Differences between 21’ models specifically from AR210 to 210S

[NewBoater]

Hey guys wife and I have I think finally narrowed it down to the new 21’ line trying to figure out which one to get?

What are the differences between the models specifically the AR210 and 212S?

Daughter and wife will be doing Wakeboarding and a little surfing but not much. They like wakeboarding the best. So we need the tower but not sure what other bells and whistles come with the next models up?

Also the AR210 she does not like that it does not have the co captain chair? She likes our current 2 chairs in cockpit in our SX210 and thinks she wants to stay with that setup?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tkeru408]

Have you used the comparison tool yet on the Yamaha website? Go to the Yamaha website, select the 21' ft series, and then scroll to the bottom to select the two you want to compare. That will give you the side-by-side rundown of all the difference between the two boats.

The biggest difference is going to be the 1.8L twin engines in the 212S vs the 1.1L twin engines in the AR210 (360hp vs 220hp). The other stuff is primarily upgraded details (teak mats, upgraded upholstery, larger Connext screen, etc.). The comparison tool will show you every little difference so I highly recommend it.

 

[AZMark]

If you’re going to be doing tow sports with several adults on board then the bigger engines will make things a lot nicer.

 

[212s]

What are the differences between the models specifically the AR210 and 212S?

We looked at the 210 vs 212 series as well and the 212 has a few more features and luxury, some big some small differences. Things like nicer speakers (6 of them vs 4), marine mats throughout the boat (much better than I expected in actual use and will never have a boat without them now), upgraded bucket seats with armrests, entertainment center in the passenger area, locking glovebox, nicer steering wheel, dual batteries, better tower lockpins, chrome, stainless and aluminum trim upgrades, docking headlights, more powerful engines that still use regular fuel, and one of my favourites is the joystick controller for the Connext system. The joystick controls the screen, features, options like nav and lights, tuning, etc., and also is a volume control for the stereo - all boats should have a similar joystick controller.

The 212s does cost significantly more than the AR210 but we thought it was worth the difference. And since we don't buy new boats often, we figured we might as well get what we want. The wife insisted on dual bucket seats and a tower when shopping around, so that limited my options a bit. LOL

Here's a link to my mini review of the 212s on these forums:

https://jetboaters.net/threads/2020-212s-mini-review.27572/

 

[Beachcampin]

We went through the issues related to the captains chairs when we were deciding between the AR210 and the SX. Not the exact same issue as you, but similar. My wife also wanted the second captain's chair. We ultimately decided to go with the SX as the tower was not a huge issue for us, BUT, we did investigate getting the second captain's chair added and it is possible. Just order the seat and have the dealer install it. You can DIY as well, I've seen posts on it here. The metal plate for the seat is there in the floor, but you need to make the holes.

The problem is going to be ordering the seat. The supply chain being what it is, this may take a while. You may need to put up with the bench for some time before the seat will be delivered. We bought ours last spring and it would have taken at least two months - maybe. But, if the AR with the second captain's chair is your ideal setup, this may be your best bet and more cost effective than jumping to the higher model.

 

[212s]

BUT, we did investigate getting the second captain's chair added and it is possible. Just order the seat and have the dealer install it. You can DIY as well, I've seen posts on it here. The metal plate for the seat is there in the floor, but you need to make the holes.

We heard about that too with the AR210 (AR195 too) and just getting a second bucket installed, but I liked the extra features the 212 series added. I like to play with my joystick!