AR vs SX

[agannole93]

Already posted in another area of the site but trying to get as much feedback as possible.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/purchasing-new-boat-compare-212ss-212x-ar230.25861/

I'm pretty much down to either an AR230 or an SX230, past discussion in the above thread.

The SX230 is an 04 model for $16.5k OBO. Appears to be maybe in the best shape of the lot that I am looking at, but does not have the HO engines.

One of the AR's is on 07 listed for $15kOBO, a few have said that sounds like a too good to be true boat and likely has some issues. I know it has some cosmetic stuff but the guy claims only 76 hours on it and always flushed, maintained and winterized (it's a FL boat).

The other AR is on 06 with a little over 500 hours and is a GA boat. They have it listed at $18k and may be a little flexible on price. Again, seems to be well maintained and according to them the yamaha techs who recently did a tune up after the winter said it's in some of the best shape they've ever seen.

So, what I am trying to find out is pros and cons for the SX or AR. We're moving from a Bayliner and are getting into a jet boat, specifically a 23 footer for some increase passenger space and to get more into water sports. None of our crew have ever wake boarded or surfed, but I want to get something that will grow with us so I'm not getting into trying to upgrade boats again in one or two years.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

 

[djetok]

Already posted in another area of the site but trying to get as much feedback as possible.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/purchasing-new-boat-compare-212ss-212x-ar230.25861/

I'm pretty much down to either an AR230 or an SX230, past discussion in the above thread.

The SX230 is an 04 model for $16.5k OBO. Appears to be maybe in the best shape of the lot that I am looking at, but does not have the HO engines.

One of the AR's is on 07 listed for $15kOBO, a few have said that sounds like a too good to be true boat and likely has some issues. I know it has some cosmetic stuff but the guy claims only 76 hours on it and always flushed, maintained and winterized (it's a FL boat).

The other AR is on 06 with a little over 500 hours and is a GA boat. They have it listed at $18k and may be a little flexible on price. Again, seems to be well maintained and according to them the yamaha techs who recently did a tune up after the winter said it's in some of the best shape they've ever seen.

So, what I am trying to find out is pros and cons for the SX or AR. We're moving from a Bayliner and are getting into a jet boat, specifically a 23 footer for some increase passenger space and to get more into water sports. None of our crew have ever wake boarded or surfed, but I want to get something that will grow with us so I'm not getting into trying to upgrade boats again in one or two years.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

I guess the first decision is fresh water or salt water.

 

[agannole93]

I guess the first decision is fresh water or salt water.

We will primary have it in fresh water. We're in central Alabama, so we are on the lake mostly, but upgrading from what we have now I could see us taking it down to the gulf maybe once per year while we're down on vacation.

 

[Julian]

If you are wanting to break out into water sports, then you will want an AR without a single doubt. Reasons:

1. You want the added lift from the higher tow point angle
2. You want somewhere to store the boards - many wont fit in the ski locker
3. Gives you somewhere to hang speakers (although this isn't a big reason)
4. Resale for a tower boat is better and easier because of these point.

 

[djetok]

We will primary have it in fresh water. We're in central Alabama, so we are on the lake mostly, but upgrading from what we have now I could see us taking it down to the gulf maybe once per year while we're down on vacation.

sorry I was referring to the purchase of a boat that has been used in fresh or saltwater boat.

 

[agannole93]

sorry I was referring to the purchase of a boat that has been used in fresh or saltwater boat.

Gotcha. The SX and the 06 AR are both freshwater only. The 07 AR has been kept in the Bay in Destin, FL so is almost strictly saltwater. The guy says he's flushed after every use, only 76 hours and has been properly winterized. It's kept on a lift, but looks like it has a good amount of wear to some of the upholstery and the swim deck on the back needs to be fully replaced, the pads are worn down to almost nothing. It's hard to tell if the elements have done it or if it's been used more than he's letting on. Or perhaps a greater issue given the low price tag.

 

[anmut]

Gotcha. The SX and the 06 AR are both freshwater only. The 07 AR has been kept in the Bay in Destin, FL so is almost strictly saltwater. The guy says he's flushed after every use, only 76 hours and has been properly winterized. It's kept on a lift, but looks like it has a good amount of wear to some of the upholstery and the swim deck on the back needs to be fully replaced, the pads are worn down to almost nothing. It's hard to tell if the elements have done it or if it's been used more than he's letting on. Or perhaps a greater issue given the low price tag.

My rule of thumb on used vehicles and boats is, the amount of visible wear is usually equal to the invisible wear on components and engine.

 

[Seadeals]

For me, it was important to keep the boat garaged at the house, so the tower boats were (literally) not a good fit. It fits easily through my 18x8 door. The 06 towers are not like the convenient folding towers of today; but on the plus side they also never crashed down on your head while boating!

 

[J-RAD]

I think @Julian gave you the best advice. Watersports = boat with tower. So long as you don't have the same constraints as @Seadeals I vote AR. Buying boats is fun! Good luck on your purchase.

 

[agannole93]

If you are wanting to break out into water sports, then you will want an AR without a single doubt. Reasons:

1. You want the added lift from the higher tow point angle
2. You want somewhere to store the boards - many wont fit in the ski locker
3. Gives you somewhere to hang speakers (although this isn't a big reason)
4. Resale for a tower boat is better and easier because of these point.

Do you have any opinions on the AR230 vs a 212x? Both from the 08/09 model years. I've heard cockpit space is about the same, some swear the 212 layout is actually a little better and bow space is better because it's less of a point. I'd like to do some trips on the gulf or even a Bimini trip down the road. Could a 212 handle it or would I be wishing I'd gone with an AR?

 

[Julian]

Do you have any opinions on the AR230 vs a 212x? Both from the 08/09 model years. I've heard cockpit space is about the same, some swear the 212 layout is actually a little better and bow space is better because it's less of a point. I'd like to do some trips on the gulf or even a Bimini trip down the road. Could a 212 handle it or would I be wishing I'd gone with an AR?

I've ridden in both and honestly not sure I could tell the difference in a blind test. The layout will be personal preference.