Yamaha 195, buyer input

[4x15mph]

I am considering the Yamaha AR195 as my next boat coming from an LS2000.

For those of you that bought the 195, can you comment on pros/cons with your first couple of years of usage? I would prefer not to have the connext but that isn't an option.

My LS2000 took me 3 years to purchase and I hope my next boat is decided sooner....

• I boat on a lake as well as the Chesapeake bay when there are 1-2' waves tops.
• We wakeboard and fish as well as the usual cruising to sandbars and dock-ups
• Usually 4-5 people and sometimes I go solo (fish, working from home)
• I trailer with an SUV, 5500 lb tow rating
• Coming from an LS2000 twin engine, I have some concern about only having 1 engine.

 

[d_coyne1984]

I would say a 195 sounds like a solid fit for what you want to do. I will say that the wakeboard wake is going to be small on a 195, but you can always add some ballast weight to make it a little more fun. It is a really great all around boat and quite simple to handle solo.

 

[mrtrav]

The wakeboard wake is fairly small, and adding ballast it is difficult to keep a steady speed. We fish off ours as well, I added the Mate Series cup/rod combos to the transom. They have worked great for bobbing fishing, we'll be taking them trolling next weekend to see how they work in that format as well.

I tow with an explorer with the same tow rating, and have had no major issues. It works a bit hard on steeper inclines, but it will get the job done. We have quite a few hills to get to our local lake, so next summer we'll probably upgrade to a pickup with more towing capacity.

We've gone out with 4 adults and 4 kids (5-7 year old) without any issues for space, so you should be fine in that regard.

 

[LX210]

I just did this upgrade from a 2003 LX210 to a AR195. I have mixed feelings right now. Comfort, storage and other non performance related items I am very very happy. However, from a performance perspective it is not even close to keeping up with my LX210. From a dead stop to the top end I am a full 4 to 5 boat lengths behind it. Also in the turns the LX210 turns like it is on rails whereas the AR195 takes a wide arch.

Oh, last thing...the AR195 rides a lot better through rough waters.

 

[4x15mph]

Agreed, I have since bought an AR210. It’s not nearly the performance BUT ....

 

[Gunner]

We have a 190 which handles 1 to 2 footers and a Lil more with no problem. Have had 6 adults on board all day and boat was comfortable and still had room. Seems like a 195 would be a good fit for you.