The new Yamaha 190 FSH combines the utility of a classic center console layout with the advantages of jet propulsion. The compact center console category is crowded with choices ranging from the Boston Whaler 190 Montauk to the Scarab 195 Open but Yamaha has found a niche with the perfect blend of fishability and family fun-ability. And in its redesign of this model for 2019, Yamaha has managed to improve almost every aspect of its design.

All-new Yamaha FSH 190 features a new hull that’s longer, wider and smooth riding than the model it replaces.



The new 190 FSH uses the same hull as the also new Yamaha AR195, so at 19 feet 5 inches it’s about 3 inches longer than the previous 190 FSH model, and its 8-foot 2-inch beam is about 2 inches wider. Yamaha makes the most of every added inch of space inside the boat. Much of that space is devoted to main cockpit area, where there’s now a little more room to step between the console and the inwales, and more deck space forward of the console seat. The bow platform is now flanked by a pair of angled pods, with a compartment to port designed to hold four Plano tackle trays and the compartment to starboard devoted to small gear stowage. There’s a new snap-off seat pad over a hatch in the aft portion of the bow platform that covers an insulated fish locker (or cooler) that drains overboard and measures about 31 inches wide x 9.5 inches and is 13 inches deep. There’s even more stowage further forward below a 36 inch x 13 inch hatch in the casting deck. This hatch has a friction hinge so there’s never a strut in the way, and a very deep lip with overboard drains—great attention to detail.

The Yamaha 190 FSH Sport features a new T-top with a textured finish, multiple grab handles and four rod holders.



The entire seat on the forward console lifts up to reveal a space within the console about 33 inches wide and 40 inches deep, which can be used for stowage or as a head. Inside there’s a smooth molded liner and a light, and a canvas cover over the helm wiring. There’s easy access here to the back side of helm for service or adding electronics. The 190 FSH Sport comes with a T-top, which has a new textured finish, lots of grab-handles and a canvas top secured with a ratchet strap so it’s easy to remove for cleaning or storage. There are three rod holders on each side of the console base plus four “rocket launcher” rod holders on the aft rail of the T-top.

At the helm is the new Yamaha Connext 4.3 touch screen display.



At the helm is a pedestal seat with a pivoting backrest, so the seat can be used to face aft. A 48-quart cooler is secured with straps below the seat, but it needs to be removed to open the lid. The helm features a footrest, a locking glovebox, a stainless steel wheel. The Yamaha Connext 4.3-inch touch screen display replaces all instrumentation (except for a small compass) and has a new user interface that’s easy to navigate. There is room to mount a 10-inch display on the dash. What’s missing is any overhead storage box within the T-top.

Yamaha has improved the aft deck area by raising the jump seat positions and devising new backrests that slip into the pockets in the inwales and are easy to remove. The seat bottom cushions snap off, too, so you can go to “full fish” mode pretty quickly. There’s a larger 25-gallon livewell (it was previously 18 gallons) to starboard that’s both aerated and lighted and has a thick rubber seal on the hatch to keep it water-tight. There’s another deep stowage compartment below the seat base to port. Using jet-pump water pressure to feed a cockpit wash-down hose is a clever idea but it doesn’t actually make much pressure unless the engine is revved up.

The new cockpit design features removable jump seat backrests and a slightly wider transom platform.



The 190 FSH has the same two-level transom as Yamaha sport boats, and in this application it’s both a great angling location and a social center for swimming or just hanging out at the cove. There’s a new hatch in the aft platform that covers a great idea – a white 5-gallon bucket that is perfect for stashing small fenders, lines, and those sandy shells the kids want to drag home from the beach. The pail lifts out for access to steering gear below, and it’s not just a hardware-store pail – it has a handle molded into the bottom so it can be used for bailing.

Designed for coastal living, the Yamaha 190 FSH is easy operate and to beach thanks to its jet propulsion system.



A single Yamaha Marine 1.8-liter engine powers the 190 FSH. This engine makes about 180 horsepower and with just two people on board it pushed our test boat to a top speed of 36.4 mph. On-plane performance was adequate, but might be lacking with more people and a typical load of ice and gear on board. Yamaha also offers its 250-horsepower engine in the 19-foot sport boat range, but that motor is not available for the 190 FSH. The new hull features a revised running surface. The keel is not as deep forward compared to the previous 190 FSH model, which improves low-speed tracking, and the shape of the strakes has been revised and the running surface extended aft, which both reduce bow-rise on acceleration. The jet drive features a new reverse bucket that improves lateral thrust for better control around the dock, and the Yamaha “articulated keel” rudder has been revised to reduce drag. With jet power this boat will be easy for the entire family to handle, and of course there’s no trim to manage or prop to ding on the bottom. This high-rpm powertrain produces more noise than an outboard, but Yamaha has done a good job isolating engine and pump vibration from the cockpit.

Priced at $34,899, the 190 FSH Sport comes with a single-axle trailer with disc brakes and a swing-away tongue. If you can live without the T-top, the 190 FSH Deluxe is $32,499 with a Bimini top, and also with the trailer. The versatility of this boat is limited only by your imagination.

See Yamaha 190 FSH Sport listings.

Written by: Charles Plueddeman
Charles Plueddeman is Boats.com's outboard, trailer, and PWC expert. He is a former editor at Boating Magazine and contributor to many national publications since 1986.
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