What kind of risks come with a 2004 AR230?

[coloradotom]

Hello all,

I have been looking for a jet boat for quite some time, and I've recently come across a 2004 AR230 near me that seems to be in good shape. 325 hours, 17k, and pictures look reasonable. It does appear to be stored outdoors and I haven't yet seen it in person so I don't know about dry rot, vinyl (pictures don't show any), gauges, etc. I think my main concerns are probably big mechanical as it's a 20 year old boat, and they say they've only driven it twice in the last two years. It's landlocked with fresh water, but I don't know if it's always been. I think I'm looking for odds on this boat going another 5-10 years and what to look for as far as red flags or risks. For example, I used to own a seadoo challenger and know about the pre-2008 ceramic washers and supercharger rebuild needs. Is there anything like that with Yamaha.

Thanks for the time.

 

[Julian]

The primary issue with the older Yamahas is that the ECU is on the back wall of the engine compartment, directly below the engine hatch hinge and water will go through and get onto the ECU. This can result in two things: 1) engine simply won't run, 2) engine runs with an injector open flooding a cylinder with gas and then breaking a rod (or something worse).

I had a 2005 SX230 and I put gorilla tape over my ECUs. Some people have put aluminum flashing over the top (a better solution than mine).

Other than that, you'll want to look at the impellers, connect to YDS (Yamaha Diagnostic system) and read any faults the engines have thrown and when, and check things like the anodes to see how much they've lost (have they been replaced).

 

[coloradotom]

The primary issue with the older Yamahas is that the ECU is on the back wall of the engine compartment, directly below the engine hatch hinge and water will go through and get onto the ECU. This can result in two things: 1) engine simply won't run, 2) engine runs with an injector open flooding a cylinder with gas and then breaking a rod (or something worse).

I had a 2005 SX230 and I put gorilla tape over my ECUs. Some people have put aluminum flashing over the top (a better solution than mine).

Other than that, you'll want to look at the impellers, connect to YDS (Yamaha Diagnostic system) and read any faults the engines have thrown and when, and check things like the anodes to see how much they've lost (have they been replaced).

Thanks Julian, these are very helpful and I support the tape idea, ha. With my old challenger, it often wouldn't start (electrical issue) until I learned how to bypass the whole starter with a screw driver. Yes, it was sloppy but it started every time for years afterward...

 

[usmcgoose]

I agree. A lot of parts are discontinued. There are options and workarounds, just more onus on your want and ability. Check overall cleanliness beyond outward appearance (are wire runs neat, engine compartment clean, upgrades and installs neat) it provides a little insight into how well they cared for it.

Getting a mechanical inspection by a Yamaha dealer will get a print out from the YDS which will provide info of rpm spectrum, hours spent at each rpm range, and code and what hour they came in. It’s really detailed info. Check zincs. And tap around/ push in on hull looking for weak spots.

 

[Julian]

Hello all,

I have been looking for a jet boat for quite some time, and I've recently come across a 2004 AR230 near me that seems to be in good shape. 325 hours, 17k, and pictures look reasonable. It does appear to be stored outdoors and I haven't yet seen it in person so I don't know about dry rot, vinyl (pictures don't show any), gauges, etc. I think my main concerns are probably big mechanical as it's a 20 year old boat, and they say they've only driven it twice in the last two years. It's landlocked with fresh water, but I don't know if it's always been. I think I'm looking for odds on this boat going another 5-10 years and what to look for as far as red flags or risks. For example, I used to own a seadoo challenger and know about the pre-2008 ceramic washers and supercharger rebuild needs. Is there anything like that with Yamaha.

Thanks for the time.

Assume you are in Colorado? There might be a forum member out there with YDS.

There is a west mountain region....not sure if that covers Colorado, but you could post in there if we have experts out there willing to help.

https://jetboaters.net/forums/west-mountain-region.140/