School me on Yamaha ProV 200’s

[GNEnsrud]

I’m in the process of buying a 1994 Ski Centurion Warrior Barefoot Comp with a what I believe to be a ‘94 Yamaha ProV 200. The boat is currently in a shop getting “tuned up” and looked at.
What are the typical issues, if any, with these outboards? Are there specific things I should ask the shop to look at or confirm as I’m taking ownership? What’s the general view on these?

Any suggestions on simple mods or setups to get the most out of this unit?

-GNE

 

[Markus]

Great engines.

No issues other than corrosion in Florida salt water.

High compression heads is the simplest mod. Best heads are from the 220 Special followed by the 225 Excel.

 

[GNEnsrud]

That’s really good to hear.

I believe the skeg to be broken. I see skeg-guard type things people add on, but that seems like a band-aid. I’m a somewhat competent welder. It seems you could easily fix this to the point where you wouldn’t be able to tell it was ever damaged. Is there any reason you can’t get after this area with a MIG?

 

[HST4ME]

Excellent motors, on an application like that repairing the skeg is ok. Do it with a TIG.

 

[HST4ME]

Hydro Tec Marine – Hydro Tec Marine YAMAHA Performance Center 853 W. Enterprise Lane, Nixa, MO 65714 (417) 725-5746

hydrotecmarine.com

 

[GNEnsrud]

Excellent motors, on an application like that repairing the skeg is ok. Do it with a TIG.

clearly a TIG could produce a better weld. I don’t have one, and my experience with them is limited. I do have a few buddies I could go to. Is there a reason a MIG would be problematic?

 

[Markus]

It is more like "You shouldn't really weld a Yamaha skeg, but maybe for that application since you won't be running hard, and you would definitely need a very good weld".

 

[Ricks raft]

I had a competent welder repair a skeg on a bravo, could never tell where it was repaired and never had a failure. Mine was not broke near the gear area, if it was, might need to remove gears/seals while welding due to heat.
I always wanted one of the barefoot centurions when I was young (80’s) and pretty good skier, because I grew up with a 17’ mod v hull with a 200, I could not live with a direct drives 40 mph top speed.

 

[stoker2001]

I had a competent welder repair a skeg on a bravo, could never tell where it was repaired and never had a failure. Mine was not broke near the gear area, if it was, might need to remove gears/seals while welding due to heat.
I always wanted one of the barefoot centurions when I was young (80’s) and pretty good skier, because I grew up with a 17’ mod v hull with a 200, I could not live with a direct drives 40 mph top speed.

my thoughts exactly...direct drives are just to much of a yawner!always reminisce of the days gone by

 

[GNEnsrud]

It is more like "You shouldn't really weld a Yamaha skeg, but maybe for that application since you won't be running hard, and you would definitely need a very good weld".

I play with drag-race cars that put serious stress on parts. How much stress could a simple rudder dragging through the water possibly apply?
The only way these things get broken is if they hit something solid. I’m not worried about weld strength, as much as the effects of heating the lower gearbox. I believe a Tig will heat the surrounding area less than a MiG will. But I gotta believe if you take your time a Mig process would be just fine.

I’m with you guys on inboard ski boats. I bought this because it should be a good all around boat to have fun in with the wife and friends, great for skiing when / if we want, but still will also be fun to just rip around in. Propped correctly, it should be a 60mph boat.

 

[Ricks raft]

I play with drag-race cars that put serious stress on parts. How much stress could a simple rudder dragging through the water possibly apply?
The only way these things get broken is if they hit something solid. I’m not worried about weld strength, as much as the effects of heating the lower gearbox. I believe a Tig will heat the surrounding area less than a MiG will. But I gotta believe if you take your time a Mig process would be just fine.

I’m with you guys on inboard ski boats. I bought this because it should be a good all around boat to have fun in with the wife and friends, great for skiing when / if we want, but still will also be fun to just rip around in. Propped correctly, it should be a 60mph boat.

Not sure where you boat, but that is a fairly flat ski/barefoot hull and won't ride great in rough water. If you ask RDP you need atleast a 28' on havazoo I have had a 17', 20', and currently a 22'. and survived, the wake barges make it a little more interesting.

 

[HST4ME]

I play with drag-race cars that put serious stress on parts. How much stress could a simple rudder dragging through the water possibly apply?

Stick your hand in the water at 50 mph and try to rudder with it.

 

[GNEnsrud]

Not sure where you boat, but that is a fairly flat ski/barefoot hull and won't ride great in rough water. If you ask RDP you need atleast a 28' on havazoo I have had a 17', 20', and currently a 22'. and survived, the wake barges make it a little more interesting.

Yeah, I’m aware that Havasu proper will be more than a ski boat is comfortable with. That’s okay, I’ll steer clear of rough water as much as possible. I started another thread trying to familiarize myself with the river areas, thinking that’s where an outboard ski boat will shine.
In my neck of the woods, we have a few local smaller lakes that are typically pretty calm, the Columbia River is also comfortable for ski boats most of the time.

 

[GNEnsrud]

Just thought I’d follow up here with a few pics of the boat now that I’ve brought it home….
This boat had been sitting for quite some time, and it turned out it needed the carbs rebuilt and the fuel log replaced, along with a general full tune-up. Previous owner had that all done and I was in touch with the shop that did the work along the way. Pretty good situation. Only known mechanical problem Im inheriting is the front fuel tank (has front and rear tanks) fuel line is collapsed and needs replaced. I can handle that. Interior is original and in pretty damn good shape considering 30 years. Floor is solid, I’m sure there’s rot in some places, but for what I paid for this I’m willing to accept that it’s not perfect. Dash needs some love…. Easy. The stringers in this boat are glassed in. no guarantees there, but I was happy to see clean fiberglass instead of the raw plywood I was expecting to see. Mostly it just needs some buffing on the exterior. Ultimately, it should fit the bil for something to rip around and have fun in for a few years.

 

[Cooter01]

Congrats on the new ride!

 

[zhandfull]

Nice score!

 

[GNEnsrud]

The gelcoat buffed out pretty well. Once in the sun, I’ll find areas needing more work I’m sure, but Im pretty happy with what I see thus far. Best thing is that there is only a couple of dings in the whole boat. original owner must have been pretty meticulous with it until it was stored away.

 

[Ragged Edge]

Those are great water ski boats. The ride in choppy water is not going to be good so be prepared to take your time when it's rough.

 

[Spitfire]

Looks great. Sorry to hear about the fuel/ignition issue