Improving on an existing winner.
The Yamaha sport boat lineup for 2019 features sixteen models from 19 to 24 feet including two center consoles, two wake models, and four models in each of the 19, 21 and 24 foot model lines. I last tested the flagship of the 19-foot line, the AR195 when it was brand new in 2017. For 2019, Yamaha has made some enhancements on this already existing winner.
Our test boat featured an eye-catching forward-swept red tow tower with an inte-grated Bimini top that folds easily for storage. As I stepped aboard, I was pleased to see that Yamaha hadn’t messed with the great layout of the two-tiered swim platform with integrated seats. I’ve always loved the aft-facing seats on the well-padded swim platform, as well as the wet storage space and the easy to access pump cleanout access port. A centreline swim ladder pulls out from underneath the platform leaving the deck unencumbered and very safe for little kids’ tiny toes.
Stepping over the centre-access transom, leads to the cockpit which features an l-shaped bench across the stern and up the port side. For 2019 Yamaha smartly added an aft-facing spotter seat with a padded seat-back in the companion seat position. The removable table is mounted to the starboard side of the cockpit liner, and creates a dinette when you swivel the captain’s chair around. The in-floor locker is massive, as is the storage area under the companion-side windshield. The snap out carpet allows you to play in the water all day and then add the dry carpeting back in for a nice evening cruise.
The bow area features great space thanks in part to the side beam that is carried forward almost all the way to the bow. This creates a great open space with two forward-facing seats, and a centre aft-facing seat with a nicely padded backrest, grab handles, cupholders and two speakers so the kids can hear the tunes.
I tested the newly revised AR195 this past fall on Lake Simcoe at Yamaha’s Media Days, and the single 1.8 L (1,812 cc) Super Vortex High Output engine produced a time to plane of two seconds and a top speed of 51 mph @ 7500 rpm in a light chop. About 5,000 rpm produces 20mph – a comfortable cruising speed – and 4,500rpm creates a nice wake for surfing. The engine produces an ear-pleasing harmonic sound at all speeds. The feel behind the wheel is very predictable at any speed thanks to Yamaha’s patented Articulating Keel, which also makes this jet boat easy to maneuver, especially in No Wake Mode/Cruise Assist or around the dock, the locks, or in close quarters.
The AR195 offers two colour options: a black hull with red and white graphics and a red tow tower, or a grey hull with red and black graphics and a grey tow tower, both options come with a painted trailer with swing-away tongue. All Yamaha sport boats come with a 5 year warranty on the hull, and purchasers can opt for the Yamaha Protection Plus coverage that extends the one year full warranty period by 12, 24, 36 or 48 months.
The AR195 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, and being a jet boat it offers the ultimate in safety for children around the swim platform with no exposed moving parts. If you’re looking at a bow rider – take the AR195 for a ride with your family before you make your final decision.
By Brad Roberts