First time Boater; looking for a jet boat in Florida

[doodguy]

Hello all!

I'm itching to get a boat for myself/family to cruise the local florida waters but don't want to make a mistake!

I'm looking in the $10k range have cash in hand. On Craigslist I'm seeing a handlful Yamahas for sale in this range.

I see a 2001 LS2000
2004 Yamaha AR 210
2002 Yamah LX2000
2012 AR190 (Albeit single motor)



Any gotchas/things look out for? I like that the motors are cheap to rebuild. I like the dual motor answer because if one goes bad we're not stuck on water unless both go bad then there's sea tow. I dislike the sound of carburetors, but maybe it shouldn't bother me??

Is there a better model 2 engine boat I could get in this price range? Should I jump on one of these LX2000's?

Also looking for a good easy to use GPS (to help me find my way back to the docks) along with depth finder (to help me avoid bottoming out) and fish finder in case I wanna go fishing.

Any thoughts are appreciated!! Hoping to buy this weekend.

 

[Bennie]

@doodguy - I can't help with the boat purchase model but I do have experience with the GH.
A few of us on here have installed Lowrance GPS units are quite happy with them. Do a quick search from the top right of the page and you'll see multiple threads on them.

I have a Lowrance Elite 5 HDI and I'm very happy with it. Leaving the "bread crumbs" on let's you see your tracks and helps you return to port.

 

[Englewoodcowboy]

I would go with the AR210 over the 190 hands down. Better fuel economy specially Whalen you have more on board.

 

[doodguy]

Thanks guys! Looking into the lowrance now.

Englewood, for price think I'm favoring the lx2000. Anything I need to watch out for? I'm reading to cycle the oil with gas?

 

[tdonoughue]

Not an expert, and probably someone else with more expertise in them will chime in, but I understand those are 2 stroke (as opposed to the 4 stroke in the AR210 and the AR190). There were issues with the oil injector system failing, which would burn up the engine. Many disabled/uninstalled the injector and mix the oil and fuel in the tank.

Much more room in the AR210--that I can confirm. Second place I would say would go to the AR190, and then to the LX2000, space-wise. Really need more details on each option, though to make a good recommendation. Salt/fresh water, hours, maintenance records, pictures, etc.

 

[Beachbummer]

Fuel injected vs not provides easier start and much greater day to day reliability in my experience with other boat brands. The carburator tends to be a weak link to perfect operation.

Is the ls2000 carbureted or fuel injected? Your budget is also very important. Of your are looking to get in at the minimal cost, a 2 cycle older boat can be had for much much less and still provide great enjoyment, it may just require a bit more fidgeting long term.

Also, 4 cycle smoke will be minimal. 2 cycle or will be noticeable at least on start up. Not a big deal, but worth noting.

 

[OCMD]

First, there were never issues with the oil injector system itself, failing, it was a hose issue. Not long enough, and the hoses would separate from the fittings. If this occurred? Catastrophic engine failure. The oil pumps themselves are flawless, buy the hose clamps were not. Easily corrected with new hoses and clamps. Some people just converted to pre-mix, which IMO was a PITA. In any event, if you navigate to the other jet boat site, that is more of a site geared to 2 strokes.

This being said, here is your boat. You will not go wrong as this is the most mechanically sound LS available for sale in the USA. I thought I had this posted here but can't locate the post......must be old age. The boat is in Maryland and may be the owner can meet you halfway. You will not go wrong. There is not a big market for 2 strokes anymore, but they are superb entry boats. I loved mine. PM me for details, I will probably see the owner this week when I have my boat "spring started...." Yea - It's June and my boat is still "winterized." Here is the ad I thought I posted. No wonder I had no hits.
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2000 LS 2000. Owned by Yamaha Certified Mechanic who has worked at Bayside Jet Drive (Yamaha Dealer) in Berlin, MD for years. This guy is an expert, and re-built an engine on my LS years ago, after the POS SBT garbage engine failed. He is selling this because it is too small for him, and the dealer where he works just obtained an 05 SX230 in trade (POS) which he intends to refurbish and use as his main boat.

DJ has owned this boat for 3 years, and took this in as a project. Both engines were completely rebuilt in February 2016. The carbs were fine, so cleaned up. The following are all new on the boat: oil lines, thru hull bearings, intermediate shaft O rings and wear rings, dual batteries and battery switch, shift cables and steering cables, bilge pump and scupper, new gauges as well as fuel sending unit and speedo pickup, all LED navy lights and he added 3 more LED courtesy lights so a total of 4. He installed a new Bluetooth radio with 2 additional USB charging ports in the glove box, and he replaced the 2 factory speakers and added 4 more. The engine hatch cushion in the rear seat back has been reupholstered. A new rub rail insert was installed. Boat comes with a 6 month old factory Yamaha cover not used for winter storage but only during season. The trailer is the factory trailer galvanized which has all new LED lighting and new wheel bearings. Compression checked today (April 17, 2017) and is port 115/115/112 and starboard 115/115/115. The price is $8500.

PM me for additional details, as I am the go between because DJ is swamped at the dealership as you might imagine this time of the season. No dreamers please. This boat is priced to sell and you can rest assured it will run well for years to come. Others who have dealt with dealership (and perhaps DJ) will attest to the integrity of this dealership and their people.
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