Boats

2020 Yamaha 195S

The 195S is easily towable, easily stowable, and will satisfy a wide range of boaters.

By Boating Tech Team

Updated: November 13, 2019

Yamaha packs a big punch in the 195S bowrider, and it doesn’t just come from the added horsepower of its SVHO supercharged engine. It caters to watersports with the wakeboard tower and accommodates large families thanks to its well-engineered deck plan.

The 195S is as comfortable as it is quick. Courtesy Yamaha

The engine pushed the boat to a speed just a tick short of 50 miles per hour in our tests and got up on plane in about 3 seconds. That kind of hole shot is exactly what watersports enthusiasts demand. Cruise-assist helps maintain speed, maneuver no-wake zones easily, and reverse rpm control makes docking a snap with just a little practice.

At the dash, Yamaha’s exclusive Connext display features mapping for navigation, engine controls, audio control and the ability to monitor practically every power system on board. In addition, a phone holder at the center allows it to function as a navigation display or provide streaming audio to the stereo system.

At the dash, Yamaha’s exclusive Connext display features mapping for navigation, engine controls, audio control and the ability to monitor practically every power system on board. Courtesy Yamaha

The 195S is as comfortable as it is quick. Take the transom platform—Yamaha’s exclusive design—we love the two-tiered approach. It can accommodate “stadium seating” or lean back on the upper level and keep your feet dry. Under the platform is Yamaha’s exclusive clean-out port, making it the only jet boat on the market that doesn’t require a swimmer to clean weeds from the jet pump.

The bow can be arranged as side-by-side forward lounges or a platform—or a center cushion can convert the entire area to a sun pad. There are billeted grab handles for security and cup holders near audio speakers for refreshment.

The bow can be arranged as side-by-side forward lounges or a platform. Courtesy Yamaha

The cockpit is even more accommodating with wraparound seating that extends from the portside bucket seat around to the captain’s bucket seat.

Spin those bucket seats aft when at anchor and picnic or play cards on the removable cocktail table. For shade, our test boat was equipped with a Bimini top on the wakeboard tower.

With a versatile deck plan, Connext interface system for the captain and all the power of the SVHO engine, it is clear Yamaha thought of everything on the 195S.