Yamaha Introduces Jet-Powered Fish Boat In Miami

Shallow water fishing gets a jet-powered boost

Yamaha made quite a splash at the 2015 Miami Boat Show, introducing the first center-console, fishing-oriented jet boat. Already the dominant player in three size ranges – 19’, 21’, and 24’ – in the popular open-bow/runabout segment, the new offering will extend the brand’s reach even further, taking on the popular family fishing segment.

The 190 FSH is based on the 19’ platform, and exploits the jet drive engine’s low profile. With both engine and driveline essentially below the helm leaning post, the entire perimeter of the cockpit is opened up for 360-degree access, allowing anglers to essentially work a fish or cast their line anywhere around the entire cockpit. A jet’s trademark minimal draft also allows the boat to draw only 16” of water, meaning anglers can get into those skinny areas and everyone will have less worries about shallows.

With the engine’s ability to work in as little as 16 inches of water, fishing the shallows has never been easier.

This first model is offered in three levels of trim, including the base 190 FSH, upgraded 190 FSH Deluxe, and flagship 190 FSH Sport. The base 190 FSH retails for $27,999, the Deluxe adds a bow pedestal seat and console storage curtain to come in at $29,999, and the Sport ($31,999) truly takes on the look of a center-console fish boat with a T-top over the center console.

The 190 FSH Sport comes with a T-top to offer a little protection from the sun.

All three models feature Yamaha’s familiar two-tiered aft area adjacent to the swim platform. In the guise of a fish boat, it makes for a handy spot to access the water, or with the flip-back leaning post, sit back and toss a line over the stern. All three also utilize Yamaha’s newly introduced Articulating Keel, which enhances directional control by adding a small rudder that swings in unison with the jet nozzle.

Yamaha Makes Key Innovations in its Sport Boat Lineup

Other notable features across the board include a painted trailer, dedicated bow anchor locker, insulated bow fish box/cooler, 18-gallon aerated live well, front console seat, flip-up aft jump seats, removable windshield, 14 rod holders (including vertical storage along the console and horizontal storage in both port and starboard inwales), removable cooler stored below the leaning post, and a unique raw-water wash down system that makes clever use of the jet pump for spraying down the deck at the end of the day or when cleaning up after a particularly messy catch. Deluxe and Sport models add a convertible leaning post, with a backrest that pivots over for more comfort when the captain is facing aft when not under power. Both levels of trim also upgrade to dual batteries, as well as a clever curtain for the generous lockable storage area accessed by a flip-up door at the front of the helm console. Zip it up and you’ve got the privacy for a head compartment or changing area. Like many center consoles, this area also offers good access to the backside of the helm for installing a variety of aftermarket marine electronics.

It will be interesting to see how consumers react to Yamaha’s jet-powered fishing boat.

The remaining differences between the two include a Bimini Top and bow pedestal seat for the Deluxe model. Of course, all are powered by the familiar, naturally aspirated version of Yamaha’s 1.8-liter High Output engine, the same engine used in several WaveRunner models. All also feature enough seating and towsports amenities to make these fish boats far more than one-trick ponies, but instead versatile models that can handle the entire family’s checklist of things to do out on the water.