I’m torn need help! Used low hours 2019 242XE vs a 2021 AR250

[212s]

Just to be fair, I believe the 240's (and 242's) are actually 23'6"... So you are getting another foot.

No the 24x models were 24'0" and the new 25x models are 24'6" - only six inches so not a lot more room.

 

[tdonoughue]

Per my manual (YAMAHA LIT-18626-09-38), my AR240 is 23.63 feet. So 23'7 1/2".

 

[212s]

My wife and I are really torn on what to do.

This is a tough one...and hard to decide and will mostly come down to what YOU want to do.

Personally I don't think size is a valid reason to get the 250 since it's only 6" longer, but it's new and you can upgrade how you want to get the results you want, and personalize it. The used 242 has most of what you want but isn't new and may need a fix or two. Depends what you're comfortable with doing with used vs new.

For us it wasn't about this kind of comparison - we were coming from an older I/O stern drive to a jetboat so it was totally different and we wanted brand new for the upgraded features and tech, and to make it ours from the start. Previously, boating with a short 6 month season up here meant used boats was fine for our casual use. But things changed and we wanted something newer, more fun, handled and rode better, etc., so no matter what we bought it would have been new.

 

[212s]

Per my manual (YAMAHA LIT-18626-09-38), my AR240 is 23.63 feet. So 23'7 1/2".

Sorry to nitpick but yes back in 2012 they were shorter - newer models are 24ft or 7.32 meters. Similar to how the 19ft models were 19'2" in 2018 and now they're 19'5"...just a bit longer and wider. Either way it's not a huge difference really.

 

[tdonoughue]

Gee now I feel old. Again.

But we are aligned on this: either way, I don't think that the extra length is material.

 

[212s]

Not sure what state you’re from but in Georgia there is no sales tax on private sale used boats. I just bought a 2019 212S in October and paid zero sales tax. Saved me thousands. Not sure if the used boat you’re looking at is from a private party or dealer but it’s definitely something to look into.

That's a big factor I didn't consider because here in Canada we get screwed with paying full sales taxes on all used items. A boat can go through 6 owners and the government gets to collect tax 6 times.
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[212s]

Gee now I feel old. Again.

Sorry about that...if it makes you feel any better I feel old too!
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[LakesideLaw]

I will give a vote for the new boat. AR250 is a fantastic boat. I did the same analysis on a used. When I can get a brand new boat and make it mine with much better financing options and be the only owner and know exactly how it is driven and maintained and taken care of... and you can swing the payment go new. You get the newest updates - even if small engineering designs are done they are done for a reason.
Used if you are not paying cash you will pay more if you have to finance - probably an extra 5%. Warranty- I get full warranty from day 1 and can decide to extend if I want... used you are adding that on if you want a warranty.

I love the new interior design of the 25 footers... end of day it is your choice... but if I’m paying the same price or close - all things considered I’m getting new every time.

 

[1WetBoat]

I will give a vote for the new boat. AR250 is a fantastic boat. I did the same analysis on a used. When I can get a brand new boat and make it mine with much better financing options and be the only owner and know exactly how it is driven and maintained and taken care of... and you can swing the payment go new. You get the newest updates - even if small engineering designs are done they are done for a reason.
Used if you are not paying cash you will pay more if you have to finance - probably an extra 5%. Warranty- I get full warranty from day 1 and can decide to extend if I want... used you are adding that on if you want a warranty.

I love the new interior design of the 25 footers... end of day it is your choice... but if I’m paying the same price or close - all things considered I’m getting new every time.

I agree here on the AR250.
Prior to purchasing this one i searched for a while looking at used JetBoats and used waverunners. I was close to making a purchase several times earlier this year but each time I changed my mind.
I don't wakesurf so the X series wasn't an option plus it was at the top of my budget. The S/D series looked interesting but again, price was a bit high for what I was looking for.

Aug rolled around and when i saw the new AR250 i was sold. I liked that it has a higher freeboard since I have young kids, the 6 inches do add to the boat, there is a comparison video on Youtube. It also has a deeper V if im not mistaken and a larger Gas Tank for my future Bimini runs. I like the redesign of the stern and now it has speakers on the stern also which some of the previous model year boats didn't. It has the 12 volt port on the stern for inflatables which i will appreciate when having to fill water toys up. Overall folks are right, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles and latest gadgets but for my needs it fits perfectly. Its not more than what I want or need and it isn't missing anything i wanted in a boat.

 

[captras]

I agree.... hands down... go for the X! The e throttle are unbeatable for water sports. The X Has the ballast bags, racks, and all the other options you will have to spend alot of time and money for. Why spend all that time and money just to build a clone X?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

That's a big factor I didn't consider because here in Canada we get screwed with paying full sales taxes on all used items. A boat can go through 6 owners and the government gets to collect tax 6 times.
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Same in CA... taxed on sales price regardless of trade ins and such. Other states allow the deduction of trade ins off sales price since taxes were already paid on the trade in.

 

[OCMD]

I'm a moneyed guy. Always get used and let someone {in this case} choke on the depreciation. Plus, you won't have to worry about that first scratch which is bound to occur. I have always bought used Yamahas and never had an issue, and could sell my 12 yo model for more than I paid for it currently!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

So I pondered a reply to you New Jet Boater...

First buy the boat that you want.

Buying a boat, like buying a car is not a good financial investment, BUT, you are not making an investment in the boat you are making the investment in fun and good times with your family. The boat is merely a tool for those good times.

Beyond the above, for myself I will not buy something that is used just to save some money. If I knew the person who was selling it and the full history I might make an exception. Having said that, buying new with a factory warranty, I bought an extended factory warranty, is worth a lot if you have issues.

If you like wake surfing as well as your daughter then get a boat that will do that well. You did not mention what else you are going to do with the boat.

The two main questions in boat purchasing are Where are you going to use the boat, and What are you going to use it for.

Best of luck with a good problem to have!

 

[gthh]

I would not base my decision on the new boat being perfect, a couple of outings in the new one will take care of that!

a 242 has plenty of room. If room is a consideration beyond what the 242 has go with a 275 plenty of room on that boat!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

it appears you made a decision! Well done!

 

[NewBoater]

Thanks 242XE incoming! Can’t wait for the summer water sports! Thanks to everyone for the opinions

 

[jocolo21]

The hull on the new boat has been redesigned to ride better , its completly different than 2019 , i have had both, seen the bow on the 25 series sits higher too. Been traveling so i cant confirm this but, best advise go take a lool at the 250 and compare creature conforts, you get a lot on yhe 242 vs the 250 which is just tje base model, not butthurting anyone. Bigger connex, better looking upholstry, carpeting bigger bimini 2 batteries solar charger better sound system already 85% setup for surfing etc....oh the lovely fly by wire that you wont be able to do on the 250, single throttle control, the list grows. But best os to take a look at both. The X you can have now the 250 maybe 5 montj from now

 

[NewBoater]

The hull on the new boat has been redesigned to ride better , its completly different than 2019 , i have had both, seen the bow on the 25 series sits higher too. Been traveling so i cant confirm this but, best advise go take a lool at the 250 and compare creature conforts, you get a lot on yhe 242 vs the 250 which is just tje base model, not butthurting anyone. Bigger connex, better looking upholstry, carpeting bigger bimini 2 batteries solar charger better sound system already 85% setup for surfing etc....oh the lovely fly by wire that you wont be able to do on the 250, single throttle control, the list grows. But best os to take a look at both. The X you can have now the 250 maybe 5 montj from now

Thanks! Check out my previous post before yours. I agree with you completely!

 

[212s]

Thanks 242XE incoming! Can’t wait for the summer water sports! Thanks to everyone for the opinions

Congrats on the purchase...either way you would have a great boat!

 

[jocolo21]

Thanks! Check out my previous post before yours. I agree with you completely!

Congrats brother