Considering a Jet Boat & Need Recommendations

[jdlev]

Hi Folks,

Looking for recommendations on our next family boat, and could use some advice on picking the right one. Unfortunately, the last yamaha I owned turned out to be a disaster - a 22' 1995 Century Cuddy Cabin w/ the Yamaha 200 Carb'd Saltwater Series at the stern. Blew $9k (overpaid), and dang thing never ran right. Ended up giving away the nightmare for nothing since my conscience wouldn't let me sell it to the next sucker...so eager to avoid a similar experience. Have a few options to consider:

1) I prefer to stay closer to $20k, but would go up to $30k for the right boat. We'd likely use it 60% of the time in local lakes, 20% in local rivers, and 20% in the ICW/atlantic.
2) It'd be a family boat for 2 adults & 2 kids and maybe a few 2-4 guests from time to time.
3) Given my previous experience, I'm inclined to go w/ a dual engine for the sake of reliability, but I know that increases maintenance costs w/ 2 engines instead of 1. I'm leaning towards the ar/sx 210/230 series - likely the 210 since I 'believe' that should fit in my standard garage.
4) I'm also not against the ar/sx 190 series even though they have 1 engine. I could get something about 5-7 years younger w/ the smaller boat.
5) As far as hours on engines go. I know there's a lot that goes into expected engine life like maintenance, fresh vs salt, etc - but what would be considered young, average, and old for hours for these jet engines? I'm trying to stay under 250 hours or so and 100-150 or so hours would be considered ideal?
6) Our main use would be day trips...sandbars in local lakes or island hopping out on the coast 2-3 times a year. We'd likely be towing it a couple hundred miles each year, so ease of towing would be a small consideration. Something easier on the fuel would also be a good thing - nothing wrong with saving some cash, but ultimately, reliability is the most important thing. I don't want to be on a first name basis with the Sea Tow captain lol.


Any tips, recommendations, or advice on what to look for and what the best boat/model for the money are appreciated.

 

[Steve73]

2018 AR190 owner here. You might be able to get away with a 19 footer, but if you plan on having this boat for a long time and the kids growing up while you still own it you may want to go bigger.

Typically we go out with 4 adults (ranging from 120lbs - 180lbs each), boat performs great, plenty of room. So if you are taking 4 adults and 4 little kids, you would probably be ok in an 19 footer.

Only time my 19 footer has struggled was when I took 6 adults with two of them being big guys (probably 250 each, if not more) and it struggled a good bit to get one plane....

As far as model, I like the AR over the SX for the L shape seating and the tower. The L shape seating I feel it more inclusive and room to lay down or kick feet up. The tower does fold down and if you are storing in your car garage you will want to make sure it will fit height wise, folded down.

Engine hours - supposedly these engines go to 1,000 hours pretty easily with regular oil changes and spark plugs.

As far as gas the single engine AR190 is great on gas. 30 gal tank. Typical day of some cruising, some hanging at the sandbar we use about 6-8 gallons.

 

[adrianp89]

28-30k will get you into a 2019+ SX/AR195 if you do some shopping. If you want reliability and care free for the foreseeable future, I would probably go this route, or find a 210 with twin TR-1s. (2017 plus) - but that is going to push above 35k.

 

[jdlev]

I've got a line on an 06 ar210 for about $19k w/ 250 hours that looks like it's in decent shape. Would that be considered a good deal? Anything I should specifically check or lookout for on these boats when inspecting them?

 

[adrianp89]

I've got a line on an 06 ar210 for about $19k w/ 250 hours that looks like it's in decent shape. Would that be considered a good deal? Anything I should specifically check or lookout for on these boats when inspecting them?

Personally, on an older boat I would look for fresh water use only. 250 hours is pretty low so it should be in really good shape, but 2006 is pushing 20 years old. I think 19k is a fair price, of course always push for lower. These boats start to kinda get to a price and they don't get any lower. Always check impeller wear, inspect engines, look at oil. Look for signs of rust. Don't be afraid to ask him to remove a spark plug for inspection. Trailer details are important too, how old are tires/springs/hubs/etc.

Either way - reliability and twenty years old typically don't go together.

Note that these boats have gotten a lot better over the years, so usable space wise, an old 210 may be similar to a new 190.

 

[biffdotorg]

I've got a line on an 06 ar210 for about $19k w/ 250 hours that looks like it's in decent shape. Would that be considered a good deal? Anything I should specifically check or lookout for on these boats when inspecting them?

It sounds like just about any boat will fit your needs. We should talk about the things that will narrow your search down other than price.

What is the size of your garage and door opening, as you mentioned you want to garage it. What is your tow vehicle and listed tow capacity on the door jam, as you said you wanted to trailer a few hundred miles on occasion. Thes two things may limit you, and an old boat with a fixed tower (old ar210) may be out of the question.

If you totally give up on putting it in a garage, and you have the tow capacity, most of us would never talk you out of the biggest boat your budget will allow. As there are very few that regret buying the bigger boat. Especially if headed out on big water offshore.

We may just see 240/242's come down to pre-covid pricing, which did start dipping below $30K before the insanity started. Comfort of that hull, space, and efficiency of twin 1.8's is tough to beat. But the two questions above will answer if it's even an option to look out for.

 

[jdlev]

It sounds like just about any boat will fit your needs. We should talk about the things that will narrow your search down other than price.

What is the size of your garage and door opening, as you mentioned you want to garage it. What is your tow vehicle and listed tow capacity on the door jam, as you said you wanted to trailer a few hundred miles on occasion. Thes two things may limit you, and an old boat with a fixed tower (old ar210) may be out of the question.

If you totally give up on putting it in a garage, and you have the tow capacity, most of us would never talk you out of the biggest boat your budget will allow. As there are very few that regret buying the bigger boat. Especially if headed out on big water offshore.

We may just see 240/242's come down to pre-covid pricing, which did start dipping below $30K before the insanity started. Comfort of that hull, space, and efficiency of twin 1.8's is tough to beat. But the two questions above will answer if it's even an option to look out for.

I have to admit, if I could afford it those 242's would definitely be my top choice. Like you said though, they're really tough to find under $30k and any that I've found that come close have 500+ on the engines. Those 242 limiteds though are niiiiiiiice. I've got an acre of land and can park the boat outside if absolutely necessary - but parking it in the garage so I don't have to winterize it would be a bonus. The 190 would fit no problem, but that 210 would probably be close. Looks like I need to get the measure taping out!

 

[biffdotorg]

but parking it in the garage so I don't have to winterize it would be a bonus. The 190 would fit no problem, but that 210 would probably be close. Looks like I need to get the measure taping out!

That's smart to measure, keep your options open. As this boating market bubble has burst in many areas, with boats being posted every day and prices dropping. The biggest difference between any 190, or late model 210 series in comparison to the one you found is the folding tower. I don't think 210's got a folding tower till 2012. The 212x may have had a folding tower earlier. But check on anything you look at, unless you actually have a tall door.

You are also the perfect case of "winterization" definition not being in the manual. Store your boat for "long term" storage, and not for freeze out. Stabilization of fuel is something we all do no matter the climate if you don't plan on using it for a long period of time. cold or warm climate. So don't put any financial value or hassle on storing in outdoors vs indoors, your annual maintenance is the same.

Good luck in your search.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

“Winterizing” these boats is super easy, so imho that shouldn’t be an issue. Whike I keep my boat in a heated shop during the hardest part of winter, during the shoulder seasons my boat gets exposed to temps that can drop into the single digits overnight, so my boat gets “winterized” each time it comes out of the water which takes about three mins. I Follow the manual about blowing out the water locks when you take the boat out and I’m basically done. There are a couple of other steps for long term storage as @biffdotorg mentions.

If you think you want two engines then get two engines, the maintenance cost difference is minimal, plus the bigger boats have larger fuel tanks so you’ll have greater range.

As far as engine hours, there are PWC rental places that I have seen posted here wherein their units had 4000 hours. Its all in how you run them and take care of them.

I posted this the other day;

By the number of people you want to take out, the bigger boat is the only choice.

 

[jthackman]

https://jetboaters.net/threads/2009-yamaha-232-limited-for-sale-stuart-fl-price-drop.40714/#post-644729

 

[YamaNoob]

Welcome aboard...I have a 2017 AR190 in that beautiful Yamaha Blue. It matches my R6! Great boat and we also tend to go out with 4 adults and 2-4 kids and it does great. We wakeboard alot and it is great for that. I just purchased a 2020 AR210 just for a bit more room and features. My main reason was to have a bit more room for maybe 5-6 adults and some kids. I will be selling my AR190 at some point. It has 148 hours and is in immaculate condition.

 

[jdlev]

Interesting development. A '17 SX210 w/ just over 100 hours came available this week, and looks like it's a decent deal. Apparently has a small amount of dock damage from either weather or wake, but it's being repaired prior to sale (scratches & a busted window). Guy wants $28k for it and comes with a trailer. Best thing might be we don't have to drive 3.5 hours to check it out like the AR - might also suit our purposes better than the AR since we don't have any wake boarders in the family (yet, anyways). Going to take a look at it tomorrow afternoon and can't wait!

 

[YamaNoob]

Well I drove 6 hours to get my AR210

 

[jdlev]

Unbelievable. I wish people would just be honest. Such a good deal on that SX that the guy sold it out from under me...despite having already sent him a deposit and having a contract. I'm always the sucker...always approach each transaction in way too trusting a manner because I want to believe most people are good....but good grief. Like my last 3 of 4 vehicle deals have been crooked in some shape or form. Last boat was a $9k lemon. Sold a car to a guy who said he'd send my plate back so he could drive the car home...says plate got lost in the mail...6 months later I get a ticket from HOV 3 states over...and then this last clown renig'd on our deal and sold this pristine SX for $2k over our agreed price. I guess I should be happy he at least returned my deposit, but that boat was about $7-8k under market based on what I've seen.

So...yay...back in the boat market yet again...if there are any honest sellers that'll offer a good deal on a 2 engine jet boat up to $30k, I'm all ears. Let me know what you've got. Willing to drive up to 5-6 hours from Charlotte, NC.

 

[adrianp89]

I would still be concerned on the SX at the price. If nothing wrong - that is a steal. Bummer he sold it for over. Could have easily said hey sorry man I got an offer for 2k over, do you want to match it?

 

[biffdotorg]

So...yay...back in the boat market yet again...if there are any honest sellers that'll offer a good deal on a 2 engine jet boat up to $30k, I'm all ears. Let me know what you've got. Willing to drive up to 5-6 hours from Charlotte, NC.

Don't lose a bit of sleep over it. That boat was $39K when new. As noted in the "bubble burst" thread here, the market has shifted. More deals will come along soon. Be ready to drive North if needed. Boats have fewer hours and will be coming out of storage as the ice and snow goes away.

Good luck!

 

[jdlev]

I hear ya Ad. Sad part is if the dude had bothered to ask I'd have gladly matched...clown never even gave me the option. Just sent me a dear john letter saying sorry...here's your deposit back. I'm like...uh...that's not how deposits are supposed to work...you don't just refund them and then back out of a deal. Still considering sticking it to the clown in court because he handled it like a complete jackass. It easily meets all the requirements for breach of contract - assent, valid offer & acceptance, capacity, consideration, and legality.... I should have called him out yesterday when I noticed this deadbeat hadn't taken down the ad - pretty obvious now he was fishing for higher offers. Hopefully his new 'buyer' writes him a rubber check...

 

[jdlev]

Same thing happend with my corvette Z06 biff - it was a '15 and bought it in '18 for $60...sold it in '19 for $60...and now...you can't find the dang things for less than $65-70 with more age and tens of thousands of extra miles...

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

Trailer details are important too, how old are tires/springs/hubs/etc.

This is an important point to remember. One could easily drop 1-2K into an older trailer, or heaven forbid, 4-7K to buy a new galvanized or aluminum trailer.

Jim

 

[adrianp89]

I hear ya Ad. Sad part is if the dude had bothered to ask I'd have gladly matched...clown never even gave me the option. Just sent me a dear john letter saying sorry...here's your deposit back. I'm like...uh...that's not how deposits are supposed to work...you don't just refund them and then back out of a deal. Still considering sticking it to the clown in court because he handled it like a complete jackass. It easily meets all the requirements for breach of contract - assent, valid offer & acceptance, capacity, consideration, and legality.... I should have called him out yesterday when I noticed this deadbeat hadn't taken down the ad - pretty obvious now he was fishing for higher offers. Hopefully his new 'buyer' writes him a rubber check...

Not worth the headache, not sure what you could even get out of it.