploring creeks and rivers, although the jetboats advertise they have a shallower draft, remember that the jet intake is on the bottom of the boat and will act like a vacuum sucking up debris is shallow water. I would limit depths to no less than about 2.5-3 feet to ensure you don't suck up debris from the bottom. Same goes for sandbars - don't get too close with the engine running.
??

 

[Aqua Jetaway]

Welcome Aboard! Just traded in our 2012 AR190 on a 212X. We loved our 190! Wishing you many hours of enjoyment as well.

 

[AboveTheBest]

Congratulations on the new purchase.
We loved our 190 as well, and for the most part the only maintenance should be adding gas, changing the plugs, and resupplying your cooler with cold adult beverages

BTW, I’d love to hear more about your 41’
I have a daily affair with Boattrader looking at 35’+ cruisers

 

[bigwaves]

It’s a done deal! I’m a Yamaha jet boat owner!

 

[DavisAR195]

Welcome, love the blue.

 

[2kwik4u]

Congrats. We're going into our 4th season on our 2017 AR190. It's a great little boat that serves our family of 4 very well. The amount of features, quality, and utility you get for your $30k is unparalleled IMO. The value is just amazing.

Love the blue color too. My second choice behind our current black/grey scheme

 

[bigwaves]

Thanks. The AR190 should be a perfect runabout for me and my wife (empty nesters). Short runs and spirited driving on the Yamaha. Long distance cruises and overnights on my Formula 41pc.

 

[Dean P]

Thanks. The AR190 should be a perfect runabout for me and my wife (empty nesters). Short runs and spirited driving on the Yamaha. Long distance cruises and overnights on my Formula 41pc.

Same situation here; empty nesters. Loved our 192 and now in a 223. Love the extra room and hp. Have fun!!!