Yamaha 190 FSH Sport Review

Over the past few years Yamaha has built a loyal following with its fast, responsive, and fun-to-drive jet boats. Indeed, the company’s lineup of family-friendly runabouts from 19 to 24 feet have all gone on to become perennial top sellers in their respective classes, quite a feat for a brand that’s far better known for its outboard motors and WaveRunner personal watercraft than for its own boat designs.

Building on that success, Yamaha has more recently introduced a line of jet-powered fishing boats for the 2016 model year. Like the runabouts, these also utilize a jet pump engine developed from its WaveRunners – an approach that the company says provides more power, more room, more storage, lighter weight, shallower draft, better handling, incredible performance and “an overall better boating experience.” Those are pretty serious claims, so we couldn’t wait to take one of the new boats for a test drive and find out for ourselves – even if that meant a frosty October morning on a frigid lake in Canada.

There are two models in Yamaha’s new FSH family fishing series, both built on the same 19-foot, two-inch hull. The flagship 190 FSH Sport model follows a traditional center console layout, with its helm protected by an overhead T-top. The near-identical 190 FSH Deluxe model lacks the T-top, but does come with a pedestal-mounted fishing seat on its front casting deck. Our review boat was a Sport model, finished in an attractive grey and white. Walking up to the boat at the dock, I was glad for the protection of the T-top as the pewter October skies began spewing a penetrating, cold drizzle.

The bow casting deck includes handy steps on either side. The seat cushion conceals a live well, with storage for bulky items in the deck.

The 190 FSH cockpit is surprisingly roomy for a 19-foot boat. The bow casting deck features molded-in access steps on each side, its large, flat surface covered in non-skid fiberglass. A pair of deck hatches allow access to large in-deck storage compartments while up front, a further compartment in the forward bow houses a convenient anchor locker. Coaming pads and stainless steel grab handles surrounding the front deck are a nice touch. A seat cushion on the rear facing of the deck lifts to reveal a convenient live well.

A comfortable bench seat integrated into the forward side of the console is surprisingly comfortable.

Facing the front deck, a comfortable bench seat integrated into the forward face of the central console swings up on a pivot to allow access to the large storage compartment beneath it. With its zippered privacy curtain, this compartment can be used as a change room, or fitted with a Porta-potti to create a head compartment. This space also provides convenient access to the back side of the helm, for easy installation and servicing of aftermarket electronics.

Lifting the console bench seat reveals a large storage locker, which can be used as a change room or equipped with a head.

Along each side of the center console there are three vertical rod holders, while two more rod holders are found under each of the gunnels. With the addition of four flush-mount rod holders on the deck, there are a total of 14 rod holders across the boat.

The 190 FSH comes with a self-draining, fiberglass non-skid cockpit floor as standard equipment. This is a sensible approach to a fishing boat, given the durability and ease of cleaning it affords.

The helm itself is simple, clean, and thoughtfully designed, with a simple-to-remove windshield. A flat panel on the starboard face of the helm console allows the installation of a flush-mount GPS or fish finder. Key instruments – a tach, speedometer with fuel consumption gauge and a Ritchie compass – sit directly above the stainless steel steering wheel with its nice, knurled grip, while a vertical row of illuminated rocker switches above the engine throttle control look after lights, live wells, the horn and other accessories. Our review boat was equipped with Yamaha’s Cruise Assist / No Wake Mode, activated with a toggle switch just left of the throttle control, as well as a handy Jet Wash wash-down feature for easy end-of-day cleanups, also controlled with a toggle. A Jensen AM/FM stereo sits to the right of the dash panel, just above a small storage tray. A locking glove box and an angled footrest for comfort when underway round out the helm.

The 190 FSH helm is clean and simple, with plenty of space for mounting aftermarket electronics including larger flush-mount displays.

The overhead T-top sits on a multi-piece aluminum frame that is both sturdy and stylish. A padded leaning post with a backrest that can be adjusted to face forward or aft sits on the rear casting deck just behind the helm. Under the leaning post is a dedicated storage space for an Igloo Marine Ultra 48-quart cooler.

The rear deck conceals a pair of flip-up jump seats, located on either side of the leaning post. Behind them are lids to battery storage on the port side, and to an 18-gallon live well on the starboard side.

The rear casting deck conceals flip-up jump seats on either side of the central leaning post.

Because there’s more to life than just fishing, the 190 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform with integrated seating. A retractable stern boarding ladder facilitates re-boarding after a swim, while the transom also includes a tow eye for watersports.

The transom of the 190 FHS follows Yamaha’s signature two-tier styling, with integrated rear-facing seat backs.

Both 190 FSH models come with Yamaha’s high-performance, 1.8L High Output marine engine, along with the company’s Articulating Keel for greater comfort, stability and tracking. Like the company’s runabouts, the 190 FSH also features a patented clean-out port, which makes it possible to remove debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or take a swim under the boat.

Heading onto frosty Lake Simcoe, I was pleased to see the drizzle subside and the sun begin to poke through the clouds. After taking a few minutes to get the feel of the boat, it was time to play in the waves and see how it runs. The wide, flared bow of the 190 FSH eats waves quite effectively, while its deep-V hull provides a stable and comfortable ride even in a sloppy chop. Time to plane was about four seconds, but I expect the boat will do better than that under more ideal conditions. Running with the wind, it achieved a top speed of 42 mph on the GPS, which matched the indicated speed on the helm. Because of its internal jet drive design, the 190 FSH can run in extremely shallow water, a fact I took comfort in with autumn’s low water levels.

With a single rider aboard and a full tank of fuel, the 190 FSH achieved a top speed of 42 mph in choppy conditions.

Yamaha’s 190 FSH is a nicely designed, well made center console with some truly unique features. If you get the chance, take one for a spin.

Yamaha 190 FSH Sport Specs

LOA: 19′ 2”
Beam: 8’ 0”
Weight: 2,150 lbs.
Draft: 16″
Fuel capacity: 30 gal.
Passenger capacity: 8
Power: Yamaha 1.8L
Info: http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/details.php?model=4728&group=SP&catId=103