170CC vs 190Bay

[J.R.Allen]

My wife and I are considering the purchase of our first fishing boat. We do not water ski; so that is not a consideration. Since our cabin is at Big Bear Lake, this is where the boat will be used. Big Bear is a mildly rough water lake. We may want to use the boat at Lake Mead in Nevada which can get rougher than Big Bear. Based on the LOA and Beam of these two boats, it appears that the 190 bay would be more stable in rough water. I would like some input on this topic from other boat owners.

[MolarBoater]

I use my Bay 190 in Smith Lake, AL about 50% time. It is a deep lake surrounded by mountains/rock/cliffs so we get alot of wave action bouncing and reverberating in the narrow areas. Bay 190 handles them better than the bass boats but not as well as the real heavy inboard/outboard ski and sport boats. The Triumphs ride high over waves where as most lake type boats seem to cut thru the chop (1-2') but wouldn't be able to handle really large waves or swells as good as a Triumph.
As for your first fishing boat, go with the Triumph since the water seems pretty choppy where you will use. Check the tow rating of your vehicle, Bay 190 can weigh as much as 4500lbs with T-top and decked out full tanks etc. The 170 is lighter and might can get up into the real tight spots....but I like these the best for those areas www.malibukayaks.com

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by J.R.Allen

My wife and I are considering the purchase of our first fishing boat. We do not water ski; so that is not a consideration. Since our cabin is at Big Bear Lake, this is where the boat will be used. Big Bear is a mildly rough water lake. We may want to use the boat at Lake Mead in Nevada which can get rougher than Big Bear. Based on the LOA and Beam of these two boats, it appears that the 190 bay would be more stable in rough water. I would like some input on this topic from other boat owners.

I own the 170CC and I love the boat. However, I used to live in Las Vegas... I have been on Lake Mead and know just how rough it can get. Although I would not hesitate to use my boat on Lake Mead, I think the 195CC would do a better job for you and give you a dryer ride. As you know, that lake can turn from glass flat to "high seas" in the blink of an eye. Let us know what you decide.

[Putershark]

I agree with Chuck,

The 195 with it's higher free-board, gunnel's, and Deeper Vee should stay much drier. My 190 is not all that dry and that is not "my personal" worry. I am more concerned with shallow water access and having a solid platform under me to walk around on and not feel as if it is going to roll out from under me.

210 owners know what I mean for when they are at rest and 2 Gorilla's walk from one site to the other, that faster Deep Vee hull rolls over where as the same 2 animals walk from port to starboard on a 190 hardly feel it move. No such thing as a perfect hull though, only perfect for YOUR needs.

Not to say that a 190 could not handle what most smaller lakes can throw at it, but if you (or wife) want to stay dry the 195 or 215 is a much better choice. Waves / wake I could blast through or just slow down some in my old 210. I have to come off a plane to keep from punching the bow right into the middle of much less, is much harder on the knees and back at the same time.

Short of a Cat Hull which is on a plane at rest, the deeper vee and the Carolina style bow of the 215 /195 I would think is your choice rig. And with the base price point of the 195 being not all that much more than the 190 of around 3 grand more (what, 30 bucks more a month if that much on a loan?) I would look real serious at the 195 as long as you have the truck (brakes) that can tow it...