Looking to upgrade to a 191FS

[JGL]

I am looking to upgrade from a 2002 170DC to a 2005 191FS. I was hoping some current owners could answer some questions. My present engine options based on budget are a Yamaha 150- 2 stroke, a Yamaha 115- 4 stroke or a Suzuki 140-4stroke.

1. Family of 5 and a 125# lab, we use the boat for fishing, tubing and knee boarding, which engine would your recommend?

2. Has an installed swim platform, where did you install the transducer for the fish/depth finder and has it been reliable?

3. Will this boat require tabs to run well?

4. We love our 170DC, just need a little more room, but it would be a rather costly move up. I would like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly on this model before I take the plunge!

Thanks!

[Fischer53]

I have a 2004 17CC. I am wondering how long I can hold out before I move up. Boat size seems to be in the same category as closet space and money. No matter how much you have, you could always use 10% more.

[Cincinnati]

Originally Posted by JGL

I am looking to upgrade from a 2002 170DC to a 2005 191FS. I was hoping some current owners could answer some questions. My present engine options based on budget are a Yamaha 150- 2 stroke, a Yamaha 115- 4 stroke or a Suzuki 140-4stroke.

1. Family of 5 and a 125# lab, we use the boat for fishing, tubing and knee boarding, which engine would your recommend?

2. Has an installed swim platform, where did you install the transducer for the fish/depth finder and has it been reliable?

3. Will this boat require tabs to run well?

4. We love our 170DC, just need a little more room, but it would be a rather costly move up. I would like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly on this model before I take the plunge!

Thanks!

I've got the 2002 190 CC - I believe these comments should be helpful on the 191.

Motor - I have the Honda 130. It weighs-in at 500 lbs. If I had a choice, I would opt for a lighter 115hp. With a full tank in 2' seas, my scuppers let water in. Speed is highly dependent upon the prop you select. I use a 17 pitch and I like it for trolling between 2-3 mph. Top speed is not important to me. Personally, I wouldn't buy a 2-stroke - but that's just me.

Family of five - I have no idea how the boat will handle with five people + the dog. Sounds like a full load. I've briefly had my parents along with my wife out before (Dad weighs a lot). There was a considerable difference in ride, but didn't appear to be too much weight or concern. 90% of my time on the boat is done fishing alone.

Transducer - this is where mine is installed:


With this setup, I lose the bottom reading at about 30 mph. I've got the Garmin 168c Sounder - great little unit with both GPS and fishfinding.

Tabs - I use a Doel Fin. It performs well. Tabs, I believe, would be overkill on this hull.

Maybe others here can confirm if my 190 is the same hull as the 191 to ensure I'm giving good advice for the 191.

[MolarBoater]

I agree with above. Although I have the Bay 190, I would put the most powerful and lightest 4 stroke possible on the back and then....for skiing etc, prop decision will be important. You may have to buy a few aluminum props to see what works best for pulling skiers out of the water. I went with a Suzuki DF 140 which is lighter than their 115 and all other 4 strokes in that category but is proped for speed and struggles with 2 adult skiers and a loaded boat. There is a 150 being introduced this year but am unsure on the weight. If the 150 is close in price and weight..go the max for a boat load of people and water sports. All 4 stroke brands are good these days, if I went 2 stroke I would consider Evenrude DEFI(?) although not as good on gas and noise, it is lighter and seems to be reliable, fast and clean. Suzuki is offering 6 year warranty or 3 year with cash back now. Go to www.thehulltruth.com and there are a number of motor comparisons in those threads...even a good one about Triumph boats.

[foul-hooked]

I agree
Ive got the yamaha 115 4 stroke.
In Calif. the enviro-people are starting to restrict 2 strokes from water reserviors and lakes, due to the fact that 2-strokes have a great pollution factor. Eventually all 2 strokes will be banned from lakes and river systems in CA. This is something to consider if your area is enviro-crazy.

I like the 115, but the bottom end power is not the greatest. All 4 strokes are surprisingly quiet at idle! Fuel economy is twice that of 2-strokes.
Top end speed is good.

If I had to do it again, I might choose the 150-4 stroke Yamaha. Ive been told its only 50# more than the 115-4 stroke.

The boat has had scupper problems but I think I solved that problem.
My mods. are strictly for fishing purposes. (custom T-top, lean post, bait tank, bow rail, Furuno ff, Garmin gps and trolling motor.

good luck.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

EVINRUDE E-TEC 2 STROKES ARE GETTING RAVE REVIEWS AS TO EPA EMISSIONS AND FUEL ECONOMY.

I HAD YAMA F115 AND IT HAD TO BE PITCHED AT 17 TO GET THE TUBES TO GO FAST!!
ROBERT

[Tabasakwa]

I have a 2004 191FS with a Honda 115 4S. Does 38+ mph GPS with my family of 4 and a 50# Portugese Water Spaniel. Also great at hauling tubes and wakeboarders too! I don't have tabs and really can't justify them. I'm using a Lowrance 480 GPS/Sonar with transducer mounted outboard of transom as per installation instructions and rarely lose a signal. I highly recommend this boat. Hope this helps...

[JGL]

Ok, looking real hard at a 2005 191FS w/140 Suzuki. Any other 191 owners care to share opinions on the boat?