Yamaha Model Years to avoid?

[arehs9]

I am thinking of getting a Yamaha jet boat. I was thinking of getting a better pontoon, as my lake is rather shallow and I like the space, but then I came across Yamaha jet boats and they seem perfect for what I want (lots of room, much better than a pontoon for water sports, can deal with a shallow lake, etc). I’m probably gonna wait till the off-season, but I was curious if there is certain model years to Avoid, or is there a certain year when they really improved? Ex. Like 2011+ are much better than previous or something along those lines.

thanks for any insight!

Also curious if anyone has gone from a pontoon to a jet boat, and what were your thoughts?

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

The only advice I think would be to get a test drive in the boat(s) you are considering and reading up on each years model on this forum and others. Besides sizes, twin engine or single, stylings, seat layout, bimini-tower and dash gadgetry they're all the same pretty much . The biggest changes have been the Motors and I think the gadgetry at the dash as now its a more graphic interface.

I have a basic 2017 19' which is a single motor, 4 stroke, naturally aspirated 1800 cc (1.8 ltr). This 1.8 ltr motor can also be found on some Yamahas with a SuperCharger. Additionally the older Yamahas came with a motor designated as the MR -1 and going back even further the Yamahas were outfitted with Two-Stroke motors. They are all good motors but the key will be the condition they were maintained in.

Get a test drive and really go through the boat before buying. Pay special attention to the engine compartment and don't be afraid to use the video and record what you cant see down there in the engine bay...lots of nastiness can lurk there.

Good Luck!

 

[arehs9]

The only advice I think would be to get a test drive in the boat(s) you are considering and reading up on each years model on this forum and others. Besides sizes, twin engine or single, stylings, seat layout, bimini-tower and dash gadgetry they're all the same pretty much . The biggest changes have been the Motors and I think the gadgetry at the dash as now its a more graphic interface.

I have a basic 2017 19' which is a single motor, 4 stroke, naturally aspirated 1800 cc (1.8 ltr). This 1.8 ltr motor can also be found on some Yamahas with a SuperCharger. Additionally the older Yamahas came with a motor designated as the MR -1 and going back even further the Yamahas were outfitted with Two-Stroke motors. They are all good motors but the key will be the condition they were maintained in.

Get a test drive and really go through the boat before buying. Pay special attention to the engine compartment and don't be afraid to use the video and record what you cant see down there in the engine bay...lots of nastiness can lurk there.

Good Luck!

Thanks!

 

[Cambo]

17 and newer have an updated cam timing chain. There were some reports of failures not really high but some info to help you decide. It seemed to be more prevalent on the jet skis with the turbo. Could be attributed to more fluctuation in engine rpm and max rpm. The boats don’t get the same type of use. But look up timing chain failure its a very expensive repair.

 

[the MfM]

Find a nice well taken care of boat and then search for that models known issues.

oil lines, oil cooler, water in ecu, timing chain, scupper, anchor locker drain, covid etc. are all known and well discussed.

 

[Drift Away]

I went from a Jet boat to a pontoon.

 

[arehs9]

What is your Thoughts on the switch?

I went from a Jet boat to a pontoon.
View attachment 181816View attachment 181817

 

[Drift Away]

What is your Thoughts on the switch?

Definitely a smoother ride and lots more room. Even with a 300 dont have the speed of the jet boat, when its windy its a little harder to control and little harder getting in and out. But over all glade i made the change.