2017 AR240 Vs Limited S

[TommyMcK]

I posted a thread recently about comparing an old (2003) AR230 with newer designs. A kind member here suggested that I catch a ride on a new one, which is good advice. My main question is regarding rough water handling though, and I haven't had an opportunity to catch a ride on a recent 240 in suboptimal conditions.

I did however have a chance to side-by-side compare my AR230 with my Key West DC210 in rough waters and it was no contest. The AR230 beat it hands down. When I was based out of Crisfield I just remember runs to Smith Island being brutal in the AR230 and I convinced myself that the hull design of the Key West would handle chop better. I think that the real issue was that water is just plain rougher in the Tangier Sound than it is in the upper Chesapeake where I was operating the Key West. And family and friends love the layout of the Yamaha in comparison to the Key West.

So, I've pretty much convinced myself that I'm going to sell both the Key West (which is only a couple of years old, is bullet proof and a really nice boat) and the AR230 (which I could keep, but I can afford new) and get a new 240.

I "think" that a straight up AR240 is what I want. I prefer the exterior looks of the Limited S, but not $8K worth of prefer. I don't really care about the upgraded stereo. The floor mats seem nicer, but again, not $8K nicer.

Am I missing something? Are there things that I'm missing from the Yamaha comparison chart that would push me towards the Limited S other than looks and sound system?

Oh, one last thing. I guess things must have changed with the engines. My AR230 runs 54 mph at 11000 rpm. I notice that the newer boats seem to top out at 8000 rpm. I don't really care all that much about top speed since conditions aren't usually conducive to hitting top speed anyway. Just wondering if the newer boats have less oomph given the lower revs.

 

[0627Devildog]

If you do decide to get a late model AR240. . . .just be sure to drill a cross pin into the tower bases to avoid @swatski 's problems. . . .

 

[TommyMcK]

Gotcha. I did read about that. Sounds like an easy preventative measure. The Chesapeake isn't Gulf Stream rough (usually...at least when I'm out) but it can take on a tough character. The tower on my '03 has been tough as nails, and I've run in some pretty challenging conditions....

 

[J-RAD]

I own a 2016 AR240 and I love it. For me the question was more between a 212X or the AR240. For me it was worth the $5k to get the bigger boat... MSRP puts the AR240 less than the 212X now.... Then I was confronted with a deal on a brand new Chaparral Vortex for $60k.

Anyway, the AR was better equip and still less than the Vortex... and I liked it more. I ended up having the dealer install an upgraded JL sound system. That included, replacing all the factory speakers, a 10" sub, and 2 tower speakers, 3 bag - 3 pump ballast, board racks, 5 yr warrantee, and premium cover. All for under the price of the Vortex or Limited S... What does the Limited S have that I don't? Docking lights, some cuter interior finishes, LED lights on the tower, two extra speakers on the swim deck, and slightly different tower (I'm petty confident mine will stay upright)... and truth be told the things I added are probably better than stock. I added a Ridesteady GPS speed control to it this year and now my minus the enormous bimini and solar panels, I feel like I'm driving an E-series boat...

Moral of the story is... if you can afford the Limited S but like the AR240. Buy the AR and spend the $8k on making it what you want. Heck, if you want the limited carpets, there's people on here and the facebook groups selling theirs all the time after they switch to Seadek.

The longer I own my boat, the more I realize, I got the right boat.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Ronnie]

There are a few more things that the ls has over the limited, like a fresh water wash down system, swim deck seat cushions, etc. all things you can add to a 240 SX or ar. Nice things but worth $8k? not my $8k.

The engines have gotten bigger, 240s have 180 hp 1812 cc motors whereas the 230s have either 140 hp/998 cc or 160 hp / 1052 cc motors. The whine I used to hear from my 230 ho at 9800 rpm plus is gone in the 240s. Top speed is about the same but I think the 230s with 160 hp motors accelerate a little faster than the 240s do.

I am sure there are many more differences when compared to a newer 240 with an articulating keel but don't know first hand since I have a 2010. The keel itself and the connect system are not things you can add or remove, they either come with the boat (i.e., 2015 or newer 240s/242s) or they don't. Why pay more for a boat with a keel if you don't want a boat with a keel?

 

[J-RAD]

There are a few more things that the ls has over the limited, like a fresh water wash down system, swim deck seat cushions, etc. all things you can add to a 240 SX or ar. Nice things but worth $8k? not my $8k.

The engines have gotten bigger, 240s have 180 hp 1812 cc motors whereas the 230s have either 140 hp/998 cc or 160 hp / 1052 cc motors. The whine I used to hear from my 230 ho at 9800 rpm plus is gone in the 240s. Top speed is about the same but I think the 230s with 160 hp motors accelerate a little faster than the 240s do.

I am sure there are many more differences when compared to a newer 240 with an articulating keel but don't know first hand since I have a 2010. The keel itself and the connect system are not things you can add or remove, they either come with the boat (i.e., 2015 or newer 240s/242s) or they don't. Why pay more for a boat with a keel if you don't want a boat with a keel?

I'm in the opposite situation. Where mine has the keel and I've never been in jetboat without.

My opinion of the keel is that it makes the boat feel very much like an I/O. It feels planted at speed and thru chop. Still has a tenancy to wander at wakeless but no worse my parents I/O.
The one area it may be considered less desirable than a pre 2015 is that it probably sucked the fun out of pitching the back end around during a high speed turn. (I'm considering add Cobra Fin AK's to help improve the handling more at speed.) If you frequent rough water adding trim tabs would also improve its handling. There are threads on both the cobra fins and trim tabs here on the forum.

 

[swatski]

Sounds like an easy preventative measure.

Yep. It is, isn't it? Just keep it nice and tight.



EDIT: Snarky comments aside, I figured the AR (with all the upgrades I want as an add-on) was the way to go. Would I do this again? Not until I know what the deal is with the AR towers.

I'm sure those AR towers can be made perfectly safe, and Yamaha will figure this out.

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