Official 19SPX/21SPX/SPX190/SPX210 Thread

Hello--It's been many years since I've posted anything on the forum. I recently traded in my 2009 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer for a 2023 Sea Ray 190 SPX Outboard. We rarely used the old boat as a cruiser anymore and I wanted a runabout that my kids/grandkids could enjoy during a day on the lake. So far, I really like the new boat--but there are a couple of issues that I've gotten conflicting info on. Can you pull a tube from the ski pole with the outboard motor? Also, the two drain holes on the rear deck(in front of the bench seat) don't fully drain--could this possibly be normal? I used a sponge to remove what I could and took out the aft carpet because I was afraid of rot/mildew during winter storage. Thanks in advance--Cheers! Phil
 
Phil&Chris said:
Can you pull a tube from the ski pole with the outboard motor?
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Absolutely. Your Owner's Manual refers to it as a Ski Pylon and as such, I dare say that it what it's there for. I put a ski pole in my Glastron w/150 Merc so we could slalom, which we did for years. A don't see a tube being able to even dream of generating that kind of load.

Am not familiar with that specific boat, but if there are drains there that don't, something is amiss.
Most likely they are simply plugged. Where do they drain to? If water pressure (ie. a garden hose) won't clear them, try probing/poking them with something to clear them. Alternatively, If you have sufficiently large enough air compressor that my be a little easier and render the same results.
 
Yendor said:
Absolutely. Your Owner's Manual refers to it as a Ski Pylon and as such, I dare say that it what it's there for. I put a ski pole in my Glastron w/150 Merc so we could slalom, which we did for years. A don't see a tube being able to even dream of generating that kind of load.

Am not familiar with that specific boat, but if there are drains there that don't, something is amiss.
Most likely they are simply plugged. Where do they drain to? If water pressure (ie. a garden hose) won't clear them, try probing/poking them with something to clear them. Alternatively, If you have sufficiently large enough air compressor that my be a little easier and render the same results.
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Thanks for your response. Regarding tubing, I wasn't concerned about the load. I was worried that, since the line angles down more steeply tubing vs skiing, the outboard sitting so high up would interfere.

With the drain situation, I tried to "snake" the holes but was unsuccessful as it couldn't handle the double turn in the drain. I've also been unable to tell for certain where the drains go. I'm pretty sure that they empty directly into the bilge, but, without taking the aft storage area apart, I have no direct access to the bilge. I'll try an air compressor in the spring when I start the next boating season. Thanks.
 
That’s interesting (and welcome news) we were told (can’t remember who) that pole was the light …

When I think of the torque generated when we pull 3 people on our “Big Mable” towable I’m inclined to keep using the tie down loops on each rear corner of the boat …

I’m also going to have to take a closer look at those same drain holes we have on our boat … I am used to seeing a couple tablespoons of water in front of each drain hole …
 
Phil&Chris said:
Hello--It's been many years since I've posted anything on the forum. I recently traded in my 2009 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer for a 2023 Sea Ray 190 SPX Outboard. We rarely used the old boat as a cruiser anymore and I wanted a runabout that my kids/grandkids could enjoy during a day on the lake. So far, I really like the new boat--but there are a couple of issues that I've gotten conflicting info on. Can you pull a tube from the ski pole with the outboard motor? Also, the two drain holes on the rear deck(in front of the bench seat) don't fully drain--could this possibly be normal? I used a sponge to remove what I could and took out the aft carpet because I was afraid of rot/mildew during winter storage. Thanks in advance--Cheers! Phil
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The ski pole is meant just for that - skiing. Tubing puts a much bigger load on the pole and it is not meant for that. There might even be a sticker on it warning about that? Use a bridle with the stern eyes -- and ideally a rope with a big "ball" in the middle so it keeps the rope from getting dragged in the wake. Another option is a Turbo Swing - those things are fantastic.
 
Phil & Chris,

Sorry to have continued your conflicting information dilemma.
I will defer to Lazy Daze, as I perceive he is more Sea Ray specifically literate than I am.
Given my experience, I would have never even dreamed a tube could generate a bigger load than an experienced slalom skier. When I initially responded I had not even considered that to be a possibility. This revelation almost boggles my mind.

When the same boat I spoke of initially had a 65 hp on it, it was possible to tube behind it, no problem. Get up on skis? Possibly if you already knew how, but not usually enough power for a novice to conquer. Would barely pull a slalom. After dropping one, you could cut hard and just about pull the boat off a plane.
Upgraded to a 115 hp, pop a skier right up on two skis, but a deep water slalom start still a bit difficult. A hard cut would slow the boat a bit, but was workable if you wanted to slalom.
New transom, stringers and ski pole later . . .
Upgraded to the 150 and pop a slalom right up out of the water. Could no longer effect the boat with one slalom skier.
This protracted experience was the basis for my initital statement.

Your Owners Manual doesn't show a warning label where the ski pylon is concerned. I don't know your specific boat; I presume Lazy Daze does so recommend you ignore my previous advice. There is little doubt that was some time ago and they make a lot of stuff now that could be used for purposes referenced as 'tubing' that they didn't make back then.

Nevertheless, I have a hard time understanding how something that basically floats could generate a bigger load than a big and/or fat man on a slalom fixin' to do a deep water start.

Thankfully, I'm not to old to learn something new though.
 
Thanks for the prompt responses. I was amazed at how many conflicting opinions were on the internet. Even the Sea Ray website was somewhat ambiguous. I actually found a video of a 190 Outboard towing a tube from its ski pole(unfortunately, I can't find it now). However, most of the info that I found agreed with Lazy Daze's stance, and none disagreed that a "Y" rope hooked to the stern eyes worked well. So, I think that the safest and best option is to follow his advice. Thanks, again.
 
You guys are dead on about conflicting info out there. It does make it confusing.

I have personally seen a label on the pylon (on relatively new Sea Rays like yours, Phil, and also on other similar pylons on other boats) that says not to use a tube. I've also seen what happens when a tube WAS used... the damage it caused to the boat was not pretty. Luckily, it didn't completely detach and get hurled at the riders, though. I would have no reason to think that your pylon would be any different than the ones on other 190's/210's/230's that I've seen.

I believe it's that initial pull - a larger tube with multiple riders... or the tube still filled with some water - that is the concern.

Regarding the stern eyes - to further put you at ease with that - the primary function of those eyes is actually as a spot to lift the boat from - yes, you're totally fine with tubing from there :)
 
Lazy Daze said:
You guys are dead on about conflicting info out there. It does make it confusing.

I have personally seen a label on the pylon (on relatively new Sea Rays like yours, Phil, and also on other similar pylons on other boats) that says not to use a tube. I've also seen what happens when a tube WAS used... the damage it caused to the boat was not pretty. Luckily, it didn't completely detach and get hurled at the riders, though. I would have no reason to think that your pylon would be any different than the ones on other 190's/210's/230's that I've seen.

I believe it's that initial pull - a larger tube with multiple riders... or the tube still filled with some water - that is the concern.

Regarding the stern eyes - to further put you at ease with that - the primary function of those eyes is actually as a spot to lift the boat from - yes, you're totally fine with tubing from there :)
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Thanks again--one conundrum resolved. Now, if I could only figure out what the deal is with my drain holes, I'll really be a happy camper. Cheers!
 
Phil&Chris said:
Thanks again--one conundrum resolved. Now, if I could only figure out what the deal is with my drain holes, I'll really be a happy camper. Cheers!
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You got it! And... I just looked at a 2023 190SPX in the showroom to double check... yes, there is a warning sticker on the pylon.

The drains definitely dump into the bilge. Use those large holes on the forward wall of the big storage area - you should be able to see the drains. You could probably stick your phone in there on a stick to see even better... I didn't want to do it with my phone 'cause I didn't want to chance dropping it! :)
 
Lazy Daze said:
You guys are dead on about conflicting info out there. It does make it confusing.

I have personally seen a label on the pylon (on relatively new Sea Rays like yours, Phil, and also on other similar pylons on other boats) that says not to use a tube. I've also seen what happens when a tube WAS used... the damage it caused to the boat was not pretty. Luckily, it didn't completely detach and get hurled at the riders, though. I would have no reason to think that your pylon would be any different than the ones on other 190's/210's/230's that I've seen.

I believe it's that initial pull - a larger tube with multiple riders... or the tube still filled with some water - that is the concern.

Regarding the stern eyes - to further put you at ease with that - the primary function of those eyes is actually as a spot to lift the boat from - yes, you're totally fine with tubing from there :)
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Listen to Dennis (Lazy Daze) Could you tow from it, maybe. How lucky do you feel. My 2016 had the warning label on it and I have seen first hand the damage from those that tried the tube and weren’t as lucky. I’ll see if I can find the photos.
 
Oh and the drain design sucks. Especially the one in the stern battery compartment. Hopefully they rerouted it so it doesn’t go UP over the battery before draining.
 
Lazy Daze said:
You got it! And... I just looked at a 2023 190SPX in the showroom to double check... yes, there is a warning sticker on the pylon.

The drains definitely dump into the bilge. Use those large holes on the forward wall of the big storage area - you should be able to see the drains. You could probably stick your phone in there on a stick to see even better... I didn't want to do it with my phone 'cause I didn't want to chance dropping it! :)
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Thanks for following up with your detective work. My marina hasn't pulled the boat yet, so I went to check it out. Strangely, there is no warning sticker on my ski pylon. I contorted my self as much as I could in the storage area. You are definitely correct that the drains go to the bilge. However, without ripping out the wooden flooring in the storage area(which I am very hesitant to do), I can't see how all the lines come together down there. Looking like a project for next spring. Cheers! Phil
 
Bridog said:
Oh and the drain design sucks. Especially the one in the stern battery compartment. Hopefully they rerouted it so it doesn’t go UP over the battery before draining.
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Not rerouted on the 2023 model--still goes over the battery.
 
Phil&Chris said:
Thanks again--one conundrum resolved. Now, if I could only figure out what the deal is with my drain holes, I'll really be a happy camper. Cheers!
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Our 190 OB has been in a thunderstorm. The deck took on a considerable amount of water and it drained perfectly thru the 2 aft drain holes. They direct the water into the bilge where the bilge pump is. As the rain continued the pump auto-cycled as needed. When I got home and had the boat on the trailer I pulled the transom drain, and only a few ounces came out. Thus, to me the bilge and bilge pump design is pretty good.

Just in front of the drain holes there are "dimples" in the deck, which are lower than the bottom of the hole, thus they don't drain. I merely use a towel to mop that up. No more than a half ounce in each spot. If this is what you are talking about, then no worries. If the water level is above the bottom of the drain hole, then you either have a plug, or the tube is kinked upward someplace.

The boat is well designed and I can find few faults. My one complaint is not having easy access to the bilge. Nevertheless, if a pump fails or needs to be cleaned, the floor under the sun lounge CAN be removed by taking out a few screws. Not "easy", but doable.
 
GypsmJim said:
Our 190 OB has been in a thunderstorm. The deck took on a considerable amount of water and it drained perfectly thru the 2 aft drain holes. They direct the water into the bilge where the bilge pump is. As the rain continued the pump auto-cycled as needed. When I got home and had the boat on the trailer I pulled the transom drain, and only a few ounces came out. Thus, to me the bilge and bilge pump design is pretty good.

Just in front of the drain holes there are "dimples" in the deck, which are lower than the bottom of the hole, thus they don't drain. I merely use a towel to mop that up. No more than a half ounce in each spot. If this is what you are talking about, then no worries. If the water level is above the bottom of the drain hole, then you either have a plug, or the tube is kinked upward someplace.

The boat is well designed and I can find few faults. My one complaint is not having easy access to the bilge. Nevertheless, if a pump fails or needs to be cleaned, the floor under the sun lounge CAN be removed by taking out a few screws. Not "easy", but doable.
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Thanks for the info. That's exactly what I was looking for--I didn't think that my drain situation could possibly be normal. I guess that will be my first project next spring--thanks again, for your very valuable info. Cheers! Phil
 
Hello all. I have read every thread in this forum and it has been so helpful. We just purchased a 2017 spx 190 i/0 and love it. I have a couple of questions though. Has anyone had a problem with the trim only going up when you had press it like you are going to lift it for trailering? Also qhy in 2017 is the 4.3 so under rated at 180 hp? Had there ever been a 4.3 ever rated that low. Again love the forum. Thanks for all you guys do.
 
Rod Sangster said:
Hello all. I have read every thread in this forum and it has been so helpful. We just purchased a 2017 spx 190 i/0 and love it. I have a couple of questions though. Has anyone had a problem with the trim only going up when you had press it like you are going to lift it for trailering? Also qhy in 2017 is the 4.3 so under rated at 180 hp? Had there ever been a 4.3 ever rated that low. Again love the forum. Thanks for all you guys do.
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You likely have a trim sender that has failed. Plenty of info about that on here (and the web) - it applies to the drive - not the engine. Meaning, whatever engine is hooked up to it makes no difference. In most cases, you'll want to take the drive off to replace them (the sender and sensor). If you don't know when the last time the drive was removed, this is good to do anyways - there's other things to check out and possibly replace. Gimbal bearing, bellows, etc.

If you have a carb'd V6, it's 190HP. If it's fuel injected, it's 220HP. It is NOT 180HP. Wherever you are getting that info from is mistaken.

Are you positive you have a 4.3? Most 2017's had the newer 4.5L... but you may have an early production 2017 that still used the 4.3.
 
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