190 Bay thoughts

[jtowery1]

My wife and I are looking at a new/used boat. The 190 Bay looks like it may fill the bill but would like input from the group.
Boat would be used Freshwater and saltwater, trailered alot (Lake Norman to Oak Island NC. 200 miles one way.) so wgt. is a consideration. Saltwater by design inshore looks great but how about nearshore and inlets. Do you stay dry, how is you comfort level, how far off shore. I know there are alot of varibles. Also have seen in post about with full loading and still hitting plane at a good rate w/ a 115hp 4x. how about pulling skiers nothing pro just kids and friends athough some are pretty large.
Know there is no perfect boat but also can not afford more than one.
I thank you in advance for any info/tips.
Thanks again,
Joe

[MolarBoater]

Need 140 or 150hp with skiers and have it propped for "hole-shot" and not top end speed. You can have a second prop for speed if you want or vice versa, aluminum props are inexpensive while stainless may be a couple-few hundred dollars.

I take my Bay out in 4' or less seas staying close in trolling and as far out as 40 miles 1-2' seas with 4-5 wave seconds. Bays, rivers, lakes no problem. Trailer 5-600miles to the Gulf Coast and back, then to the lake for skiing with the family. Have towed with a Tahoe and Alvalanche no problem, others use smaller vehicles....I feel best having a tow rating of 5k min considering the weight of gas, passengers and ice chests, etc.

Plunder thru the General and 190 forum and if you have any specific questions don't hesitate to post.

Emery

[mudd-mann]

Joe, I live in Statesville and trailer to Sunset Beach. I also use it in Lake Norman and L.Hickory. I will go out 12 miles or so and probably further with company. The Atlantic is a little different than the Gulf Coast and things can change pretty fast. 2-3 ft. seas is all I want, but I don't feel unsafe in a little more, just less comfort. Lake Norman can be as bad as the ocean at times. The ride is very dry unless the wind throws it back at you. I don't ski much anymore, but if I did I'd probably opt for a little more power too. I have the 115-4st. and it does all I need. Don't think it would have any trouble pulling a skier, but heavy dudes could be a problem getting out of the water. It doesn't require a huge engine to pull the trailer, but one big enough to stop it if you had to. I have the 12 volt trolling motor, but if I did it over I'd go with the 24v. The wind and current can be a bear on the 12 plus the batteries will last longer. If you need to see one up close or even take it out for a striper run, let me know. We might be able to hook up since we are this close. good luck. Don

[jtowery1]

MolarBoater & Mudd-mann,
Thanks for the input!
If you don't mind, looking at plus's & minis 190/195 the 195CC has a bow pulpit, was looking at the 190 and could not think of a anchoring setup.
How have y'all handled this.
Thanks again,
Joe

[jtowery1]

One more if I may,
With the low profile of the rear deck do you have problems with following seas, ie running the inlets?
Thanks

[MolarBoater]

The Bay 190 has a really nice casting deck. I initially bought for flyfishing and cast net throwing. It is a nice place for the ladies to lay out and pop in the fishing chair and trolling motor and you can manuever pretty well.

There are two large deck lockers and I use the starboard one to stow 300' 3/8" rope and galvanized anchor and anchor retrieval ball. You tie off to any of your 4 cleats or use a carabiner and clip into the bow eye. I also keep a second anchor in the rear compartment if needed with rope.

I have had some water come into the splashwell and splash the seats but I don't use them in the Gulf much, mostly on the lake with all the in-laws....never an issue when "running".

If you are thinking of doing alot of reef hopping, you can add whatever anchoring scheme you want but kinda defeats the purpose of a "casting" deck so you usually want everything low profile......if not think 195, especially if running offshore on the Atlantic....I've just heard it gets hairy in those inlets.

[palehorse]

I have a 2002 190 bay like new. It has a Honda 90 on it. I had to get a whale tail to help it get on a plane faster, but other then that I love it. Takes waves great, it is *NOT* a wet boat, quite the contrary, it is one of the dryest boats you can get for it's size.

Handles waves like it has built in shock absorbers, and can become totally airborn (done it and still not soak the passengers.

[MolarBoater]

Oh, and about those following seas and water coming into the transom. I ran thru Dixie Bar this weekend with easy 8 footers rip curling and didn't have any water come over the transom.

I don't plan on repeating this test ever again!