New to boating and not a good start.

[Brand1119]

We recently purchased a 2013 AR240. However during our first time on the lake during our orientation with the dealer the low oil pressure alarm went off and put a quick damper on our excitement. The end result was a bad crankshaft bearing and the motor needed a rebuild. Obviously the dealer is covering the cost, but it has me a little concerned. Is this a common problem with these motors? The boat only had 78 hours of use and after we discovered the problem, we were informed the port side motor was also rebuilt recently. Considering both motors needed replaced with less than 80 hours, is there anything else I should be concerned about? I purchased from a large reputable dealer, but since it’s a used boat, we are only in warranty through the end of this boating season. Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

 

[Julian]

This is not normal. Sounds like this boat had some real issues with the prior owner.

 

[swatski]

We recently purchased a 2013 AR240. However during our first time on the lake during our orientation with the dealer the low oil pressure alarm went off and put a quick damper on our excitement. The end result was a bad crankshaft bearing and the motor needed a rebuild. Obviously the dealer is covering the cost, but it has me a little concerned. Is this a common problem with these motors? The boat only had 78 hours of use and after we discovered the problem, we were informed the port side motor was also rebuilt recently. Considering both motors needed replaced with less than 80 hours, is there anything else I should be concerned about? I purchased from a large reputable dealer, but since it’s a used boat, we are only in warranty through the end of this boating season. Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

What @Julian said.
The only recurrent (albeit very rare) 1.8 engine failure modality that's been reported is Timing Chain breakage - rare but it happens - and it is generally covered (in or out of warranty) by Yamaha.

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[Bruce]

The 1.8 engines in your boat are relatively new having been used since 2010. The previous four stroke, higher revving 1.1 liter MR1 engines have been known to go for 2,000 to 4,000 hours without a rebuild in rental skis. Yamaha two stroke engines were expected to need top end rebuilds every 400 hours.

With the exception of timing chains on 2015 (much less frequent for other years) and oil cooler bolts on 2010 models I expect 1.8s to be highly reliable with the majority surviving into four digit hours ranges with annual oil and spark plug changes.

Based on the crank bearing failure I would be worried about internal corrosion in both engines. Have you asked if the boat was swamped?

 

[Brand1119]

The 1.8 engines in your boat are relatively new having been used since 2010. The previous four stroke, higher revving 1.1 liter MR1 engines have been known to go for 2,000 to 4,000 hours without a rebuild in rental skis. Yamaha two stroke engines were expected to need top end rebuilds every 400 hours.

With the exception of timing chains on 2015 (much less frequent for other years) and oil cooler bolts on 2010 models I expect 1.8s to be highly reliable with the majority surviving into four digit hours ranges with annual oil and spark plug changes.

Based on the crank bearing failure I would be worried about internal corrosion in both engines. Have you asked if the boat was swamped?

I don’t think it was swamped, but the dealer purchased at auction and doesn’t know the history of the boat. The boat appeared very clean and with the low hours, we were not expecting the problems, but I guess with a used boat with unknown history, you never know. What other signs should I look for to tell if it was swamped?

 

[bronze_10]

Can u run? Or is the deal set?

 

[robert843]

I don’t think it was swamped, but the dealer purchased at auction and doesn’t know the history of the boat. The boat appeared very clean and with the low hours, we were not expecting the problems, but I guess with a used boat with unknown history, you never know. What other signs should I look for to tell if it was swamped?

If they did a good job cleaning it up its not easy to tell always. There are wood partitions between compartments in the rear feel them for any soft spots. Also if got swamped in any kind of sandy water you can pull the opening back at the clean out plugs put you hand down into that rear bilge area and see if you feel an excessive amount of sand or any other debris.

 

[Brand1119]

Can u run? Or is the deal set?

Unfortunately the deal is set. I let my excitement get the best of me and signed paperwork and financing before we took it out. The dealer does seem to want to make it right, so we haven’t tried to back out, but since we never took possession, I’m sure a good lawyer could get us out of it.

 

[bronze_10]

If one engine needs rebuilding and the other one has already been rebuilt at 78 hours.. I would try to run! Sorry to say... But if u get stuck with it we will help u as much as we can.

 

[NewBoater]

I would run away from the deal

 

[spatty99]

I would do what is needed to cancel the sale. These 2 blown motors are an indication of major condition issues.