Hey guys'  I have a few questions about purchasing a boat...I am in the process of buying a 2003 triton tr-19 with a Yamaha 200 VMAX 3.1 liter on it.  How many hrs are to much for a 2003?  What should a  BUYER BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR?  Should I have the dealer run the motor for me onsite? I have read alot of good reviews regarding the 200 vmax....and is it worth buying a 2 year warranty for the motor...roughly about $600.00?    

Thanks, chrism-rad  

 

Forget about running the motor onsite, you need to take it out on a lake for a couple of hours.

For 600 dollers I would by the warranty. Iam getting a ranger soon and have been talked in to a 225 vmax. If you don't think the vamx is good check this out. I pmed glen about his vmax and this I what I got back.

1. Is the hdpi really that good?  Yes.  I love it.

2. I know that the gas suffers a little but how munch?  Suffers?  By who's standards?  I can go 400-500 miles on a tank, easy.

3. Do I really need the trandsome saver like you have?  Yes.  It comes with the boat.  I'd even say it's mandatory regardless of Merc or Yamaha.  A 225 weighs around 500 pounds.  It would be insane not to use it.  If you lose it, however, my suggestion is to order a new one through the Ranger dealer.  It's tough finding a replacement long enough.

4. Whats the top speed with that my buddy is looking at 519 vx?  Top speed really depends on boat setup and load.  I think the 80mph you experienced is beyond expectations, though.  The boat had to be empty to get that speed.  Fully loaded, full livewells, a buddy, and at least half a tank of gas will bring that down in the low 70's.  Keep in mind each boat has it's own "personality" when it comes to proper setup.  So experimentation is the key.  What works for one guy usually doesn't work as well with another guy using the exact same boat/motor combo.

5. I don't know were you live but how is it starting in cold weather?   That's an interesting question.  I have had some starting issues when the temp dips below 45 (excessive cranking to get it started).  The Yamaha mechanics worked it over this spring and gave it some new parts.  Of course it hasn't been cold enough to try it out yet, so I can't say they fixed it yet.  That said, I've still been able to start it in 30-degree temps.  I expect I won't have any issues this winter.

Just out of curiosity, do you currently own a boat and what kind is it?

For 600 dollers I would by the warranty. Iam getting a ranger soon and have been talked in to a 225 vmax. If you don't think the vamx is good check this out. I pmed glen about his vmax and this I what I got back.

1. Is the hdpi really that good? Yes. I love it.

2. I know that the gas suffers a little but how munch? Suffers? By who's standards? I can go 400-500 miles on a tank, easy.

3. Do I really need the trandsome saver like you have? Yes. It comes with the boat. I'd even say it's mandatory regardless of Merc or Yamaha. A 225 weighs around 500 pounds. It would be insane not to use it. If you lose it, however, my suggestion is to order a new one through the Ranger dealer. It's tough finding a replacement long enough.

4. Whats the top speed with that my buddy is looking at 519 vx? Top speed really depends on boat setup and load. I think the 80mph you experienced is beyond expectations, though. The boat had to be empty to get that speed. Fully loaded, full livewells, a buddy, and at least half a tank of gas will bring that down in the low 70's. Keep in mind each boat has it's own "personality" when it comes to proper setup. So experimentation is the key. What works for one guy usually doesn't work as well with another guy using the exact same boat/motor combo.

5. I don't know were you live but how is it starting in cold weather? That's an interesting question. I have had some starting issues when the temp dips below 45 (excessive cranking to get it started). The Yamaha mechanics worked it over this spring and gave it some new parts. Of course it hasn't been cold enough to try it out yet, so I can't say they fixed it yet. That said, I've still been able to start it in 30-degree temps. I expect I won't have any issues this winter.

not dissing yamaha     but that conversation proves nothing about the vmax  being good  if you ask a merc or rude owner with a new motor youd get the same  answers      if you want the best answer    about that triton  get it on the lake      any motor can go at any time       its a good looking boat and a nice motor     shouldnt have any probs in the   near future

$600.00 for two years, you better get it. I keep my boats for only the time the motor is under warrenty. and I run a Yamaha 250HPDI. as for the boat you are looking at, its hard to tell much from a pic. If you think that this is what you want then put it on the water and run it. If you dont have much experince driving bass boats bring along someone that can drive it and give you some help. Good Luck

You need to get this boat on the water and run it.

Tritons are known to be a little difficult to run at WOT, especially if you have little to no experience running a high performance bassboat.  I'd suggest taking an experienced boater with you for a test run to run the boat for you so you can see whether you can handle it or not.  That boat is perfectly capable of 70+ mph on the water but that can be dangerous in the hands of someone inexperienced especially in a boat that requires experienced attention to drive at higher speeds.

The Xpress 18footer that I'm getting is going to have a 150 Yamaha VMax HPDI on it.  I am going to be getting the best warrenty that they offer.  Not sure what it is yet though.  Boat motors suck.  They all break down so you might as well spend $600 on a warrenty as opposed to $4000 on odd and end repairs.

As far as the motor itself, get a compression test ran on it and be sure to test drive it.

I had a Yamaha for 14 years never had a thing go wrong with it . Had a Toyota pickup for 13 years got the extended warranty for $600 waste of money not a thing went wrong with it. Now I have a 200 opti max 6 years old. Fish 3 times a week on pickwick and such. I fish tournaments drive 60 mil. sometimes on the water not a thing broke yet on the opti max. But I never tried to hop anything up. Ran the stuff the way it was setup.

The Xpress 18footer that I'm getting is going to have a 150 Yamaha VMax HPDI on it.  I am going to be getting the best warrenty that they offer.  Not sure what it is yet though.  Boat motors suck.  They all break down so you might as well spend $600 on a warrenty as opposed to $4000 on odd and end repairs.

As far as the motor itself, get a compression test ran on it and be sure to test drive it.

I've got a 1987 Yammie ProV 150, Aside from normal maintenance my motor has never broke down like you talk about.  In fact, I've spent less than half of the $4000 in 16 years of ownership.

An OB motor is only as good as the person who's running it.  Don't take care of maintenance and it'll fail,  don't use it enough and just let it sit and it'll give you problems,  over-rev the engine for too long because of improper boat setup or poor driving habits and it'll break down.  You'll find most people DON'T have that many problems with OB motors.

don't use it enough and just let it sit and it'll give you problems

Does that mean beware of buying a used boat that has not been run much?

Thanks for the info guy's...I have found alot of good reviews on the yamaha vmax...seems like motors are about like anything else..if you take care of them they will last!  I was wrong on the warranty price...its 2000.00 for 2 years...but its only 1800-2000 for a new powerhead so I will take my chances...

don't use it enough and just let it sit and it'll give you problems

Does that mean beware of buying a used boat that has not been run much?

It means if you only run your boat a couple times a year you can have fuel system problems if the gas isn't stabilized properly.  If a boat has just sat for long periods of time, like a couple years, then you have to worry about the viability of rubber gaskets, o rings, seals, etc.  Or even condensation that may have occured in the motor that has resulted in rust.   That's if you're speaking of an older motor or one that's been stored outside.

Thanks for the info guy's...I have found alot of good reviews on the yamaha vmax...seems like motors are about like anything else..if you take care of them they will last!  I was wrong on the warranty price...its 2000.00 for 2 years...but its only 1800-2000 for a new powerhead so I will take my chances...

Why do I have a feeling we'll be hearing from you on this very board in the near future when you buy this boat.  ;D

I have spoke to many boat owner's now and they all say the same thing...Outboard motors run very well if TAKEN CARE OF.  so again I will take my chances...  you must have had some bad outboard experience!!

Thanks for the info.

I have spoke to many boat owner's now and they all say the same thing...Outboard motors run very well if TAKEN CARE OF.  so again I will take my chances...  you must have had some bad outboard experience!!

Thanks for the info.

My statement had nothing to do with outboard motor reliability.

What experience do you have driving a high performance bassboat capable of 70+ mph?

Your a troublemaker....you must be a pre maddona!  High performace is in the eye's of the beholder..The questions I ask don't relate to driving a bass boat...but buying one...I have my pilots license and fly planes...I quess that not high performance....Is it high performance if I run the boat at 50 mph.... I'm buying the boat to fish out of not race!...I have never scene a bass swiming 70mph...lol..

Chrism, I'm glad you said what I thought. Some peps. just dont know when to shut up. ;D

Cravenfish....I agree...some peps use these forums as a platform, not to help but be negative.....and they are designed for just the opposite... I really appreciate the insight from the rest of the guy's.

Thanks, Chrism

Did you buy the boat? and where are you located at?

I have placed a deposite on the boat..I have scheduled to pick it up Oct 7th...I am buying it thru Anglers choice...VA...I am located in southern Indiana..I will be fishing Patoka, Monroe and ohio river..probably fish kentucky lake tournament.s .only 3 hrs from home.  I am looking to join a tournament series..looking at tackle supreme team...USA BASSIN...FISCHER OF MEN...are you a member of a club or tournament series.  If you have any insight on a good club or affiliation let me know..

Thanks, Chrism

Were you located?

I live close to Richmond, VA. I fish two Bassmaster Series circuts and one BFL circut. I also fish some other tournaments in-between like Championship Teams and Castaways. But I no longer belong to a club or federation, just due to conflicts with tournaments. This year I will have fished about 18 tournaments ( that is too many ). Next year I'm only fishing one BFL series and one Bassmasters Series. This should free up more time to practice and keep up with the stuff around the house. I almost had to come and fish Patoka, one of the regionals for the bassmasters series is there Oct. 14ht or so. BUT I didn't qualify for that one, so I'll be at home.

Quote

Your a troublemaker....you must be a pre maddona!  High performace is in the eye's of the beholder..The questions I ask don't relate to driving a bass boat...but buying one...I have my pilots license and fly planes...I quess that not high performance....Is it high performance if I run the boat at 50 mph.... I'm buying the boat to fish out of not race!...I have never scene a bass swiming 70mph...lol..

;D

Ok son.  You're initial questions threw me off.  Most of them sound like they're coming from a complete Noob, who hasn't a clue about buying a bassboat but you obviously aren't that at all.  You've obviously owned plenty and have got plenty of hours behind the wheel of a performance bassboat, sorry.  Plenty of experience in a plane huh?  That pilots license may come in handy if that boat gets out of shape on ya at WOT!   ;D

 

Cravenfish....I agree...some peps use these forums as a platform, not to help but be negative.....and they are designed for just the opposite... I really appreciate the insight from the rest of the guy's.

Thanks, Chrism

OK sonny boy. Let's get this straight. Your initial questions come off as coming from someone who doesn't have the slightest idea what he's doing.  And you want to take off in a boat capable of the speed this boat is capable of?  Have you thought about other people on the lake when you, some noob who has zero experience driving a bassboat, suddenly gets out in front of others who do know what they're doing?

I asked what boat experience you had because it's obvious from your questions that you don't have the slightest idea about anything pertaining to a bassboat.  I took the time to tell you, a complete noob, to get someone who does know about driving performance bassboats to go along with you and test drive the boat just to see if you're capable of handling the boat, I took the time to point out a known idiocyncrisy of Triton boats and that if the boat is in the hands of a complete noob like yourself, can become dangerous.  Pre- Madonna?  Buddy, get screwed.  I gave you solid, sound advice without being negative, I'm not a cheerleader.  I'm thinking about myself and other experienced boaters who don't want to have to deal with a moron who went out and bought a 70+ mph bassboat and doesn't have a clue on how to drive it.

Rant over.

your stuck on that 70mph thing pep...what happens if I operate the boat at 50mph...does this still classify me as a moron....I have been in numerous bass boats operating at  running speeds well above 50mph..I asked questions regarding buying a boat not operating one...RUNNING THE MOTOR..ETC   I persaonally have  never been in a tournament that have rules requiring the boater to run 70mph...and do you have a Triton bass boat?