BigBendFishing.Net

Any input on 19- or 20-foot Mako center consoles from the mid-1990s? I've been looking at a couple. I've found a lot of bad talk on the 'Net about Makos from that era being shoddy and even dangerous. But most of it was about bigger, fancier boats. And supposedly they later opened a new plant in North Carolina and turned the quality control back on.

I'd like some specifics on experiences with those 19-20 footers if anyone has any. Model numbers are 19, 191 and 201.

pcbayou wrote:I'd like some specifics on experiences with those 19-20 footers if anyone has any. Model numbers are 19, 191 and 201.

When Mako was sold to Tracker/Bass Pro they went downhill. I don't have the specific sale date, but that is important to know. Prior to the sale, they were a decent boat line. I don't know how the new ones are, but getting service out of Bass Pro for a boat is difficult.

Next, consider the design of each of the three and what you like to do. I have been on and fished out of a 19 and a 191, but not a 201. The Mako web site has a spec section where you can compare the design specs for each year and each model. Take a look at it. The 19 and 191 have a modified V, and I believe the 201 is a deeper V. May depend on the year.

The 19 and 191 rode nicely in moderate chop, start to pound as you approach three foot. Tabs help a lot. The 191 is a wide boat, and perhaps more suitable to a compromise vessel that fishes and also is family friendly. I personally don't like the live well set up on the 191, but that is the kind of preference you have to exert when you look at them. Buy for you and your style. Get a marine survey before you buy, if you can.

EJ

Thanks, EJ. I think maybe I'm possibly leaning toward potentially preferring a 191. But after reading up on Makos, I'm not sure.

Anyway, it's nice to get specifics on BBF from someone who knows. Some of the other forums out there are too much baste and not enough barbecue.

do some research....it seems like I remember reading about alot of transom problems on the mako's at some time in the nineties....do a search on 'outdoors best' and I'm sure you'll find an eyefull....

You can find good information on http://www.classicmako.com as well...

mornin' chalk....

MstrBaiter wrote:mornin' chalk....

..Your package was mailed out today....

the eagle has landed........the eagle has landed......

apprece man

Chalk wrote:You can find good information on http://www.classicmako.com as well...

Thanks, Chalk. There's a good history there of the Mako 20 models for anyone interested. It's http://www.classicmako.com/forum/topic. ... s=201,1996

I haven't found anyone on that forum yet with something bad to say about Makos. But I'll look a little closer.

Man, Those guys at classic mako make me want to but an old mako and build a new full transom. Those are some serious projects. I have alot of appreciation for that now that I'm almost done with mine. ALOT OF WORK. But those are cool boats. I always heard good things about Makos. My cousin over in Fort Walton had a 25 CC with twin Yammies, it had a half tower and we used to run the surf looking for cobias. I can't remember what year but it was a couple of years old back in the mid to late ninties. The boat was really nice I always wanted one. It took a chop good too. The East Pass going into Destin can get hairy but she always took it well.