2017 Best Yamaha Valued Boat

[Chase Worthington]

What is the best overall valued boat on the new 2017 line?

 

[jcyamaharider]

WOW!!!! Talk about a tough question. Answers are going to vary because many of us like to do different things.

If I were to go out and buy a new Yamaha no question I would buy a 242X. My reasons are I like the 24 ft boat, speed control for watersports, onboard ballast already, a huge bimini, and a decent stereo to start off with that I wouldn't have to upgrade for at least a week.....LOL

To stay in a budget mind, my next choice would most defiantly be the AR240.

 

[props2you]

I think that's pretty subjective based on each individuals intended use and budget. An example is a 242x to me is not valid, our family doesn't get heavily into the watersports and the ballasts are not needed. The AR240 didn't have enough of the bells and whistles offered. But the 242 Limited S E series is perfect for all the right reasons (same boat as the 242x minus ballast, stereo and graphics); tower, electronic throttles, and all the other upgrades, along with getting a heck of a deal, to me it was value, to others, upgrades aren't needed or adequate.

It's a very subjective question, perceived values differ vastly from individual to individual.

 

[biglar155]

The gently used one you buy in 2018!

 

[captras]

I think that's pretty subjective based on each individuals intended use and budget. An example is a 242x to me is not valid, our family doesn't get heavily into the watersports and the ballasts are not needed. The AR240 didn't have enough of the bells and whistles offered. But the 242 Limited S E series is perfect for all the right reasons (same boat as the 242x minus ballast, stereo and graphics); tower, electronic throttles, and all the other upgrades, along with getting a heck of a deal, to me it was value, to others, upgrades aren't needed or adequate.

It's a very subjective question, perceived values differ vastly from individual to individual.

That is exactly why we went for the 242 Limited SE over the AR 240 or the 242X

 

[Glen]

*edited* HAD to add the 'towing capacity of current vehicles'

I'm with @jcyamaharider
I have 3 teenage kids (Ballast, stereo), adventurous water appetite (24 footer, dual engine: Dad) and a wife who loves hosting a crowd and Shade (24 footer & huge bimini: Mom).

No regrets after 100+ hours in year 1, including Bimini.
Not the best at any of the above but it has competently taken us from bass fishing in 18 inches of water to airborne, jumping 6-8 foot rollers off Bimini (@Bruce should never have warned us to not go out that day. @Kevin Sargent and I were each running for our boats as soon as he said that.)

But the point is, don't start with the boat.
Start with what, where and with who, do you have a use for the boat, AND the towing capacity of your current vehicle.
That will define the capabilities you prioritize for the boat.

The Yamaha we bought in '10 was for 1.)Shade (mom) 2.)Head (mom/kids) 3.) safety and size (young kids and friends) 4.) Ease of use/maintenance ($)
We bought the 232 Limited S. Largest boat, largest bimini, head space, jet boat (no lower unit, transmission or props). With kids that young we didn't need ballast and the trade-off of tower vs. shade was heavily weighted towards shade. (now we can have both).

 

[swatski]

...the point is, don't start with the boat.
Start with what, where and with who, do you have a use for the boat.
That will define the capabilities you prioritize for the boat.

Seriously good advice! This should be embedded somewhere here in the forum window, lol. Seriously.

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[waternutt]

I think that's pretty subjective based on each individuals intended use and budget. An example is a 242x to me is not valid, our family doesn't get heavily into the watersports and the ballasts are not needed. The AR240 didn't have enough of the bells and whistles offered. But the 242 Limited S E series is perfect for all the right reasons (same boat as the 242x minus ballast, stereo and graphics); tower, electronic throttles, and all the other upgrades, along with getting a heck of a deal, to me it was value, to others, upgrades aren't needed or adequate.

It's a very subjective question, perceived values differ vastly from individual to individual.

Being in the market for a Yamaha, my logic falls in line with you but I have having a heck of a time finding a leftover or used 2016 242 Limited S E series. What are your thoughts on the Limited S (non E series) or Limited E series (no tower)? I guess lot depends on whether one needs/wants a tower or the E series features. I want it all, so that is why I wish I could find a Limited S E.

 

[Glen]

Being in the market for a Yamaha, my logic falls in line with you but I have having a heck of a time finding a leftover or used 2016 242 Limited S E series. What are your thoughts on the Limited S (non E series) or Limited E series (no tower)? I guess lot depends on whether one needs/wants a tower or the E series features. I want it all, so that is why I wish I could find a Limited S E.

Look farther away from you, and for a 24 footer, for dealers in areas with smaller bodies of water or rivers.
They have a harder time selling the larger boats.

I bought my 232 in '10, 5 hours away from my home in VA (in NJ).
Saved a few grand from my local dealer and got exactly what I wanted.

 

[props2you]

Being in the market for a Yamaha, my logic falls in line with you but I have having a heck of a time finding a leftover or used 2016 242 Limited S E series. What are your thoughts on the Limited S (non E series) or Limited E series (no tower)? I guess lot depends on whether one needs/wants a tower or the E series features. I want it all, so that is why I wish I could find a Limited S E.

My dealer had a '16 Limited E without a tower, (I was coming from a 2010 limited) I was really close to pulling the trigger as I couldn't justify the tower/bimini. But, after weighing the pros and cons, '16 Limited E vs. '16 Limited SE and really considering the tenure of having the boat, my 2 boys (9 & 11) are getting into watersports, wake board, tubing etc. I had to really consider the bigger picture. Sure the Limited E would have been fine, but the tower and other upgrades will be worth it in the long run and have eventual added resale value. We love to sit and enjoy the water, floating, snorkeling and hanging out at the beach. The Limited SE fit our boating habits perfectly. Or... I could have gotten a 2017 Limited S for $500 cheaper than the new 2016 Limited SE, that was a no-brainer...

FWIW and my $.02, I spent last Sunday on the lake, and the 2016 242 Limited SE is outstandingly amazing. So many subtle and some obvious upgrades that make the boating experience so much more convenient and enjoyable. Connext is AMAZING (once acclimated), hinged seats, upgraded stereo (aftermarket upgrade 600w amp and 10" sub), it's noticeably wider, deeper and longer (coming from a 2010), it's quieter, smoother, the stern seat storage, bow locker with the ladder out of the way, the reconfigured cockpit, the fit and finish really is noticeable. So many more things to list, but it really is a beautifully mastered boat!

The bottom line is, it all depends on your tolerances, if you're good without a tower, then the Limited E will be great. I know as I get older, it's more about the quality of life and if you can afford the luxuries, it's all worth it

 

[Glen]

My dealer had a '16 Limited E without a tower, (I was coming from a 2010 limited) I was really close to pulling the trigger as I couldn't justify the tower/bimini. But, after weighing the pros and cons, '16 Limited E vs. '16 Limited SE and really considering the tenure of having the boat, my 2 boys (9 & 11) are getting into watersports, wake board, tubing etc. I had to really consider the bigger picture. Sure the Limited E would have been fine, but the tower and other upgrades will be worth it in the long run and have eventual added resale value. We love to sit and enjoy the water, floating, snorkeling and hanging out at the beach. The Limited SE fit our boating habits perfectly. Or... I could have gotten a 2017 Limited S for $500 cheaper than the new 2016 Limited SE, that was a no-brainer...

FWIW and my $.02, I spent last Sunday on the lake, and the 2016 242 Limited SE is outstandingly amazing. So many subtle and some obvious upgrades that make the boating experience so much more convenient and enjoyable. Connext is AMAZING (once acclimated), hinged seats, upgraded stereo (aftermarket upgrade 600w amp and 10" sub), it's noticeably wider, deeper and longer (coming from a 2010), it's quieter, smoother, the stern seat storage, bow locker with the ladder out of the way, the reconfigured cockpit, the fit and finish really is noticeable. So many more things to list, but it really is a beautifully mastered boat!

The bottom line is, it all depends on your tolerances, if you're good without a tower, then the Limited E will be great. I know as I get older, it's more about the quality of life and if you can afford the luxuries, it's all worth it

You should be on commission ;-)
(so with you brother)

 

[props2you]

You should be on commission ;-)
(so with you brother)

LOL!! You'd think right?!?! It's the classic definition of "word of mouth" advertising. If manufactures make a good enough product customers will sell it for them.

I also wanted to look at other manufactures, I looked REALLY hard at the 24ft Chap Vortex. They may have the Chap name, but I just don't think they're quite there yet with the whole jet boat understanding and ergonomics. If you're coming from a stern drive, you'll love the Chap layout, very similar to a stern drive layout or a waksetter, malibu type, not what I was in the market for. But hey, different strokes for different folks!

 

[Glen]

LOL!! You'd think right?!?! It's the classic definition of "word of mouth" advertising. If manufactures make a good enough product customers will sell it for them.

I also wanted to look at other manufactures, I looked REALLY hard at the 24ft Chap Vortex. They may have the Chap name, but I just don't think they're quite there yet with the whole jet boat understanding and ergonomics. If you're coming from a stern drive, you'll love the Chap layout, very similar to a stern drive layout or a waksetter, malibu type, not what I was in the market for. But hey, different strokes for different folks!

Brother, you need to be in sales. Or an Evangelist. It is what you are! ;-)

 

[zipper]

Today, my wife went to the cupboard to get our poor dog a bone, but when she got there, the cupboard was bare, so we went to Pet Food Warehouse and when we got there, all i could do is stare, at the newly arrived 2017 Yamahas across the road, just thought I'd share. Ya I know pretty lame rhyme. Here are a few pics. They still have shipping covers on, and have most models available.

 

[Chase Worthington]

Damn that Blue AR210 looks nice.

 

[robert843]

What is the best overall valued boat on the new 2017 line?

This is an easy question if it must be new any of the base model tower boats AR series. They will all take less depreciation then any other model based on what I have seen on the used market when I was just shopping. Many of the other boats are nice and offer great features that are valued by the current owner but seem to depreciate fast on the used market. I'm basing this on what boats I saw sell over the last 6 months and what they sold for not what boats are listed for on the market.

 

[kstrd23]

Being in the market for a Yamaha, my logic falls in line with you but I have having a heck of a time finding a leftover or used 2016 242 Limited S E series. What are your thoughts on the Limited S (non E series) or Limited E series (no tower)? I guess lot depends on whether one needs/wants a tower or the E series features. I want it all, so that is why I wish I could find a Limited S E.

I found this dealer when I was looking for the same boat. He had a few left last month. This is still currently listed on boat trader. Don't know how far you're willing to drive, but it's a hell of a deal

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2016-yamaha-242-limited-s-eseries-102908405

 

[waternutt]

Look farther away from you, and for a 24 footer, for dealers in areas with smaller bodies of water or rivers.
They have a harder time selling the larger boats.

I have looked out to ~500 miles from me. Just not many out there for sale right now.

I found this dealer when I was looking for the same boat. He had a few left last month. This is still currently listed on boat trader. Don't know how far you're willing to drive, but it's a hell of a deal

Good deal, but sorry, not driving 1000 miles to pick up a boat. And I will want to see it before buying so shipping is out. Just my OCD.

My dealer had a '16 Limited E without a tower, (I was coming from a 2010 limited) I was really close to pulling the trigger as I couldn't justify the tower/bimini. But, after weighing the pros and cons, '16 Limited E vs. '16 Limited SE and really considering the tenure of having the boat, my 2 boys (9 & 11) are getting into watersports, wake board, tubing etc. I had to really consider the bigger picture. Sure the Limited E would have been fine, but the tower and other upgrades will be worth it in the long run and have eventual added resale value. We love to sit and enjoy the water, floating, snorkeling and hanging out at the beach. The Limited SE fit our boating habits perfectly. Or... I could have gotten a 2017 Limited S for $500 cheaper than the new 2016 Limited SE, that was a no-brainer...

FWIW and my $.02, I spent last Sunday on the lake, and the 2016 242 Limited SE is outstandingly amazing. So many subtle and some obvious upgrades that make the boating experience so much more convenient and enjoyable. Connext is AMAZING (once acclimated), hinged seats, upgraded stereo (aftermarket upgrade 600w amp and 10" sub), it's noticeably wider, deeper and longer (coming from a 2010), it's quieter, smoother, the stern seat storage, bow locker with the ladder out of the way, the reconfigured cockpit, the fit and finish really is noticeable. So many more things to list, but it really is a beautifully mastered boat!

The bottom line is, it all depends on your tolerances, if you're good without a tower, then the Limited E will be great. I know as I get older, it's more about the quality of life and if you can afford the luxuries, it's all worth it

So you are saying the E-series features are worth it? My kids are young still, but I think I would like a tower for me to do watersports (if I can teach the wife how to drive) even if it is a few times. I also think you hit the nail on the head with your highlighted comments above. That is my philosophy...just need to get the wife on board.

 

[Ancient canoe]

How much money would it take to take an AR240 and make it the equivalent in function to a 242x? I know that everything integrated into connext wouldn't be doable, but just for functionality what kind of money would it take?

 

[swatski]

How much money would it take to take an AR240 and make it the equivalent in function to a 242x? I know that everything integrated into connext wouldn't be doable, but just for functionality what kind of money would it take?

The way I see it, there are two features of the X/E series that can not be upgraded aftermarket (in a sensible way - that would make financial sense):

1. E-throttles
2. the large Yamaha bimini

Everything else can be had better and at less cost - aftermarket, IMO.

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