Beam: 8’0″
Dry Weight: 2,293 lb. (as tested)
Seating/Weight Capacity: 8/1,240 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 30 gal. More Information: yamahaboats.com Yamaha
We had been hearing whispers of the 190 FSH for years, and the idea of it was both intriguing and exciting. A bay boat from a jet-boat company? Think of the applications: shallow draft; no prop below the keel to dig up grass; and the confidence of a warranty that covers all the components of the boat and power plant.
When the 190 FSH materialized, we weren’t disappointed. Right away we approved of the clean transom with no motor rigging to stumble over and no outboard to snag the fishing lines. For casting, the transom platform is uninterrupted and so low that it’s like standing on the water. Those benefits are freebies from the jet drive system that’s completely contained under the deck. The pizazz from the ride comes from a 1.8-liter engine. Since it is tucked deep below the fishing deck, the sound from it is isolated significantly, giving the 190 FSH a quieter ride than most jet boats.
Yamaha tapped the jet pump to also provide Jet Wash, its version of a raw-water system to clean the deck after netting bait or bloodying the deck. That was smart, and there’s no pump or additional through-hull to corrode or fail.
The helm station is exactly what you would want from a center-console bay boat with room for GPS and sonar. But there’s a surprise: The hardtop is easily removable to stow your boat in the garage, which is another smart trick by Yamaha engineers you won’t find from traditional bay-boat builders. And, yes, there is plenty of room for the navigation suite of your choice.
The leaning post has a reversible seat back, allowing for aft-facing seating or facing forward to drive. Jump seats flip out of the deck to either side — beside the skipper, not behind him like most boats — which keep everyone engaged in the speedy run to the next fishing hole. Yes, there’s plenty of rod-and-tackle and cold-drink storage. All that boilerplate stuff is usually the highlight of most bay boats.
High Points
*No-Wake mode and Cruise Assist make water sports and trolling easy peasy.
*Cooler fits beneath the leaning post.
*Aerated and recirculated 18-gallon livewell keeps bait ready and is ample for most bay and flats fishing.
*Anchor locker at the bow is convenient and capable for bays or nearshore wreck fishing.
How We Tested
Engine: 1.8L High Output Yamaha
Drive/Prop: Jet pump
Gear Ratio: 1:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 200 lb.
Price
$31,999 (as tested)
