2006 AR 230 should we buy?

[buckbuck]

Did anyone mention the scupper valve? It appears to be missing.

 

[Austin Ramsey]

I own a 2006 SX230. Things I noticed on the pics of the boat you're looking at are: SBT sticker, as mentioned, no graphics on the boat which may indicate it was repaired, repainted or the previous owner just removed them. The reverse bucket opening doesn't appear equal between port and starboard. I also noticed the upholstery has been redone. This could have been due to sun damage, neglect or accident. I would look closely at this to make sure it is as stated. Make sure it wasn't a project boat or one that was totaled and rebuilt. I'm wondering if this was a dressed up SR 230.

How can I tell if is was a project boat or one that was totaled and rebuilt? Going to look at it in a couple hours

 

[zipper]

@buckbuck Good eye and attention to detail. Every time one of you guys spot something I gotta go back and look. I noticed the difference in reverse gates that @Gym mentioned. @Austin Ramsey does the boat float? Check the scupper drain on the back, folks replace them on this forum and there is a thread for that. Have the seller start and run the engines, with the water on and make sure water is coming out of all the places it should, rear jet bulkhead, exhaust and starboard aft below rubrail. It may take a bump over idle to get these to flow. When I got mine, Those "pissers" were plugged with mud, most likely from a wasp. Good Luck

 

[Austin Ramsey]

We are about to get on the water now!

 

[Austin Ramsey]

One engine won't start, not looking good

 

[Bruce]

One engine won't start, not looking good

What are the symptoms? Does it try to crank and not start?

 

[maboat]

Did anyone mention the scupper valve? It appears to be missing.

Hard to tell but I thought it looked more like it was replaced with another plastic one.

 

[Austin Ramsey]

What are the symptoms? Does it try to crank and not start?

One engine won't turn over. Valve on back of jet drives are very loose. No bushings. Is that correct? The scupper valve looks like flat plastic will take better pic.

 

[Austin Ramsey]

 

[Bill D]

Looks like there are some concerning spots on the gel coat... below the scupper and under the port steering cable? The engine not turning over could be the kill switches under the cleanout hatch or the neutral switch on the throttle.

 

[Bill D]

The reverse buckets are traditionally pretty loose. As long as they move with the throttle, they should be ok.

 

[Austin Ramsey]

 

[maboat]

Well, the scupper is there (not missing). Its plastic (just like the original). Not a show stopper, but most of us replaced them with stainless steel since its an underwater thru-hull fitting.
However, the Depth Gauge TRANSDUCER appears to be missing. Again, not a show stopper but something to be aware.

Also, ya gotta love how one air cleaner cover says "HO" and the other does not. I guess its a half-n-half

 

[Austin Ramsey]

We took it to a mechanic and he said it was the solenoid why one engine wouldn't start, defintaely two different engines in the boat, also it looks like there has been a fresh paint job. He said he would get it fixed and call me next week. Not a good gut feeling though

 

[Bruce]

She appears to be abused. I would move on. You want a good experience with not one that will make you hate boats and look at them as money pits. Not suggesting boat ownership is not expensive but adding toys (mods) is a positive expenditure while a $5K bill for an engine that does not increase your enjoyment or the boat's value is a major negative.

 

[maboat]

We took it to a mechanic and he said it was the solenoid why one engine wouldn't start,

Was it a Yamaha mechanic? I don't recall hearing about anyone on this forum with a bad starter solenoid...ever. Not saying it couldn't happen, but with these boats, the most common thing is one of the safety switches (cleanout hatch, throttle binnacle, and safety lanard, or the key switch)

definitely two different engines in the boat,

are you sure the ENGINES are definitely different? All we can tell from the picture is the air cleaner covers have different decals. Maybe just has a cover replaced.

also it looks like there has been a fresh paint job.

Paint??? Where? If the gelcoat has been polished and waxed, that is completely normal and considered regular maintenance

He said he would get it fixed and call me next week. Not a good gut feeling though

well having one engine not start is a show stopper, but it may be an easy fix - even it is the solenoid.

I don't agree with Bruce that she looks "abused". I would say "neglected". After all, we're talking about a 11-year old Florida boat with over 400 hours on it. Pretty hard to find one of those in pristine condition for under $20k and this one is listed at $16k. If everything works and is seaworthy, that's not a bad price. It ain't the deal of the century, but its not necessarily a total ripoff either. I probably wouldn't offer more than $15k though.

If you want something for $15k or less this could still be a contender. But if you're willing to spend $20k for a little better condition I would move on because they are out there.

 

[bronze_10]

I avtee with @maboat ... there are much nicer boats out there... mayne not for 15k but i think i would walk from that one.. it almost looks like the transducer was ripped or broken off on the hull.. the sbt sticker and what appears to be two diff engines would always sit in the back if my head and bother me.. but im kinda weird about used stuff... u should see all the things i do with a used car before i trust it! Same with a boat for me..

 

[Bruce]

he sbt sticker and what appears to be two diff engines would always sit in the back if my head and bother me.

The weird thing is that SBT replacement engines are fairly stripped. The intake covers are different but would not have been part of a SBT replacement. This boat must have some interesting history.

 

[bronze_10]

The weird thing is that SBT replacement engines are fairly stripped. The intake covers are different but would not have been part of a SBT replacement. This boat must have some interesting history.

Agreed! Is there a car fax for boats?

 

[zipper]

I avtee with @maboat ... there are much nicer boats out there... mayne not for 15k but i think i would walk from that one..

These guys are right and very honest, that said much better maintained and newer Yamahas can be purchased for a 3-4 thousand dollars more. This one seems like is is just a hole in the water you will be pouring money into. Spend a little more now and you could enjoy your boat and have many hours of trouble free boating. Just my $ .02 after purchasing an 07 AR last may.