Which boat?

[Htnbuks]

Hey guys,
If you could pick a 192 or a 225 Tournament which would you choose. 192 has low hours, 225 has quite a bit, but it's a larger boat. They are both in good shape. Mostly lake use, occasionally salt use, pulling either isn't an issue. Ideas, opinions or suggestions. Will install a trolling motor on either also. Thanks!!

 

[Irish eyes]

Go with the 225, Much more room for people to move around and be comfortable .
Several years ago I down sized from a 23 walk around to a 209 center console . Wish i could have a redo .

 

[Fishermanbb]

Which boat depends on your intended use and what you mean by “a lot more” hours….And relative price. Bigger is usually better but if the motor is a problem then it may not be worth it. I’ve had both of those boats ( although my 22 was a 22 tournament which is basically the same boat). The 19 is great for water sports with a few people and some light fishing with 3 people, maybe 4. The 22 will do it all more comfortably and handle chop considerably better. The 225 is a SV2 hull. You don’t say what year the 19 is, but if it’s much older it could not have the SV2 hull ( pre 92). 225 is definitely much more boat. IF you will need/use more boat and the engine and price point make sense then it’s the way to go. Only you know those variables.

 

[Johnyrude200]

I've owned both. The 192 last 1 season before I said "too small." The 223 with a bracket is ideal, preferably SV2 hull.

Prices have come down on older models (1990's) to the point where if you find one with a good hull, it can still make sense to repower with a newer motor. They hold their value and are desirable. Generally will resell still for $18-23K if the boat is in good condition.

Only caveat is I'd recommend at least a 225HP on the 22' model. The one I own says rated for up to 230HP. Ran mine with a small block 200 first couple of years. Does fine with 2 people, but add more and the decrease in performance is dramatic.

 

[Htnbuks]

Sorry for not adding more details, the 192 is a 98 model, 200 hp, 9 hrs, new motor. The 225 is a 99 model, 250 4 stroke, 450 hrs.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Between the two, I'd go with the 225 as it's the bigger boat, and 450 hours isn't a ton or anything. As mentioned in the other thread, definitely have the lower unit on the outboard dropped and inspected for the dry exhaust corrosion issue though before buying it.

 

[Gulffishin]

I I’ve had both boats. I started with a 1999 192 equipped with a 1999 175 Evinrude Ficht (which I bought in 2015 as my first boat). We absolutely loved that little boat. We used it all year round, trailered it all over Alabama and Florida, and it was spacious overall for a 19-foot boat. I had up to seven people onboard for cruising (two of whom were small kids). The Ficht was getting near impossible to find parts for, so in 2023, I repowered it with a Suzuki 175 and kept racking up the hours. It rode smooth handled all the rough water I wanted to tackle.

However, there were some drawbacks. The bow seating was small, and as people got bigger, it became uncomfortable for more than four passengers.

I’ve had a 2013 225 Freedom for about a year now. It has significantly more room in the bow, handles rougher water, and is much more comfortable for four or more adult passengers. The full transom and bracket makes it feel even bigger.

On the downside, the large bow and head compartment eat into the cocpit and it feels like it has about the same amount of usable room behind the windshield as the 192. The gunnell rod holders aren’t as user-friendly, and it’s much heavier and burns more fuel (both while running and towing). It also has a deeper draft.

Overall, I couldn’t have been happier with either one. The 192 was the right boat for me at that stage of my life, and the 225 is right for me today. Both have great build quality and great lines.


Let me know if you have any other questions.