Advice appreciated

[Patman941]

Was in the market for new AR240. As we know it’s extremely difficult to find these unicorns. I have since expanded my search criteria to 2018 or newer with low hours.

Ive been working with my local dealer and have a deposit down there for the next boat that arrives (dealer believes they will not get any this model year).

My salesman reached out today and advised that a previous customer is about to trade in a mint condition 2016 242 limited S. Upgraded audio, sea dek throughout, thrust vectors, tint, brand new in the box Yamaha mooring cover, and several other smaller mods. The boat has 93 hours on the engines and the owner, so I was told, was OCD about the boat and took excellent care of maintenance.

Boat will be at $49,900 with no wiggle room. I’m concerned about the amount of hours on the engines. I know everyone will tell me these engines are bullet proof and I shouldn’t be concerned about 93 hours as it’s low for these boats. I just can’t help shake the thought that a new boat will last me longer and not cost much more per month.

Any advice or things to look for specifically would be much appreciated. Am I being crazy about 93 hours? Is this a good deal? I feel like it is. I will be financing the boat and the used boat rates are about 2% points higher than what Yamaha is currently offering. Photos attached. Thanks all.

 

[Dixie Highway]

93 hours is pretty low, I have 78 hours on my 2018, and I only get a 6 month season. Boat looks solid, and you won’t touch a new 242 limited for that price. If it suits you, I’d say you would do ok purchasing this. I can’t speak to whether it‘s a good deal or not, I can tell you that it sounds like inventory is tight all over the US so if you want a boat this year you might have to take what you can get.

 

[sunbyrned]

Regarding the hours... I bought mine with 57 hours and she had almost 100 after my first season. I guess it depends on how much you’ll be using it, but 97 doesn’t seem like a lot to me. The boat you’re looking at looks really nice! Perhaps post these pics on the forum and see if the previous owner recognizes it and can give you some insight. I would also try to see if you can find any blemishes in the gelcoat. If so, it could be evidence of a hidden repair job. Hope this helps some.

 

[SamN44]

I bought my boat new and have put 10 hours on in 3 weekends. Boats deteriorate more from neglect than running them. Don't be afraid of the hour meter.

 

[Julian]

I certainly wouldn't worry about 93 hours.

 

[captras]

If these boats are taken care of and you perform the required maintenance, they will last several thousand hours. I have read about jetski rental places that have Yamaha skis with this amount of time and have had no problems. I have about 160 hours on my 2016 and it runs like the day I got it...as well it should. These engines have been pretty well proven. I am no expert, but from all I have read, this all seems to be true. I would not hesitate to buy a 93 hour Yamaha that has been properly maintained. Good Luck!

 

[Patman941]

Is there anything like a CarFax for boats that shows if there are any documented insurance claims or other issues?