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Need a crash course on AR 240s please

PeteZ06

Member
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Points
10
Boat Make
Yamaha
Year
2020
Boat Model
AR
Boat Length
24
Looking to buy one within the next couple months. Budget up to $50k .

What are some of the major changes throughout the years ?

Are there any years to avoid?

Any and all help/advice will be much appreciated .
 
I want to say timing chain issues could happen on any year 2016 and older, so shoot for 2017 or newer.

Have you had a jet boat before? Be a good idea to see if you can get a water test on how they feel, way different than an inboard or I/O.

With your budget you should be able to get a fairly newer one with all the options.
 
With that budget a 2019 or a 2020 would be the sweet spot. I would stay away from the Covid boats myself. 2021 to 2024 would be a no go for me. Articulating keel started in 2019 I believe and the revised bucket design. Not one problem with my 2019. Should be able to get a well sorted 2019 or 2020 for that dough.
 
Was there any major hull redesign lately?

Would thrust vectors on an earlier model do the same as articulating keels on 2019+ models?
 
Have another question …

We live in an area with only fresh water .. so I can pick up a 2010-2014 AR 240 with 150-225 hrs.. upgraded stereos, mats, thrust vectors.. basically all sorted out .. for around 30-35k…. What are the benefits of spending $50k on a newer model ?
 
My only advise about the AK boats is to not beach them, especially stern to shore. Incoming waves/wakes can cause the AK/mount hinge point to break. I have seen a few over the years.
 
Was there any major hull redesign lately?

Would thrust vectors on an earlier model do the same as articulating keels on 2019+ models?
I strongly suggest you first drive the boat as is.
Once you do you will understand the shortcomings of the steering handling and tracking of the boat. And then you will know what to address.

Articulating keels were first introduced on the 2015 boats with a few exceptions like 19 foot boats were in 2016 and 21 foot in 2017.
Also these boats loose steering and just plow water if you are turning and rapidly decelerate. That alone could be a serious issue when retrieving downed water sport participants.
They also loose speed when making a turn and they have a lot of bow wander on plane.
Also the twin engine rudder setup relies on only the right side of the steering system to operate the rudder.
This has caused the right steering cable to break if the rudder hits the ground from the left side pushing the to the right, snapping the steering linkage next to the nozzle where the adjustment threads are located.
Having the patented second tie rod setup splits the work load increasing longevity and creates redundancy in the steering so if one side ever failed the steering effect would not be compromised as the remaining side would continue to provide the full steering effect the twin tie rod setup also holds the nozzle angle settings so it does not rely on the nozzle cables to do that thus holding the settings.
I started the aftermarket jet boat steering after inventing steering for a jet boat that I purchased and totally hated how it handled .
After adding my steering to it I could not believe the huge difference it made I loved it , soon people started asking me to make them for Yamaha boats , That was 23 years ago going into year 24 now.
I make model specific steering with a large variety of options all at buy direct discount prices all year long and free domestic shipping .
My systems provide the most features and benefits available .
So do your research , As for steering it really does not matter if it has a rudder or not.
My systems solve the steering issues from slow speed to wide open throttle and even during rapid deceleration and you can tack big waves . You get adjustments on most and a choice of base or deluxe systems plus other options like extra slow speed forward and reverse improvements . Some have paining surfaces for faster hole shot and a smoother ride in chop. So just remember my advice , do your research before you buy any steering product .
 
Have another question …

We live in an area with only fresh water .. so I can pick up a 2010-2014 AR 240 with 150-225 hrs.. upgraded stereos, mats, thrust vectors.. basically all sorted out .. for around 30-35k…. What are the benefits of spending $50k on a newer model ?


Anyone ?
 
The benefits of spending on newer models are newer tech and avoiding the possible timing chain issue. If you’re somewhat handy it’s very easy to upgrade the flooring, speakers, etc. Come spring there will be plenty of boats for sale, I wouldn’t jump on anything just yet.

If your budget is truly 50k you will easily find newer models with upgrades too. Now if it’s purely out of convenience because there are a few older 240s close to you then go for it. I have a 2021 AR250 in my area for only 50k, granted it doesn’t have a ton of upgrades but low hours and it’s the newer 250 hull.
 
The benefits of spending on newer models are newer tech and avoiding the possible timing chain issue. If you’re somewhat handy it’s very easy to upgrade the flooring, speakers, etc. Come spring there will be plenty of boats for sale, I wouldn’t jump on anything just yet.

If your budget is truly 50k you will easily find newer models with upgrades too. Now if it’s purely out of convenience because there are a few older 240s close to you then go for it. I have a 2021 AR250 in my area for only 50k, granted it doesn’t have a ton of upgrades but low hours and it’s the newer 250 hull.

Do you have a link to it ?
 
Here’s a link to the 21 AR250, fbook marketplace, not sure where you’re from but this one is in western Iowa.

 
The troubled years for timing chain issues were engine manufactured 2014 and 2015. But there were many other years prior and after that had failures. But the "bad batch of chains were those years,
If i were in the market today for a used ar240 in your price range i would look for a 2019. 2020 started to see the covid issues. 2021 was the change to the ar250, which i find doesn't have as nice of an interior look. And i prefer the rear swim platform and seating better on the 240
 
The troubled years for timing chain issues were engine manufactured 2014 and 2015. But there were many other years prior and after that had failures. But the "bad batch of chains were those years,
This is the accurate response to the Timing Chain fear. Late 2014, early 2015. 2010-2014 were solid boats and I even saw an SX240 dip down to the pre-covid pricing of $25K this past week. If you find a used one with the upgrades "you put value on" not the seller, than snatch it up.

Save a pile of cash and put it into the things you want. New flooring, electronics or steering enhancement. I bump up to a 242LS and enjoy the nicer cushions, tower and lights. That's why we did it that way, and have yet to regret the decision.
 
You haven't responded to your experience with jetboats, or any experience with other propulsion either.

The way I see it, the older boat MAY be closer to needing service than the newer one (theoretically) should be.

If you're not handy, or good at research, or impatient, I would go with the newer boat to have less issues, sooner (in theory).

If you're the type to throw money at a problem, that point is somewhat moot, as it then would be a question of what you'd view as the better cost savings proposition - service and/or maintenance cost for the older boat, or added doodads and geegaws for the new boat to "make it yours"

The articulating keel is helpful, but not a cure, and it may be enough for you, or you may want more help. If you're towing skiers or tubers, get a steering system in addition. If not, try the boat and see how you like it before adding anything to it.

Everything else is a money proposition, and that's for you to decide. You also haven't mentioned how this would be paid for or financed, and what you actually want or prefer for amenities - these are things we are well versed to offer targeted advice on.
 
Using this sites search engine will bring a plethora of information regarding the boat you’re looking for. Also go into the model specific forums. Doing this research yourself will yield the greatest amount of knowledge in your buying decision process. Also check the FAQ section about buying a new boat and what to look for. There is so much information on this site!

Thrust vectors and the articulating keel have two different missions, thrust vectors help with low speed handling, but the thrust nozzle redesign in 2019 along with the no wake button at level 2 or especially 3 used with the throttle TDE position will give brisk directional control at low speed, this is OEM equipment that you can exploit with no extra $$$ initially. The articulating keel is to prevent spin outs and improve higher speed handling.

You, the OP, should provide more details to the group about your experience, intentions etc will help members here provide you with more specific knowledge. In other words help us help you.

What are you going to use the boat for?
Where are you going to use the boat?
How many people are going to be boating with you?
 
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