Official 19SPX/21SPX/SPX190/SPX210 Thread

Did you get a chance to test out the new hub?

Aye, we did! We squeezed a 20-minute run in between our “set your watch by” evening rain showers; and, as we had no “load” on a rope behind us not surprisingly, did not notice anything even remotely resembling what we saw and heard that day we were pulling the towable w the gkids on it.

For now, we’re chalking it up to sleuth Lazy Daze’ points and, because there was a purpose-designed wake boat nearby creating huge-*ss swells where were when it happened, particularly the part about possibly "catching air" from a large wake ... The Admiral and I have talked about it and truth of the matter is, our 9 & 13 yoa gkids eventually got “bored” riding on the Big Mable, first being pulled as if on a sofa and then eventually “chariot”-style. The answer is not pushing the boat to make harder and harder turns but rather getting them knee boards (the “next step up” in adrenaline ;-) and/or putting the boat up and jumping on the wave runner, jet ski or Spark TRixx...

Full disclosure: we were so busy arguing over the impending next cloud dump I totally forgot to look at where the anti-ventilation plate was riding, in relation to the lake surface. Ha-ha, ANOTHER great reason to take her back out! :)

In the long run, I’m the better for the (only my 2nd) experience of setting up our modular “maintenance gangplank” and getting intimate with the prop assembly (any excuse to get grease between the fingers, right? ! :)
 
Aye. The important thing is all that is behind us now, the quieter it is, the more comfortable we are!


It is the second hole from the bottom and, for better or worse, that is where it is gonna have to stay cuz’ I have no practical or pragmatic way to move it, ha-ha! (We leave our boat on a covered lift above the water 365; and, while I am very happy with the DIY modular gangplank system we devised in order to do our own preventative maintenance and service without the need to take the boat in and out of the water but, well, as one of Clint Eastwood’s famous characters once said (through his teeth), “A man’s gotta know his limitations ...:) :) :) Maybe if we ever have to have the boat taken to a dealer for other major work (but, no time in the foreseeable future!)


While a bit off topic, while I love my slip, I get absolutely no practice pulling my boat out of or putting it in the water. I try to fix/service what I can for fear of having to deal with the boat ramps.
 
That’s an excellent - and quite valid - point! Although we get ample experience on the ramps with both a single and a double PWC trailer, at least twice a year each; well, asking me to do the same with the 3,500+ lb 19+ footer is akin to asking me to land on the moon!
Of course, it’d be a great excuse to get a really BIG TRUCK!!! :cool:

Edit: I just “looked up” Beaver Lake (at bottom of first page of available properties) at Lakehouse.com and it looks and sounds spectacular ... crystal clear water ... color me jealous! :D
 
Last edited:
asking me to do the same with the 3,500+ lb 19+ footer is akin to asking me to land on the moon!
Of course, it’d be a great excuse to get a really BIG TRUCK!!! :cool:

I've been a trailer boater for 51 years now. The last 35 have been with a 3,500# 19 footer. Although I have been using a CUV since last year, all prior years were with a CAR,...... as in full size, full perimeter frame, rear wheel drive V8 powered land yacht ( a Pontiac Bonneville coupe).

I just don't like trucks, but that's another story. The real story is that launching and retrieving is easy peasy. You just have to have the proper trailer. and then follow the 18 steps of trailer boating.

My son has a 8,000# 25 foot behemoth and you should see how he does it - and solo besides.

It's all a matter of watching what others do, and do the things that work, and not the things that don't. And practice, practice, practice.

PS - I admit, I cheat, I have a power winch.

boatcar300web.jpg
 
Aye, we did! We squeezed a 20-minute run in between our “set your watch by” evening rain showers; and, as we had no “load” on a rope behind us not surprisingly, did not notice anything even remotely resembling what we saw and heard that day we were pulling the towable w the gkids on it.

For now, we’re chalking it up to sleuth Lazy Daze’ points and, because there was a purpose-designed wake boat nearby creating huge-*ss swells where were when it happened, particularly the part about possibly "catching air" from a large wake ... The Admiral and I have talked about it and truth of the matter is, our 9 & 13 yoa gkids eventually got “bored” riding on the Big Mable, first being pulled as if on a sofa and then eventually “chariot”-style. The answer is not pushing the boat to make harder and harder turns but rather getting them knee boards (the “next step up” in adrenaline ;-) and/or putting the boat up and jumping on the wave runner, jet ski or Spark TRixx...

Full disclosure: we were so busy arguing over the impending next cloud dump I totally forgot to look at where the anti-ventilation plate was riding, in relation to the lake surface. Ha-ha, ANOTHER great reason to take her back out! :)

In the long run, I’m the better for the (only my 2nd) experience of setting up our modular “maintenance gangplank” and getting intimate with the prop assembly (any excuse to get grease between the fingers, right? ! :)

Wonder if it was the hub or the large wake or combo of each?Hope to get mine out this week for a test run.
 
Depends on how long the ride is from the slip to the sand bar. That's probably a full 200 days on the water for us.

Now that we're in NC we're racking them up quicker, it was hard to put the hours on in Chicago during the 3/4 of the year it was cold.
You nailed it GATORB8. I have found myself in a rut. Same island every time we go out. Not sure how far, but it’s only 3 gallons round trip. With so many amazing places around here to go, and the ability to boat year round, it’s still pretty embarrassing. I was averaging the same 50 hours a year when I lived in NJ and that was a 7 month boating season.
 
Does anyone have actual weight numbers for trailering a 190/19SPX OB? I noticed on FB someone is planning on using a Toyota RAV4 (3500 towing capacity)
I think that's asking too much for that particular vehicle.
 
SeaRay specs say 3435. That should be 2754 plus 681 for the trailer.

My motor vehicle registration says 4098, but that's for the optional 3400# trailer. That's the gross "capacity", not the actual weight.

I have not weighed my own rig, so I cannot provide real numbers. All the numbers cited above are "dry", so add gas (~200 pounds) plus junk.

A Rav4 would NOT be suitable. With that short wheelbase, it shouldn't pull anything bigger than a 16 foot outboard tinny.

As an aside, the std. 3100# trailer is only marginally adequate for the rig...
 
The bushing for my windshield latch fell off (the black plastic piece) causing my windshield to rattle, and I've been looking for a replacement piece. I'll probably try some 1/4" ID rubber hose after seeing the price, but figured I'd post what I found looks to be the part in case someone else needs it. Goes for ~$60.

Taco Marine F16-2900
upload_2019-10-8_13-34-14.png
https://tacomarine.com/hinges-latches-specialty-hinges-latches-f16-2900
 
... after seeing the price, ... Goes for ~$60.

Owww-ooooochh!

Sounds to me like a job for a scrap of clear pvc / vinyl hose!

Ha!, reminds me of them toilets the Pentagon was paying $1,000 and up for — and the run-of-the-mill claw hammers for $350! Whoo boy, glad those days are behind. Oh, wait ... here comes TacoMarine ...!
 
FYI, PDF parts manuals are now up on the Sea Ray website for the SPX through 2018.
Owner's Resources -> Parts and Accessories -> Parts Manuals
 
Hi Everyone,
New to the forum here and hoping I can lean on the experience to help with a purchase. I have finally convinced my wife that we (our young family of four) need a boat. I grew up on my grandfather’s old Boston Whaler on the NJ Shore. It’s been years since he had it, but since he passed away last year I’ve gotten the itch to be on the water. We live in Upstate NY and our boat will spend most of its time being trailered to Lake George, although are many wonderful lakes in the area I plan to explore.

Initially I planned to purchase a Montauk but after renting one I saw that it was a boat really only for me. I realized something with a full windshield would be better for a family. So I started researching bowriders and eventually found several options now available with OB motors, which is more my comfort zone for power. I stumbled upon the SPX, the Chaparral H2O, and the Regal OBX. I have basically eliminated the last two and am looking for a used 21 SPX OB. I’ve read this forum and learned a lot, but I was hoping I could get some insight to help narrow down my search.

1- I have seen some boats with the the 200hp Verado L6 vs. the 150 hp 4 stroke. I am intrigued by the Verado for power and smoothness but concerned about complexity, reliability, and longevity. How do they compare for efficiency and top speed? The boat will occasionally be LOADED with people and gear for camping trips on the islands. I am slightly worried the 150 will feel sluggish in some instances, like if I take out extended family or friends. But I love the ease of maintenance and think that motor is pretty robust. I’m looking for insight because my heart wants the Verado but my head says get the 150.

2- When looking at used models in the 2016-2018 range what are the weaknesses I should look for?

3- The lake I mentioned is 31 miles long and 2 miles wide at some points. It is surrounded by mountains and gets very windy. How does this model handle 2-3 foot chop and cross wakes?

4- I saw some feedback about trailer weights. I have looked for this info and can find it nowhere for the 21’ model. Where can I find this out? I want to make sure I am comfortably under my vehicles 5,000 lb. limit.

5- Are there any options I should make sure the boat has? Are there any I should avoid at all costs?

6- I love the idea of the port side lounger seat - it seems so versatile as compared to the swivel chair. I can see that they changed it between 2016 and 2018. How do both versions work in execution? In my simple mind the lounger is an awesome option.

7- I saw some picture where someone had mounted a kicker motor on the swim platform of their SPX. How did you do that? I have an old 9.9 I inherited from my grandfather and I love the idea of putting it on my future boat but not necessarily about putting holes in it. I’m just curious what options I have for that little motor.

I’m sure I have more questions but I’ll start with these. I plan to take the next few months to look for the right used model and hope to have something by spring. I’ve been looking and am currently tracking a few models all priced pretty comparably. But your feedback may help me narrow my selection.

Thanks in advance for any insight. It is most appreciated!
 
Last edited:
1- I have seen some boats with the the 200hp Verado L6 vs. the 150 hp 4 stroke? I am intrigued by the Verado for power and smoothness but concerned about complexity, reliability, and longevity. How do they compare for efficiency and top speed? The boat will occasionally be LOADED with people and gear for camping trips on the islands. I am slightly worried the 150 will feel sluggish in some instances, like if I take out extended family or friends. But I love the ease of maintenance and think that motor is pretty robust. I’m looking for insight because my heart wants the Verado but my head says get the 150.

No personal experience with OBs, does impact swim platform access/size, but adds storage.

2- When looking at used models in the 2016-2018 range what are the weaknesses I should look for?

Not necessarily a weakness, but (at least for the 19') there was a model number change in 2017, from 21SPX to SPX210. Both models were available for part of the year, but the I/O power packages and the option package inclusions change, I believe there are minimal, if any, overall changes to the hull/layout/finishes.

3- The lake I mentioned is 31 miles long and 2 miles wide at some points. It is surrounded by mountains and gets very windy. How does this model handle 2-3 foot chop and cross wakes?

While lightness makes it sporty, and I feel the hull design is good, it's extremely light when compared to the SLX line. 3' chop probably won't be fun in any bowrider, but it gets pretty rough with the light weight.

4- I saw some feedback about trailer weights. I have looked for this info and can find it nowhere for the 21’ model. Where can I find this out? I want to make sure I am comfortably under my vehicles 5,000 lb. limit.
I assume same trailer options for the 21 as 19.
Single axle Karavan: 620 lb https://www.karavantrailers.com/product/single-axle-3100-custom-bunk-trailer
Double axle Karavan: 1100 lb https://www.karavantrailers.com/product/tandem-axle-4800-custom-bunk-trailer
(note this is the 4800 vs the 2017's 5000, should be close)
5- Are there any options I should make sure the boat has? Are there any I should avoid at all costs?

The "select" package was a significant cost option, and if you can find one without paying a large premium, it would offer great value. Nice colors available, and significantly upgraded finishes.

The upgraded stereo would be nice, but, although the base unit only comes with two speakers, it's already prewired to have the bow speakers cut in and added.

6- I love the idea of the port side lounger seat - it seems so versatile as compared to the swivel chair. I can see that they changed it between 2016 and 2018. How do both versions work in execution? In my simple mind the lounger is an awesome option.
It's nice, but, while we haven't had any issues, strength and durability can be a concern on the hinged seat section when the extension seat is not stowed under it.
 
#6

When I post about such stuff I often get blasted with comments like "Why in the world would you want to do that?". Well, my favorite fishing and boating spot is within sight and sound of Niagara Falls. The rising mist is an ominous sight. The last boat I owned that did NOT have a kicker was in 1969. Engines today are super reliable, but one can never plan enough for sunken debris. Nuff said.

We bought the SPX specifically because it was adaptable to a kicker. I used a Panther horizontal fixed mount bracket and bolted it thru the entire swim platform with SS threaded rod, Acorn nuts and lock nuts on the bottom. All sealed up and it works like a charm. Then, I custom fitted a SS rod to allow for helm steering off the main.

Every boat I ever owned was a customized job. If I can't drill lots of holes to mount new stuff I'm just not happy.

P6090868web.jpg
P3310003web.jpg
 
#6

When I post about such stuff I often get blasted with comments like "Why in the world would you want to do that?". Well, my favorite fishing and boating spot is within sight and sound of Niagara Falls. The rising mist is an ominous sight. The last boat I owned that did NOT have a kicker was in 1969. Engines today are super reliable, but one can never plan enough for sunken debris. Nuff said.
View attachment 76571 View attachment 76572
I agree with the pucker factor in that area. My mom grew up in Buffalo and we have a family cottage on the Niagara river on the Canadian side near the ripe of Grand Island. I grew up going to Chippewa creek with my uncle and as you are approaching the you are only a few miles up from the falls. Makes you pay attention when you can see the rapids and mist of the falls. There used to be a sign leaving Chippewa that said “ do you have an anchor? Do you know how to use it? Great boating up there. I spent a lot of hours on the river. I have had my SPX up there a few times. Great boat for that area.
 
Thanks for all the feedback, GatorB8 and JeremyGavin. Jeremy- How do you like the 150hp motor? I currently see two used options. One is newer and lower hours, but with the 150 hp motor. The other is with two years older and has the 200hp motor, but still only 97 hours. I'm slightly worried that loaded up with passengers and gear, the 150hp motor might not cut it. By the way, I love that kicker install. It looks clean!
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,865
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top