Which boat?

[n1111z]

New guy here, I'm trying to decide which Yamaha jet boat to get. Could someone please comment on some of the differences between the 19" and the 24' in terms of ride, slow speed maneuver, etc. We live on Charlotte Harbor and will be on the Gulf some. Any links to threads/articles will be appreciated, thanks!

 

[haknslash]

Big difference in ride from a 19' to the 24'. If you plan to ride in the gulf a lot get the biggest boat you can IMO. All Yamaha boats are very light (by comparison of non-jet boats) so none of them are going to be heavy enough to plow big waves without you feeling it. The smaller boats you'll feel it more than the larger ones. If 90% of my riding was offshore I would not be looking at these boats as I feel larger and heavier boats would be better suited. Don't get me wrong I love the Yamahas and they are very capable boats but if you're offshore a lot there are better choices to be had. What do you intend to use the boat for? These boats are geared around family fun and lounging out (except FSH models for fishing) while being able to get into shallow places other boats might have more trouble with. They can make trips to the Bahamas so they can take some seas too. I would suggest looking at the past Bimini trips and videos to get an idea how they handle seas and surf.

 

[haknslash]

@Neutron what picture ? I think you meant a different emote?

 

[Bruce]

The biggest you can afford. If you buy a 19' you will likely sell her at a loss when you upgrade next year.

 

[haknslash]

All boats are sold at a loss unles you stole it when you got it

 

[n1111z]

The biggest you can afford. If you buy a 19' you will likely sell her at a loss when you upgrade next year.

Mostly will be staying in the bay running back and forth to Captiva and Sannibel and some fishing

 

[Bruce]

My reasoning is not as much that you will want a larger boat for rough water handling but that your party will grow once you start boating so you will want more capacity for people and stuff.

@1948Isaac woild have one of the best opinions on the difference in 19' and 24' handling.

We often give the advice of "buy your second boat first." A very valid option that many of us take is to buy a used boat for similar or less money to a new 19 footer.

 

[haknslash]

When I was boat shopping the idea of buying a used boat vs new was moot. Yea they were bottom dollar cheaper but the interest rates were higher on the used boats and they also would not finance for the same amount of months as a new boat. So buying used was actually going to cost me more than buying new per interest rates and premiums. Yes used boats will be cheaper than new but it has its negatives as well like owner history, maintenance, warranty, financing options, etc. There are several factors that come into buying a boat as we all know and it's not a white and black do this plan and this is how it goes kind of thing.

When I was shopping it started out with looking at the 24' boats but buying new was out of the question due to their cost and buying used still put the premiums higher than I wanted to pay for a family toy we would use seasonal. So then I dropped it down to the 21' boats and really liked the 212X aside from the tower on the older models at the time. But the price of buying new was still too much for me to want to pay so I looked used. My issue became finding a good used 212X with a good deal a little above the cost of a new 19'. So then I looked into the 212SS and liked everything about it except the raised passenger chair. It drove me nuts seeing over the windshield and really wanted the bench seat of the X but was willing to live with it if I could afford it new but premiums were still too high and I didn't want a used 212SS. Then we talked about the 19' boat and since most of my time is on lakes and I have a small family of just one child it works great for us. I don't have droves of friends come trying to go boating with me because they know I'm gonna hit them up for chipping in on gas, drinks, food or whatever. Nobody rides for free except maybe the first time I take them out lol. I've had 3 adults and two teenagers on my boat + coolers and gear in the bay and it was still plenty of room and the boat ran great. I would however not want to have the 8 persons max my boat says it could carry as it would be way too crowded and the single engine would not be happy pulling all that weight. So a larger twin engine boat would be more ideal if you intend to have large parties out with you. It all depends on your needs.

I don't believe in buy your second boat first saying. There are sooooooooo many factors that come into play that it's impossible to know exactly what you want or what really fits into your life. It would be just as gray to say buy your second home first lol. I believe in buy the boat that fits your needs but also doesn't leave you hating the payment each month. For me it was something that fit in my garage (#1 priority), fit within my budget (#2 priority) and spacious enough for my family (#3 priority). Anything after that was fun factor stuff like tower (which helps with resale), supercharger, etc.

 

[Neutron]

@Neutron what picture ? I think you meant a different emote?

damn fat fingers. lmao

 

[Bennie]

I'd highly recommend the largest you a get. We only have a family of three and love having a 24 footer! (Four if you include the great dane)

As @Bruce stated above don't just get the boat for you, get one for EVERYONE that will be on there. Additionally remember those kids are going to grow, want to bring friends and do more and more water sports. Imho

 

[Bennie]

@Neutron don't let @haknslash bust your balls..... we're all human

Case and point:

would not fiancé for the same amount of months

Sorry bud.... couldn't help myself

 

[haknslash]

Haha he knows I'm just messing and yes autocorrect or auto typing on my stupid iPad has a mind of its own. I find myself correcting the 'autocorrect' more times than not lol.

 

[Neutron]

Nice catch

 

[Neutron]

Haha he knows I'm just messing and yes autocorrect or auto typing on my stupid iPad has a mind of its own. I find myself correcting the 'autocorrect' more times than not lol.

My wife just leaves whatever word pops up and leaves me trying to figure what the heck she means

 

[haknslash]

And yes I agree, buy the biggest boat you can afford and live with. Just don't put yourself out of your budget or live on the edge for something that is going to be used recreationally. At least that's my way of thinking. I bought my boat with the mindset of upgrading within a few years. I'm on my second season now and intend to keep it for at least another season or two before upgrading. By then I'm not sure what kind of boat I'll be getting as it could be anything from a cruiser to a surf boat to another jet boat (all depends on what big changes Yamaha has in store for a model refresh).

 

[Bennie]

Just don't put yourself out of your budget or live on the edge for something that is going to be used recreationally

@n1111z - this is very true. Remember this is just a toy. Same as you can buy a $45K Harley, but the $12K bike may fit your needs better. I highly recommend bringing the family and testing out the boats. You'll have everyone on board when you use the boat, so it will be beneficial to have them on board when you test the boat as well.

No matter what boat you buy, as you use it for a few seasons you will start to be able to fine tune what works best for you and your family and take that knowledge into the next boat. As for the ride I personally suggest that you try them both. They both have their pro's and con's which need to be felt and tested on the water.... which your dealer should be able to easily do for you.

 

[haknslash]

When I test rode the 212SS back to back with the 192 there was a big difference in how each boat handled and performed. The 19' felt like a sports car, very light feeling but also planted at the same time just like a sports car feels. The holeshot from the supercharged engine was impressive. The 212SS also felt sporty but carved a little wider than the 19' hull but also handled crossing the wakes better with less feeling of impact due to more weight and size. I can only imagine the same is true for 21' boats vs 24' boats. As @Bennie said do some test rides with your family on all the boats. Most Yamaha dealers should be willing to provide this for you if they want to make a sale.

 

[Neutron]

Having never tested a 19 or 21 i can only give you input on the 24. That said my boat does not handle like most other 24 foot boats. It feels smaller behind the wheel. Easily manageable for docking (even without fins)
Towing is easy as well since its lighter than most 24s.
Launching and retrieving is a breeze even when the water level at the dock is extremely low
It has plenty of storage and seating
Having a friend with a 16 ar190 and seeing the differences side by side if its affordable i would always pick the one with more room.
Jmho

 

[Britboater]

I had a 190 and loved it, however I would have to check the wind and Harbor condictions in detail, I got caught out returning from Cayo Costa, Captiva etc a few times and had a hell of a time returning up the Harbor, the boat took the impacts but me and the passengers didn't, hence I upgraded to a 240.
The 240 rides a bigger wave obviously but not as good as I thought, if trim plates were fitted I think it might alleviate the bounce and slap a little but you will still get beat up sometime travelling up Peace River, I just don't worry too much now that I have a higher free board and twin engine security.

On another note, my recommendation is to be very wary of Sunsports, I purchased mine from them and would never go back, also stay well clear of the service side.