242x vs AR240

[Rob9550]

Some of you have seen my post about wanting a larger boat. I talked to my Wife and she is willing to entertain the idea of upgrading if I find the right boat. Initially I wanted a 212x but I really don't want to have the same issues in a year and wish that I got a 24ft. I have a friend that got a 2016 242x E and he is looking to sell after the July 4th weekend. Not sure of the exact price but I am guessing around $60k. Even with that price would I be better off finding a AR240? What are the major differences between the 242x and the AR240? Are the upgrades really worth the extra money? I plan to keep this boat for at least 10yrs so I need to make sure that I make the best decision possible. Thank you for the help.

Rob

 

[Jay Petzold]

The ballast system I think is the biggest difference if you don't need it go for the AR

 

[subysti]

Well this is what I know about the differences but it may not be everything. Ballast tanks with control through the connext system, personal settings for in the connext for ballast, pull and speed for different riders, bigger Bimini top, upgraded stereo with amps and tower speakers and sound bar, electronic throttle control, ability to control both engines with one throttle lever, plus all the other upgrades from the limited S, rear seats, more speakers, I may be missing some items. My biggest problem with the new ballast tanks is that they take up a lot of storage space.

 

[Rob9550]

Well this is what I know about the differences but it may not be everything. Ballast tanks with control through the connext system, personal settings for in the connext for ballast, pull and speed for different riders, bigger Bimini top, upgraded stereo with amps and tower speakers and sound bar, electronic throttle control, ability to control both engines with one throttle lever, plus all the other upgrades from the limited S, rear seats, more speakers, I may be missing some items. My biggest problem with the new ballast tanks is that they take up a lot of storage space.

Have you ever thought that you wanted all of the things you listed that you don't have? Most that you listed don't seem that important to me.

 

[0627Devildog]

Have you ever thought that you wanted all of the things you listed that you don't have? Most that you listed don't seem that important to me.

1. Go for the bigger boat now. . . . They shrink when they hit the water.
2. If you plan to surf (if you haven't tried it yet either try it now, or never do you'll likely get hooked) 242X is the best factory set up.
3. Personally I often find that once you get the features that "don't seem to be of interest", you will wonder how you ever lived with out them.
4. Test drive them both (preferably with a member who has one so you can spend more time on them)

 

[subysti]

I personally wouldn't want most of the added features although I would really want the e throttles!!

 

[Rob9550]

1. Go for the bigger boat now. . . . They shrink when they hit the water.
2. If you plan to surf (if you haven't tried it yet either try it now, or never do you'll likely get hooked) 242X is the best factory set up.
3. Personally I often find that once you get the features that "don't seem to be of interest", you will wonder how you ever lived with out them.
4. Test drive them both (preferably with a member who has one so you can spend more time on them)

I will have to check the map to see if anyone is close with either model.

 

[Rob9550]

I personally wouldn't want most of the added features although I would really want the e throttles!!

Is that something that you can upgrade in the aftermarket? What about the throttle sync from JBP?

 

[0627Devildog]

Is that something that you can upgrade in the aftermarket? What about the throttle sync from JBP?

Throttle sync isn't even close to fly by wire . . . . .

 

[0627Devildog]

I will have to check the map to see if anyone is close with either model.

Define close. . . . . @Julian is in Raleigh N.C. and has a brand new 242X he's dying to show off.

 

[Rob9550]

Throttle sync isn't even close to fly by wire . . . . .

I figured as much. Being a maintainer I actually look for less complicated vehicles. I searched for 6 months to find my truck, a short wheel base single cab work truck. No carpet, no power window, no power locks. Only had to have a V8 and A/C.

 

[robert843]

I agree the electronic throttle would be awesome but not for the price difference. Last year I was offered a brand new 2015 AR240 for $49,000 out the door from Charleston Power sports which I thought was a hell of a deal. I actually filled out all the paper work and intended to get it till I found a steal on a used boat.

 

[Rob9550]

Define close. . . . . @Julian is in Raleigh N.C. and has a brand new 242X he's dying to show off.

He is about 3 hrs...worth the drive if it comes down to it.

 

[Rob9550]

I agree the electronic throttle would be awesome but not for the price difference. Last year I was offered a brand new 2015 AR240 for $49,000 out the door from Charleston Power sports which I thought was a hell of a deal. I actually filled out all the paper work and intended to get it till I found a steal on a used boat.

Exactly, I don't think its worth $10K.

 

[0627Devildog]

Exactly, I don't think its worth $10K.

Thats not the only thing you get for $10K is it?

 

[Rob9550]

Thats not the only thing you get for $10K is it?

No, there are more options I just don't see the value. Maybe if I was to see them in action I would change my tune. I just feel the more complicated it is the more risk you have.

When I joined the Air Force I worked on the A-10. At the time I thought it was simple and thought of all the upgrades that could make it better. Flash forward a few years and I started working on the F-16. Its much more complicated, it shows in the down time for maintenance and constant updates for problems.

 

[subysti]

I don't think there is any aftermarket option for the e throttles. There is actually a motor box behind the helm that is used to move the buckets. It's odd that all the boats have electronic throttle control but there is still a cable going to the engine bay to move the electronics. The throttle sync is just a device that goes on the 2 throttle levers to keep them physically connected to each other but can also be disconnected when needed to use independently. I'd like to get them but the price is way too high to justify.

 

[0627Devildog]

When I joined the Air Force I worked on the A-10.

Warthog. . . . 4200 rds a minute of sweet freedom. . . . Nothing sounds sweeter.

 

[Rob9550]

Warthog. . . . 4200 rds a minute of sweet freedom. . . . Nothing sounds sweeter.

Loved every second that I worked it. BRRRTTTTTTT!

 

[Glen]

Stop the infantry porn here @Rob9550 and @0627Devildog.
Warthogs, AC-130's and Mk19's...and enemy troops in the open. The fantasy of my 20's!