which boat

[Jack L]

Hello all, I'm am looking at new boats and thinking about a Yamaha AR 240. I've never owned a PWC or a jet powered boat. I have watched many videos boattest, and others......and read a bit of material. Is the sound level as low as they say it is and how are they around the dock? any input would be greatly appreciated.
Jack

 

[Julian]

Are you looking at buying new or used? Answers will vary depending on the year you are considering.

Boattest measures the sound using a db meter, so it is what they say it is. These boats are not as quiet as your typical IO/OB, but they get closer every year.

Handling a jet boat is different than other boats. I never have trouble around a dock unless the wind is blowing - the bimini on my boat acts like a sail!

 

[Jack L]

I am looking at new. I'm a little confused on going with Yamaha, Scarab or Chaparral.

 

[Beachbummer]

It is a common and valid question. Few people have had both, but there is a lot of existing discussion. If you browse past posts you will see a lot.

When are you looking to buy? 2019 brings some new options.

Best of luck on your search!

 

[Jack L]

Thanks. I'm looking to buy end of this year early next. Might wait until show season to look at different models in 1 place?

 

[Whisky]

Hey Jack,

+1 on Julian’s comments, I can only speak from experience with Yamaha’s, so can’t comment on others.

They aren’t silent but I have no complaints, when putting around We can chat at normal volumes, if doing water sports we can all still communicate easily enough, and my hearing is notoriously bad to start with.

Around the dock is interesting, so I’ve never driven anything but a jet and currently have no aftermarket devices to help around the dock. Honestly, I have no complaints, I almost always get compliments about my docking, I can come in with a bit of speed, stop on a dime and if needed slide myself sideways without much trouble. I honestly think that I can probably dock the jet better than I would be able to a prop boat. The ability to go in and out of neutral/reverse without a transmission helps a bunch!

Will admit wind on the Bimini does make it harder, but I doubt that’s limited to jet boats, I just try my best to use the wind to my advantage.



As for which brand, I have had two Yamaha’s. I love the layout, the engines ar generally reliable and accessible, the aftermarket community is great, and the great folks on this site can’t be beat. They do help to make for a great ownership experience.

Best advice is to look for a local dealer who will support you, whichever boat you purchase, if new, you will need a dealer that puts an emphasis on great customer service.

I like that the Yamaha engines and Yamaha boats are tied together so there is never a disagreement, also at this point most Yamaha dealers are more established and familiar with jets, many chap or scarab dealers are still learning their way around brp engines (though with a few years under their belt now that is quickly changing)

A few other things, we have only needed to use the clean out ports once, but without them I would have been swimming.... and this was an early season ride so I’m glad I got to avoid getting wet. I really like the layout and space of the Yamaha’s. I have also really appreciated the reliability, and ability to control each engine independently when needed.

Hope those thoughts help, either way buy the boat that feels good to you from the dealer you trust, get out on the water and have fun!

Good luck

 

[Jack L]

Thanks Whisky. I am leaning toward the Yamaha, and will most likely go with this brand. I have seen pricing all over the place. 2018 AR240 for 53,900 at a local dealer with an upgrade to a galvanized trailer. Any thoughts on pricing?

 

[Whisky]

Sorry, not much help on pricing here, I’m up in Canada so between tariffs and exchange I’m drooling over the magical prices down south.

 

[Jack L]

thanks anyway

 

[CraigLombardi]

Jack- I cannot comment too much about noise or docking as I just purchased a 2018 242 Limited S. I am always looking for the best pricing though and so I did a LOT of hunting for that cost. For an AR240 the best I could find was $51.5 + taxes. I am not sure where you are located so pricing will vary based on dealer inventory. If you can wait a few months you may be able to get one for less but than you have storage and loan carrying costs while you, potentially, cannot use the boat due to cold weather. If you are in a warm state then weather will not make much of a difference.

 

[Jack L]

Thank Craig, I'm in Connecticut.

 

[captras]

Good luck on your search.....it does get daunting. I owned a Four Winns I/O for almost 18 years. Great boat. I now own a 2016 (bought new) 242 Limited SE. In my opinion the noise level is just as good, if not better in the Yamaha. Really, the difference I notice is not the db level, but the pitch level. I am running 2 engines at 5-6000 RPM as opposed to one at about 3500. It is a higher pitched sound, but not louder. At cruise speed you can easily carry on a conversation. As for maneuverability, it is very different and takes getting used to. However, I agree with one of the earlier posts that I can maneuver this boat MUCH better than my old I/O. Shifting is so easy, and with practice you can easily do a 360 inside the length of the boat. I have done it and seen some onlookers that were pretty impressed. All the brands are decent. I do agree that Yamaha has been in the jet boat business longer. They have more experience with marine jet engines in boats, and they make their own power systems. One HUGE advantage is the clean outs. I have been able to clear debris in a matter of minutes that would have taken a plunge under the boat, at best, or a slow trip to the ramp to pull the boat out of the water.

 

[Jack L]

Thanks for the info.

 

[CraigLombardi]

Thank Craig, I'm in Connecticut.

Not sure what taxes look like but in looking at Boattrader.com I found this one which is lower than I could find.

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2018-yamaha-ar240-103263243/?refSource=standard+listing