Smooth efficiency
Yamaha’s newest vessels are powered by a 1,812 cc inline-four with dual overhead camshafts. The engine is particularly smooth, silent and fuel-efficient. With the 114 litre tank, you can cover up to 200 km at an average speed of 60 km/h before needing to refuel.

The mill is coupled with one of the best jet drives in the industry, which allows the craft to plane faster than an external propeller system of equal power. The jet drive also lets you cruise in shallow water without fear of damaging the system. Throttle response could’ve been a bit more exhilarating, however, but that’s not the raison d’être of this kind of entry-level boat anyways.

Yamaha’s newest vessels are powered by a 1,812 cc inline-four with dual overhead camshafts. (Photo: Yamaha Canada)

Family friendly
At the helm, the 190 was a pleasant surprise. The craft proved both stable and regular, but also lively and responsive to our directions over the waves. At full speed, the hull does a great job deflecting said waves, straight on or from the side, and keeps the occupants nice and dry.

The boat turns effortlessly and with great stability, while acceleration is pretty much par for the course. Like its big brothers, the 190 is an accomplished vessel, and the electronic aids make for an incredibly user-friendly experience. It takes just a few short minutes to feel completely at ease behind the helm.

The instrument cluster is simple but effective, and the easy-to-read gauges leave enough room to tack on a GPS and fish finder. The co-pilot gets his or her own handgrip and glove box, too.

The Yamaha SX190 and AR190 are great, intuitive little boats that offer a safe experience and tons of storage. The expansive bow and the Bimini top are much appreciated, as is the cool, two-tiered transom and its padded backrests. These two affordable new Yamaha offerings will surely delight the whole family this summer.

2012 Yamaha AR190 (Photo: Yamaha)

Pros
Stable and efficient over the waves
Smooth and silent engine
Great value
Electronic aids

Cons
Timid throttle response