2012 Yamaha SX190

By: Matt Spencer

Yamaha has built a rock-solid lineup of sport boats realizing design is in the details. For 2012, they have expanded that lineup, opting to add a smaller sibling in order to tap into a whole new market segment. Enter the single-engine SX190.

At 19 feet, 2 inches, the SX190 uses only one of Yamaha’s signature 1.8-litre marine engines. This keeps them in a very affordable price bracket for young families and value-minded boaters. But the compact power plant still delivers the goods.

With jets it’s the little things. The thrust point is higher so you get less bow rise. The steering itself is low torque; I can turn the wheel and the boat does exactly what I want it to do.

Yamaha has also changed the low speed handling of their boats with a Thrust Directional enhancer. When shifted into the first dent, the thrust angle of the jet is now a 45-degree angle. This acts as a natural rudder, greatly improving handling.

All of thismeans easy to drive. And easy means fun. Add in standard features like Cruise Assist and No Wake mode and you get incredible value as well.

But you’re never going to want to spend hours out on the water without the space and comfort on board to keep it enjoyable. No worries there.

Thanks to the compact size of the engine you get tons of storage – enough to put a full-grown TV host. (So, if you have one lying around, you’ll know where to put him.) The 1.8-litre engine also makes it possible to include Yamaha’s award-winning stern lounge. There’s another large lounge in the bow that houses my 5-foot, 10-inch frame no problem, with room for one or maybe even two more. And under the third centre cushion there’s even a good sized anchor locker.

The new SX190 might be the smallest in Yamaha’s sport boat lineup, but you’re getting a ton with this boat. So it may be the baby of the family, but it’s still a very welcome addition.

TEST BOAT ENGINE

Yamaha 1812 cc, 1.8L, 4-cylinder, four-stroke High Output jet engine

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)

0-20 / 4.0 ; 0-30 / 6.8

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)

7500 / 47

CRUISING SPEEDS (rpm/mph)

5500 / 24 ; 6000 / 32 ; 6500 / 37