Questions on 190 Pro-V

[FishnNut1956]

I have several questions about the 190 and hope to get some help:
1. How many rod lockers does the 190 have?
2. How will adding a dual console play in adding and/or removing rods?
3. How is the loading and unloading of the 190 on/off the trailer?
4. Is the trailer of good quality?
5. Would a tandem axle be advised?
6. What are the advantages of up-grading to a channel frame trailer?
7. Since the trailer is galvanized, are stainless steel fenders more for looks?
8. I am planning on Merc's new 200XS, I believe this to be a good choice, any
problems and/or experience with this motor?
9. Hydro Tech in Nixa, MO will be where I purchase the boat. Any positive or
negative reports?

I have a few other questions, but I believe they can be better answered by the dealership. Thanks for your help!

[Blazer190]

I have a 2004 190 w/2004 200xs 133 hrs w/ no problems. I wouldnot get a 200xs if I had it to do all over again. The 200xs is a great motor GREAT FUEL ECONOMY!!!!! But it won't carry a load very well. The hole shot w/ a load is bad as compared to a 3.0 optimax. Don't get me wrong its a great motor and ulta reliable! The 3.0 would be more suited for your application. The 200xs 93 octane 200 3.0 optimax 87 octane.

[Rebel1]

My last Blazer was a 190, so here we go.
1. It has 2 rod lockers.
2. Not sure on the 2nd console question, mine was a single.
3. It loads and unloads very easy.
4. Trailer is as good as any.
5. You don't need a tandem axle.
6. I don't you need it.
7. Yes
8. Like Blazer190 said, I don't think the 200xs is a good choice. I think the 3.3 Yamaha VMAX HPDI or the Evinrude E-tec 200 HO would be better choices if you plan on carrying moderate load. With these motors, you can expect to gps around 75 loaded.
9. Hydro-Tec seems like a great bunch of people, GE can tell you more about them.

The 190 is a hot little boat. Set-up right, you will out run most 20ft. boats with 225. I sure did. I really wish that I would have kept mine and just put a 225 HO on it.

[Blazer Dave]

Here's a little more info to add to Rebel1's reply:

2. How will adding a dual console play in adding and/or removing rods?
I have no firsthand experience in removing rods from a 190 ProV DC rodlocker but, I have from the 210 and the 202 and the console is not in the way. I know two or three 190 ProV DC's owners and I've never heard any comment that the console was in the way.

4. Is the trailer of good quality?
We use MFI trailers built in Winchester, TN. They build for several companies, Bumble Bee is the first to come to mind.

5. Would a tandem axle be advised?
The standard single axle will do fine unless it's just your personal preference for a tandem or you might want one if you travel long distances often. The single will be much easier to manuver in a tight place.

6. What are the advantages of up-grading to a channel frame trailer?
The standard trailer is the painted tube which is the "prettiest" and the most popular. The trailer can be ordered as a painted channel which is popular down south around brackish water because it will not rust from the inside out like a tube trailer will in about 3 years of life around saltwater.

7. Since the trailer is galvanized, are stainless steel fenders more for looks?
A galvanized trailer is an option, not standard. You will see lots of Blazers on galvanized trailers in LA, MS, AL and FL and a lot of them do sport stainless fenders, perhaps not for function but, they do help the looks.

8. I am planning on Merc's new 200XS, I believe this to be a good choice, any problems and/or experience with this motor?
It's so new I've heard nothing about it but, I would think it's a de-tuned 225 ProXS and everything I've heard about it says it's strong. A 190 ProV with that motor on it will probably be a rocket.

9. Hydro Tech in Nixa, MO will be where I purchase the boat. Any positive or negative reports?
They are good folks!

[BlackBlazer]

I have a 190 w/ 200 EFI. I like my 200 EFI, but I really wish it had the 3.3 litre Yamama on back when carrying a load! I get 70 gps with 2 man t-load during summer w/ empty wells and 72 with 2 man t-load during cooler months.

[FishnNut1956]

sorry I hadn't got back. I was having pc/log on problems. I appreciate your input. I ran across a deal on a 202 that I find hard to pass up. Can anyone tell me how well the 2004 3.1 VMAX, (believe it was not HPDI) 225 handles the Dual console 202?

[blazerman]

very good setup with the 3.1

[Rebel1]

You should gps around 76-77 mph loaded. That should be a good combo.

[FishnNut1956]

Thanks, guys. I was really wanting a DI motor, but since it is already set with a 2004 EFI I doubt if I could get it changed. The way gas prices are going it wouldn't take long to make up the price difference between the two motors.

[Vyper202]

There is not enough differance in gas milage between my OX66 and Zeeks HPDI to be able to tell!

[chad202]

Dave, I think he's talking about the 2.5l 200XS which has been out since 2001 I think. I'd have to agree with Blazer190 if you fish heavy. If you fish with moderate load, it'll be a good motor for ya. My buddy has one on a Bullet and although he doesn't fish heavy, with him, wife, and livewell full of water and fish, he can run 77mph and then 81+ lite. His is a SS model and he runs a 26dragIV and 26 performer. Both of these are over the hub which typically yields higher speeds.

[FishnNut1956]

I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear in my thinking. I was talking about the difference between the OX66 and the HPDI. In my original posting I was talking about going Mercury. I've had Mercury outboards on all of my previous boats and never even considered Yamaha outboards. However, I have now heard enough good reports on them to feel comfortable with one on my boat. So the 200xs is no longer a consideration once I read the posting about possible hole shot problems. I do run a boat heavy. I have had many jokes made about me by friends saying that I need a second boat just to haul my gear.

[Blazer190]

I must disagree with vyper296 on the fuel econ of the di motor vs the efi. My 200xs gets far better fuel economy than the Yamaha that I had on my last Blazer.

[Vyper202]

I wasnt comparing the Merc to the yammie dude, I was talking about the differance between my partners HPDI and my OX66. We run the exact same hull, set up and load and there isnt enought differance in fuel econ. and speed between us to even compare.
Now I will say I have a friend running a ZX225/225 HPDI that gets the best fuel econ. of any boat/engine I have ever seen, it almost makes gas while running!

[Blazer190]

Sorry Vyper I didnot mean that in a bad way. My 200xs makes gas also.

[FishnNut1956]

I hate to even say this because I know that it might cause an argument, but, Blazer190, do you think that the OPTI may get better gas mileage than the HPDI? This wouldn't have even mattered a year ago, but now it's going to be a big deal!

[Vyper202]

Thats cool Jason, my mistake if I took it wrong. I tell you what, I love my hammer, but that merc 300XS is sounding real good to me!