Just a quick thanks to all the contributors on this forum. It truly is a model for every other brand owners to follow. Lots of great info that ultimately lead me to the conclusion that the Yamaha was not the right boat for my family's need. My wife was looking for a family boat and my kids wanted a sport boat that they could surf behind; I realized that the Yamaha's really did neither of those particularly well and the one area where they do shine (being a jet boat) was of no particular interest to me.
I really wanted a boat with great build quality, one that I could leave wet slipped and not have to worry about it taking on water, and one that I did not need to sort out after I picked it up. I think I just got caught up in price shopping and the Yamaha was the best price per foot and I could kinda of make it work.
To that end I cancelled my order and the dealer graciously, and without question, agreed to promptly refund our deposit. i was lucky enough to find a 2021 new boat that a dealer in northern Idaho go in after the season was over and I bought it yesterday. Is it the best boat in the world, no, but it feels like a lot less compromise for our family.
https://crownline.com/crownline-265-ss-surf/.
https://crownline.com/crownline-265-ss-surf/ The one we bought has the 8.2L 430 hp engine and is loaded with almost every option available including the electric head with pump out (which checked a box for my wife). It has surf tabs and fat sacs for the kiddos and a banging stereo for me. Once I let go of the budget, it made finding the right boat easier, but it was a fat stack to lay down on a boat that's going into storage right away.
I'll keep lurking here b/c I've gained knowledge not specifically related to owning a jet boat. My wife and I have both watched the video on how to recognizing drowning. Very good knowledge to have, plus info on equipment for tubing, surfing, and general boating info that is good for anyone with a prop too.
Great forum. Cheers.
