AR250 or 222SE

[BananaBoat]

Hello friends!

I have been running a 2013 242 Limited S. It is time to upgrade.

Prices are high for me so while I want an x or FSH H, I am going for a 222SE (18” shorter than mine) or AR250 (6” longer).

I see that both have the 1.9s now and that the 222 is the more luxe option, but I love the high gunwales of the newer 25s.

My main use is flying down the (sometimes choppy) river, doing fun turns while staying relatively dry and some light wakeboarding. I have access to other, larger boats through a club for fishing or ocean days.

Kids are 5-16 and the 16 year old wants to start going out there with friends.

Can anybody share some thoughts on which boat would be best in my scenario?

Thanks!

 

[Snoman93]

I am in a very similar situation as you. I nearly bought a 222s at the end of last season but it didn’t work out. Looking again now this year I am leaning more towards the AR250. I have not been in the ar250 yet but will be doing a direct comparison on Friday as the dealer has both in show room.

I am leaning towards the AR due to the extra space in stern seating, the “closet/head” storage compartment and larger boat handling Long Island sound better. I am thinking I can do some of the upgrades along the way to make it a little nicer as far as trim and creature comforts go over the years.

With them being basically the same price, same engines, similar weight that’s how I’m leaning. I will find out for sure Friday though how the finishing differences affect my opinion.

 

[Hot2Go]

As you said above the only thing you’re really getting in the 222SE are the cosmetic luxury upgrades and electronic throttles. You’ll have to spend some money on an AR250 for nice seadek, upgraded speakers, and I believe the swim up seats don’t come with it so you’d have to purchase those as well. We first looked at a 222SE before the 252SE because we figured our AR230 had plenty of room and I’m always willing to see if I can save a buck. For some reason the 250 models make that extra 2 feet feel massive. Plus the 252SE had the articulating swim deck seats and the wife said they were a must have.

One thing that for sure kept us at the 250 models was the head compartment. So after we got the 252SE we started squaring away where we’d put things. After we found places for the swim up seats (these are awkward storage items), four 8” diameter fenders, box anchor, bimini top (when not deployed), two inflatable mats (sunchill & mission reef), extra filler cushions for bow and cockpit, tools/pumps, and all our other gear; we have one front seat compartment empty and then the head compartment floor area available. The head compartment clothes hanger pole really frees up space because you hang your life jackets instead of stuffing them under seats.

So when you think about how many will be on your boat, especially teenagers and all their stuff they’d bring on top of all your stuff, the storage space will be a savior stowing everything rather than it taking up seats possibly.

Definitely go sit in both of them for sure. We had our eyes initially on a left over 2024 252S that was 2 hours from us during a boat show we went to. The 2024 252SE we bought was a 5 hour drive and 8k dollars cheaper than the 252S! So deals are out there especially if they are leftover 2024s!

 

[BananaBoat]

Thanks all! I think I am going to run the 242 LS one or 2 more seasons.

 

[Hot2Go]

Maybe you can save up and get your X or FSH H while you wait!

 

[BananaBoat]

Maybe you can save up and get your X or FSH H while you wait!

Yes that's the idea! Maybe a lightly used FSH E!

 

[Jetboat_Long Island]

Hello friends!

I have been running a 2013 242 Limited S. It is time to upgrade.

Prices are high for me so while I want an x or FSH H, I am going for a 222SE (18” shorter than mine) or AR250 (6” longer).

I see that both have the 1.9s now and that the 222 is the more luxe option, but I love the high gunwales of the newer 25s.

My main use is flying down the (sometimes choppy) river, doing fun turns while staying relatively dry and some light wakeboarding. I have access to other, larger boats through a club for fishing or ocean days.

Kids are 5-16 and the 16 year old wants to start going out there with friends.

Can anybody share some thoughts on which boat would be best in my scenario?

Thanks!

I have a 2024 222SD and I believe the freeboard on the 22 and 25’s are the same. Length overall on the 222 is 22’6”, length overall on the 25 is actually 24’6”. In my opinion go with whatever SE or SD model that fits ur budget. There is NO comparison when it comes to the E series boats with electronic steering and throttle! The AR250 IS NOT an E series boat.