H190 and H200 - Thoughts on Engines?

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:32 am

I'm the same way, seating is what sells me a boat. That's 99% why I want a s205. Not because of the cabin, but because of the wrap around lounge seating. The cabin is the other 1%. The boat I'm looking at has the 5.0Gxi and not the big 5.7Gi, but it's only a 10hp difference and the Gxi is internally better then the GI. It has roller lifters instead of hydraulic. That's a big deal and worth the loss of 10hp for a smaller displacement engine.

Now, if it had the 5.0GL, the 220hp carb engine. That would be a deal breaker. Not because carb, but because it's 50 less horsepowers and takes the boat from a mid 50's mph top end to not much faster then my 3.0 H180. Yuck.

chrisvs · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:34 am

I've got to agree with the sunsport vs standard seating. We traded in our standard seating boat after a few years and bought the same boat over again, with the sunsport seating. We don't regret that descision one bit.

I am also on LouC's train of though on carbed vs FI. I much prefer the simplicity of troublshooting mechanical systems vs electronic systems. This is just my personal preference. My brother has an H200 with the 5.0 GXi, and I shudder when I look under the hood at that thing, thinking "if I ever had to fix that... sheesh!". I look at my 3.0 carbie, and it is just so simple. Now, if you are the type of person who doesn't do your own repairs, then that really is a wash.

Carbs.... as others have said my lawnmower started in 1 pull after sitting for 6 months over the winter, my snow blower, generator and weed trimmer all do the same. Sure, fuel injection starts easier sometimes, but I haven't had any problems with a carb.

M.A.C Cruiser · **Joined:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 21

neither.... lose the foot, get an Outboard! haha :lol:

its lonely on this forum for OB owners...

All seriousness though... looking at the 190 compared to the 180 OB... it almost looks (though might want to measure it out) that you end up with a little more walking/seating area not having the I/O... let alone the maint. issues...

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:53 am

I've been talking to FW on facebook. I told em if they stuck a Etec 200 on the back of their boats instead of that wussy 150 they would have people throwing money at them.

M.A.C Cruiser · **Joined:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 21

ric wrote:

I've been talking to FW on facebook. I told em if they stuck a Etec 200 on the back of their boats instead of that wussy 150 they would have people throwing money at them.

no doubt on that.... but i do LOVE the yammy 4-strokes... can't even hear those things running...

my old Johnson 150 gets me up and around 45 depending on load (48 ish with just the lady and i 43 ish with friends and coolers) which is plenty of speed for this guy

jdag · **Joined:** Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:18 pm **Posts:** 21

I am so torn. This will be my 4th boat, so I am not a noob by any means. But I am not a mechanic either. I've had a 17' open bow with an outboard, a 23' cuddy, and a 27' cruiser in the past. But I am now committed to going with the flexibility of a trailerable runabout as opposed to something docked. I live in Rochester, NY, so trailering gives me so much flexibility to go to Ontario, Erie Canal, Finger Lakes, etc.

I had horrible luck with the 27' cruiser. It was purchased used but in phenomenal condition...or so it seemed (2004 boat bought in 2007 w/40 hours on the engine). But I had nothing but engine problems...literally from day 2. On the 2nd time out I had an oil pressure issue and had to be towed in. I should have gone back tot he dealer and gotten a refund right then and there...just like taking a toaster back to Wal Mart! ;-)

In the end, I had the cruiser for 3 or 4 summers, and ultimately another serious engine problem caused me to unload it before the winter at quite a loss. But I couldn't deal with any more worries about reliability.

So while I know I can save a small fortune on a used boat, I really think peace of mind is leading me to a new one. I am down to the H190 and H200 discussed here. Both are new 2011 models.

But I am also really really really really in love with the Cobalt 200. From a size perspective, it is more in line with the H200. It offers "arena" seating which we like. BUT, it is significantly more costly. It is not an apples-to-apples comparison because honestly the Cobalt does have several pretty nice upgrades over the H200 (very cool swim platform/step plus a duo prop outdrive). But that being said, it is still a pretty steep jump in cost.

Anyhow, my short summer in Upstate NY is slipping away and I want to pull the trigger soon (as in before the end of June).

I know...this is a GOOD problem to have...not complaining at all!

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:51 am

Get whatever makes you happy.

M.A.C Cruiser · **Joined:** Thu Jun 07, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 21

ric wrote:

Get whatever makes you happy.

^^ this

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:22 am

The Cobalt 200 would be hard to top.

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:37 am

Well, if you want speed they're getting 60-63 out of the Stingray 195LX with the 4.3Gxi :shock:

http://www.stingrayboats.com/products/m ... X&action=6

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:46 am

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/boa/3024429823.html

boater · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:15 pm

If it's not going to break the bank, you should at least take the Cobalt for a spin.

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:26 pm

Stingrays are awesome boats I love em. They're built for one thing: Speed. No heavy/fancy interiors and options to slow you down and a hull designed for WOT. If your waters get more then 1ft of chop regularly you'll be seeing a chiropractor often. They're the boat for people that want to be king of the lake. Stingray even raises the redline above VP's recommended limit in the programming just to get an extra mph or 2.

If you have the cash and don't need financing you'll find good deals on craigslist with boats still in warranty with a few years left.

Quote:

Transferring warranty is required to acquire the remaining amount of warranty that is available on your boat. To transfer warranty, Four Winns needs a copy of the bill of sale, the new owner information, address and phone number. The transfer fee will depend on the model year of the boat and any remaining warranty. For detailed information, please e-mail boating@fourwinns.com or contact us by phone at 231-775-1343.

jdag · **Joined:** Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:18 pm **Posts:** 21

boater wrote:

If it's not going to break the bank, you should at least take the Cobalt for a spin.

I did...and I really loved it. It's not about affording it or not. It's about whether I want to pay so much more for a boat. It by far is my 1st choice.

Gumby542 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:21 pm

I'm 6'2" and with the standard seating I end up sitting on the middle of the 2 seats or kneeling. Neither is ideal. I also like the space inside the boat better, more usable and storage under rear seat and hatch

www.iFourWinns.com

H190 and H200 - Thoughts on Engines?

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