Help with buying used 2013 sx240 vs 2015 ar210

[princessjj]

Please help!
We previously had a yamaha jet ski and are ready to upgrade to our 1st boat. We are trying to decide between 2 different Yamaha models: a 2015 ar210 with 145 hours and a 2013 sx240 with 115 hours.
The 2015 ar210 is in fair condition- needs steering cables replaced and looks worn aesthetically but will be able to clean up. Also was used primarily in salt water.
The 2013 sx240 looks clean and has no issues that we know of. It has only been used in fresh water. It is priced about $5,000 more than the other.
Just looking for some advice on which would be the better option. Thanks

 

[TimW451]

If the size or type (AR vs SX) isn’t making you lean a certain way, I’d buy the one that has been better maintained. That doesn’t just mean appearance, but what you can visually inspect along with what service records they can produce. A well maintained saltwater boat is better than a poorly maintained freshwater boat.

 

[princessjj]

After seeing the ar210, we are a bit apprehensive about it as it looks worn and we're questioning how well it was maintained

 

[tdonoughue]

I've seen worse; seen better. But nothing I would say that I see on that puts it out of the box. But certainly agree with you--better maintenance is a better boat. Did you take it out on the water? I would insist on a sea trial before you buy anything. Make sure everything runs well, that you don't have water coming in the bilge like crazy, etc.

 

[Dough]

Get the duel 1.8's and call it a day.

 

[BlkGS]

Nothing about that boat screams problem.

That said, there's no replacement for length. Certainly, a lot of people are happy with their 21s. I think my 23 is too small. I would go longer every single time. 5k for another 3 feet is a no brainer IMO.

 

[VitaminSea]

Regarding the photos you posted of the 210s engine compartment, I am not seeing any rusted clamps.

If you continue to peruse it, look around at the bottom of the engines and see if you notice any rusted clamps there, also look inside the clean out tray into the bilge. When doing your sea trial make sure at ~3k RPMs water is coming out of the cooling ports (starboard side, behind the captains seat).

I have a 2012 210, and if given the chance to step up to the 1.8L twins I would. Why, the engines would produce similar speed at lower RPMs and give you more top end if you ever need to hurry back to port.

For cruising around, towing a tube, the MR-1 is fine. The 210 also is comfy with 6 onboard, 4 adults, 2 kids.

Good luck in your search!

 

[kjr6306]

Easily the 240.....

 

[Cambo]

The boat pictured looks like the vinyl is stained from mold and having a nice interior to me is very appealing. If I put 300hrs on a boat I probably put 1000 hours on the seats since most of the time it’s used as water front property that we hang out in. Post up pictures of the other boat . On both boats I would back out the spark plugs to make sure they come out easy and reach in and feel the impeller blades they should have no dings on the leading edge. There are lots of boats hitting the market spread your search out I would easily travel 4 hrs for a great boat you are spending a nice chunk of change.

 

[princessjj]

The boat pictured looks like the vinyl is stained from mold and having a nice interior to me is very appealing. If I put 300hrs on a boat I probably put 1000 hours on the seats since most of the time it’s used as water front property that we hang out in. Post up pictures of the other boat . On both boats I would back out the spark plugs to make sure they come out easy and reach in and feel the impeller blades they should have no dings on the leading edge. There are lots of boats hitting the market spread your search out I would easily travel 4 hrs for a great boat you are spending a nice chunk of change.

Thanks for the advice.
The seats are definitely stained from mold, which was one of the reasons we were put off after seeing it. It may come clean, and while we don't mind a little work- we aren't looking to spend a bunch of money for a project. It just seemed the boat had sat and been neglected and as we're inexperienced we don't want to bite off more than we can chew either.
We are going to see the other boat this weekend.