Jet Boat or Sterndrive

[RD23]

Hello,
I am interested in purchasing my first boat.
Right now I am stuck between buying a Sterndrive (Monterey M22 with 4.5 Mercruiser 250hp) or a Yamaha (I am thinking the AR210 would be best for me, I was looking at the 212s but would prefer to save the money for a stereo upgrade and some waterspouts equipment (Tubes and Wakeboards)
Personally I love the layout of the Yamaha Boats I love the stern and it really looks like the boat for me if the look were the same I would probably go sterndrive but I want to cruise a little bit, do some water sports and hang out with family and friends in the coves a lot.
While doing my research I have come across 3 common complaints that are holding me back slightly.
1. Jet Drive boats are terrible on fuel economy. Is this true? Will is cost an arm and a leg to take the Yamaha Boat out with friends and family all the time?
2. Jet Drive boats are really load. Is this true? Are they obnoxiously load or just load because its a boat...? Can you drive this around and still have some and talk with your family and friends?
3. Jet Drive boats are hard to maneuver. Is this true? Note I am new to boating, only rented a boat once before really and ridden on family friends boats. I have always wanted a boat, I love the water and I love being with my friends and family outside. Can a new boater operate this without hitting every dock insight as many have said I would?

(One other question as well, is a AR210 enough boat to wakeboard behind? (I am 6'3" 235lbs)

I know its a lot of questions, if anyone could help me clear this up I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you very very much in advance!

 

[dgfreeze]

Of those three, I’d say the noise is the only one with any real merit. They might not be quite as good on fuel, but far from terrible. Negligible difference. Little enough difference that if it’s actually a factor, you’re probably delving into the wrong hobby. Any additional cost incurred in fuel will likely be more than made up for with how simple they are to service, maintain, and winterize. Steering, while there WILL be a learning curve it’s actually much better than a stern drive once gotten the hang of, ESPECIALLY with a twin engine. They’re fine with water sports, just remember that they’re not specifically designed for water sports. If you’re trying to wake surf, things tilt a bit, but wake boarding you’re good to go. The noise is the only thing I kinda wish mine was better on, but my understanding is that the newer models have much better soundproofing. More people will chime in with their opinions also, so let’s see what some others have to say.

 

[HangOutdoors]

@RD23

1) Fuel economy is not bad. I burn through a full tank in 1 day, but we do 6-8 hours of continuous watersports...... A lot of tubing. We don't hang out.
2) Yamaha Jet boats are louder but we don't have any issues unless we are going full out then it is at times hard to have a conversation with others.
3) I have no problem in maneuvering. Actually I can very easily spin the boat around 360 degrees almost in place. It did take me a bit to get the hang of it. Once you are on the water a few times it all becomes second nature.

The NICE thing is there is not a prop behind the boat for safety. That is what sold us on our boat, which is a 2020 AR210. Plus our engines are VERY easy to maintain, anyone can do it.

Yes you can wakeboard just fine behind and do any watersports you want without issue. Of course if Wake Surfing is what you want to progress to I would go for a wake boat, but then you are going $20 - $30k, additional, easy.

I bought ours last May brand new off the lot and we have had a blast with it. It was the right price and we have had between 8-10 people on it and still pulling all watersports with ease. It is a great boat for the price and what it can do.

If you want to spend another 10k or so jump up to a 212. Same size boat, bigger engines. Eats a bit more gas, and goes about 8 mph faster. Also has a nicer interior and some other things.

If not, you really can't go wrong with the AR210.

Unfortunately, depending on your time frame to purchase, you may have a hard time finding inventory or the boat you want.

 

[PEARCE]

I personally think you'll be happier in the long run with the 212. Most people think the 210 is under powered or slow. I know nothing about the Monterey. When we bought our boat new in '06 it was the fastest and most powerful available from Yamaha. It has the 160hp MR-1's. It flat out gets it! It does not care who I'm towing on a tub or skis. Nobody ever complains about too much horsepower in boats.

As far as noise and control, it's something you adjust to or get used to it. Most all boats are gonna be noisy. Yamahas rev higher so the pitch is a little different. I added insulation to mine and it made it quieter. It is way quieter then our Sea Ray Express we used to have. It had twin 454 big blocks and I'd cruise at 2000 rpms and would be on plane at 18 knots. It was loud! The motors were right under the captain and co-captain seats so we sat right over those huge motors.

Control is something that takes practice. There are fins that are available from the aftermarket if you decide that you need them. This will be your first boat, like it was for me too, so I didn't know any different. I picked up on the control with jets and never saw the need for fins. These boats are very maneuverable once you get the hang of it.

 

[tdonoughue]

Howdy and welcome!

Boat choosing is very personal. All depends on what you want to use it for and where you want to use it. So, the first thing is update your profile and give us a hint of where you are located. That will help us giving some advice.

Many (me included) find the Yamaha to be a good 'jack of all trades' boat. It doesn't really do anything outstandingly well, but it does many things very well. So a good all-around boat. If you just want to surf, there are better boats. If you just want to float on a party barge, there are better boats. If you just want to go fast, there are better boats. But Yamaha does all of these things pretty well. To your common complaints:
1) Never really had a stern drive to which to compare. But I don't think this is necessarily true. I have a 50 gal tank and twin engines in mine. A fill up has lasted me a weekend at the lake (with some tube towing, floating, cruising).
2) Loud--Yamahas have gotten better in this department (mine is before they put a lot of the sound dampening in), but it is important to keep your expectations reasonable. If you are going 50 mph on the water, the wind noise is going to make it so you can't talk much. That is not the boat, that is the speed. Yamaha's (and all jets) operate at high RPM, also. So many people complain that they are loud, but it is really that they are higher pitched than other boats, which may be just as loud. Take a test run in it. Or ask a friend to take you out (another time when that location comes in handy--we have lots of folks around here and some may be willing to take you for a ride).
3) I would not say difficult to maneuver. But they are distinctly different from piloting a stern drive. They are much more like a jetski. If you don't have propulsion, you don't have steering (much, though recent years have added an articulating keel to help with that). It is definitely a skill. New drivers frequently overcorrect and wind up turning the wheel back and forth to try to go in a straight line. However, if you are patient and learn your craft, you can very quickly pilot it as well as any prop drive (and in many instances better than those). Many people also add some form of steering enhancement (fins). Those can help the boat turn better and give some more solidity. But I usually recommend learning your boat native first before you put those on.

Wakeboarding is not my specialty yet (but one of the folks here has offered to teach me--come on warm weather!). So I will defer on that one...

Hope some of that is helpful!

 

[HangOutdoors]

@tdonoughue Makes a very valid point about location and water type. What type of lakes or oceans do you plan on using the boat in?

 

[212s]

I voted for the 212s but I'm biased.

Search the forums and you'll find all the info you need in various threads. Here's a thread with a similar question:

https://jetboaters.net/threads/im-new-here-looking-for-advice-as-i-consider-moving-from-i-o-to-jetboat.30255/

1. Jet Drive boats are terrible on fuel economy. Is this true?

Compared to our old Mercruiser I/O this boat is slightly better at most speeds. Cruising I can get 3.0 mpg with the twin engines consuming 9.0 gph total, even though this boat weighs 3600 compared to 2500 lbs for the old 19.5'. The old I/O was only 210hp carb V6 so more power begets more consumption, but boats are not economical on fuel like cars. Some outboards can do better in similar setups, but you're going to be in or around the same area for similar sizes and weights and hp. For instance I googled the M22 and the 300hp V8 has about the same top speed, fuel economy, and optioned with the tower, seadek, etc. to match the 212s it lists at $3000 more but might be worth it?

2. Jet Drive boats are really load. Is this true?

Some boats are quieter, especially outboards, but I don't find my boat much louder - the tone is different as it revs higher, but not really louder. Wife and I can talk loudly and wind noise overtakes the engines when you crank it up to 35+mph anyway.

3. Jet Drive boats are hard to maneuver.

The articulating keel helps and isn't far off from what the old I/O was like. Once I got used to the handling of the jet, the quick steering input, and the ability to pop fwd/rev back and forth (no gears) makes docking easier than my old boat. Out on the water at speed, these things carve the water and blast off like rockets.

For us the lack of out-drive, low maintenance, big performance, and great swim platform is a big win for us. I'll never own a prop drive again.

 

[BlkGS]

Regarding the loudness... They make some noise, but honestly, the wind noise is louder than the engine noise in my experience.

The only thing I would say is really think about your size choice. 21ft might be small depending on who you're taking you. My 23ft felt quite small when my girlfriend and her girlfriends were on the boat and I had a few friends on. Especially with snacks, drinks, etc involved. IMO, 75% of the max people load is really the comfortable limit. I don't think I would want to have more than like... 5 or 6 people on a 21ft.

 

[Canuckjetboater]

@RD23 ...... outboards and stern drives - many have I owned. I bought a Yamaha 2020 SX195. The only thing I don't like about jet boats is the engine noise. It can be reduced with various forms of insulation but it is still a lot louder than a sterndrive. You should test drive one first. IMO at around 5000RPM (cruising) they are loud.

 

[Whisky]

So many strong responses in this thread. I won’t repeat all of the comments above in detail because I agree with them. Fuel, noise, handling, if you consider them a problem (which honestly, I really don’t), are all more than outbalanced by the benefits, layout, no prop, easy maintenance, quality, flexibility, do-anything-ness.


I will add, between the two, we bought anAR our first go round with big plans to upgrade as we go, in the end we traded her for an X the next go round so we could just get in and go. No upgrades or aftermarket s needed (though many still wanted) haha

if you have the $$ upgrade, especially since, along with everything else, you get things that aren’t easily upgraded like interior details.

On jet vs. other options:
Of course we are a bit biased, but this is a whole room full of people who have been in exactly the same jet vs. stearndrive/outboard spot you are in right now, and we all wound up with jets...... and the fact that we are almost all still, after having owned them, sure we made the right call speaks volumes!

 

[typhoon]

@RD23

Like you, I had never owned a boat before buying my Yamaha. I don't think the boat is hard to maneuver at all. Maybe it is because I don't really have anything to compare it to, but it only took my a couple of attempts to get the feel for slow speed docking. It is not something I would worry about if I were you.

 

[jeffrt]

I'm on my 5th boat now over the last 20 years. Went from a 17' outboard, to a 21' inboard ski boat, to a 21' Yamaha SX210, to a 15' Seadoo Sportster, and now have a 19' Yamaha SX190. Before that, my parents had an I/O Bayliner, so I've driven many types. Low water levels are what forced me to a jet boat, and I'm not sure I'd ever go away from one now. Maintenance is easy, and swimming with nothing to kick is really nice. Docking does take some getting used to, but with twin engines, it's actually pretty easy once you get the feel for it. I miss the twins with my new single engine 19 footer. Noise is probably one of my biggest complaints, second would be driving when tubing. I find you really need to manipulate the throttle in turns or the boat slows down. Prop boats hold more consistent speed in turns.
Can't beat the swim platform either. Had some friends pull up in their new I/O last summer and they really preferred our Yamaha's platform.

 

[Dean P]

No one has touched on it due to your questions but jet boats suck water in and throws it out the back. So, whatever is sitting on top of the water, chances are it'll get pulled/sucked in. Yamaha have a patented removal plug in the back that provides access to the impeller to remove any debris enlarged in there. If you plan to boat in weedy areas, you may consider an alternate drive system. As mentioned above, these are jet boats similar to a jet ski and act in the same manner. Hands down, best part is no prop under the boat. Safer for water sports and access to shallow water.

Noise? They are a little louder comparable to an I/O but wind noise will over power that. These are bow riding boats - nothing to block the wind
Fuel? IMO, negligible. So many factors determine best economy; speed, wind, current, temperature, on board weight.
Maneuverability? There is a learning curve and there are aftermarket items to make turning and docking simpler.

Also noted, take both/all for a test drive. This will provide insight on what's to come. Good luck!!!

 

[the MfM]

There are rational arguments to choose an outboard, v drive or straight shaft inboard over a jet drive. But I’ve yet to hear a reason to choose a stern drive.

 

[Sean R]

I looked at a Monterey m22 when I was boat shopping nice boat but it felt smaller than a 21 yamaha and less storage, no helm storage. Also the Monterrey was pushing $80,000 with trailor, tax, fees etc....a AR210 is around $50,000ish out the door. I ended up purchasing a slightly used 2020 212S, love it.

Regarding noise. Between friends, my dads and the three boats I have owned, the 2017 Ar190 was the loudest but didn't ruin the day at all. The 190 was buy far the easiest boat to clean and maintain. The quietest bow rider we had (my dads then mine) was a 1995 Searay 180 that little boat whispered but mantaince was a bitch.

Gas comsumtions and maneuverability not a issue in my opinion.

 

[anmut]

212S because that's what we bought.

 

[agannole93]

Hello,
I am interested in purchasing my first boat.
Right now I am stuck between buying a Sterndrive (Monterey M22 with 4.5 Mercruiser 250hp) or a Yamaha (I am thinking the AR210 would be best for me, I was looking at the 212s but would prefer to save the money for a stereo upgrade and some waterspouts equipment (Tubes and Wakeboards)
Personally I love the layout of the Yamaha Boats I love the stern and it really looks like the boat for me if the look were the same I would probably go sterndrive but I want to cruise a little bit, do some water sports and hang out with family and friends in the coves a lot.
While doing my research I have come across 3 common complaints that are holding me back slightly.
1. Jet Drive boats are terrible on fuel economy. Is this true? Will is cost an arm and a leg to take the Yamaha Boat out with friends and family all the time?
2. Jet Drive boats are really load. Is this true? Are they obnoxiously load or just load because its a boat...? Can you drive this around and still have some and talk with your family and friends?
3. Jet Drive boats are hard to maneuver. Is this true? Note I am new to boating, only rented a boat once before really and ridden on family friends boats. I have always wanted a boat, I love the water and I love being with my friends and family outside. Can a new boater operate this without hitting every dock insight as many have said I would?

(One other question as well, is a AR210 enough boat to wakeboard behind? (I am 6'3" 235lbs)

I know its a lot of questions, if anyone could help me clear this up I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you very very much in advance!

We bought our first boat two years ago and it was a little 18 foot Bayliner stern drive. It was used, the guy was practically giving it away and it suited our purposes of having fun on the water and helped determine if we would be "boat people" or not. We used it ALL THE TIME, but had it's setbacks. We boat in rivers so prop strikes on loose objects were always a problem. As others have mentioned, where you boat and what type of water you're in might help determine what the best way to go will be.

As far as answering your questions:
1.) They're not terrible on fuel at all. It's all relative to wind, current, how hard you're pushing, number of motors, etc. I don't feel like I spend significantly more on fuel than I did on our Bayliner. I fill up before every outing for peace of mind of having a full tank, and I spend about the same now as I did previously.

2.) I don't think jets are louder, just higher pitched. Our I/O I thought was extremely loud, even after insulating the hatch. Our 232 maybe screams a bit with twin engines and higher pitched, but volume wise is not any louder. They're just different. Again, specific brands, engine placement, type, etc. will all factor.

3.) They just take practice to maneuver and get the hang of. There are aftermarket steering enhancements that can help solve the low speed steering strugles. Many of us use them, some prefer the stock feel of the boat and have practiced their way to expert level steering. While under way they are highly maneuverable regardless.

We do some tubing and have a few wakeboarders occasionally, but most of our time is cruising or floating on the water. For hanging out with the family, in my opinion the yamaha swim platform can't be beat. It's definitely my favorite feature of the boat. If your three things are the only thing holding you back, go with the Yamaha. I don't think you'll have any regrets.

 

[Brad460]

Hello,
I am interested in purchasing my first boat.
Right now I am stuck between buying a Sterndrive (Monterey M22 with 4.5 Mercruiser 250hp) or a Yamaha (I am thinking the AR210 would be best for me, I was looking at the 212s but would prefer to save the money for a stereo upgrade and some waterspouts equipment (Tubes and Wakeboards)
Personally I love the layout of the Yamaha Boats I love the stern and it really looks like the boat for me if the look were the same I would probably go sterndrive but I want to cruise a little bit, do some water sports and hang out with family and friends in the coves a lot.
While doing my research I have come across 3 common complaints that are holding me back slightly.
1. Jet Drive boats are terrible on fuel economy. Is this true? Will is cost an arm and a leg to take the Yamaha Boat out with friends and family all the time?
2. Jet Drive boats are really load. Is this true? Are they obnoxiously load or just load because its a boat...? Can you drive this around and still have some and talk with your family and friends?
3. Jet Drive boats are hard to maneuver. Is this true? Note I am new to boating, only rented a boat once before really and ridden on family friends boats. I have always wanted a boat, I love the water and I love being with my friends and family outside. Can a new boater operate this without hitting every dock insight as many have said I would?

(One other question as well, is a AR210 enough boat to wakeboard behind? (I am 6'3" 235lbs)

I know its a lot of questions, if anyone could help me clear this up I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you very very much in advance!

My experience after owning a 19 AR210...reminder, jet boats are not for everyone. I wanted to sell mine after the first time taking it out. Biggest mistake I ever made. Jet boats are just not for me..

1) Fuel economy is not good...but not horrible. It will use more fuel than the 4.5 merc. But maybe not much more..

2) The engines are loud, but that is really not the main issue. It’s that they run at such a high rpm and there are two engines. Two engines running together at the same rpm creates a bad harmonic sound. Very irritating to me. They sound like they are running at 15,000 rpm but not going anywhere. Reminded me of the early Nissan CVT transmission cars...all rpm and no go.

3) Jet boats maneuver terribly...so terrible my wife refused to drive our AR210. You can always tell when a Yamaha jet boat is coming at you in a no-wake zone as they are swerving back and forth. That being said, I got good at driving and docking it after a couple months. Most will chime in that you will need to spend a few hundred $$ on some fins. Kind of crap a new boat nreds steering fins to maneuver correctly.

Enough with the negative- I think for most people the Jet boat is a great boat. They get out of the hole hard, can easily pull wakeboarders and tubers. The Yamaha layout is great and priced right.

Another big advantage to a Yamaha jet boat is this forum..lots of great info and members.... This is why many of us who moved on from Jet boats still come here.

 

[Sbrown]

A v6 sterndrive on a 22 ft boat will probably have trouble getting on plane with a full tank and a couple of friends. I wouldn't recommend an I/O on a sub 26ft boat. Most times the outdrive drafts too much and the whole drive system is usually too much weight in the stern, causing, among other things, too much bowrise when trying to get on plane, which is also going to take forever. On a smallish boat, theres typically not enough weight forward to counterbalance the drive. I/O's can also require quite a bit of maintenance especially for a new boater. Personally, I think I would be more likely to go with an outboard or a jet on a 22 footer.

 

[2kwik4u]

Jet drive 100% if it was my choice.

FAR less maintenance on a jet compared to a sterndrive. The drivetrain simplicity alone is worth the move IMO. Just fewer things to go wrong and fail on the jet system.

Also, nobody has mentioned it yet, so I'll throw it out there. You SHOULD NOT attempt to surf on a sterndrive (I don't care which direction the prop faces, surfing near a propeller is a damn bad idea). You can surf all you want on a jet. You might not want to surf now, but if you decide you want to try, you'll need another boat. The jet won't make a great wave for surfing without a ton of mods, but it'll get you started if you wanted to try it out.

Also, I voted 212S. It'll be a rocket ship compared to a 22ft V6 Sterndrive. 50+mph top speed, and enough holeshot to yank the rope out of anyones hands this side of pro boarders. Has more interior space than that M22 as well.