I would say our boating intentions focus primarily on cruising, sandbars, going to waterfront dinner/drinks and possibly some tubing with the grandkids. Anywhere from 2 to 10 people would be would be possible.
Honestly, I like the thought of the additional drive system for tight maneuvering however, after you mentioned that I think it will lose its appeal rather quickly once learning how to finesse the twins. The extra money saved would be a great addition to the fuel tank for sure.
This weekend is spoken for on my end as well , if you do go out before the Metro Show please do reach out. I am definitely going to the boat show at metro.
I have spoken with Don out at wonderland and and he seems like a pretty straight shooter as well, More curious about their service department/service team and the quality of work they provide.
Wonderland is a good dealer. I have met Don once. Ryan is the Sales Manager, whom sold me my boat and whom I deal with. I can't say anything about their Service department since I have never used them. The only thing that I needed service on was my steering cable which froze up. They couldn't get the part from Yamaha for months and they were backlogged because of Covid. Weird Times. So I just ordered one for myself and did it. I do all of my own service and most everyone here on the forums does their own as well. I prefer because I am over meticulous about it.
Anyhow. The 252SD is a nice boat. You would need to look at everything it upgrades over the AR250 and other models to see if it is worth it to you for an extra $30k circa. I have used the drive system and personally am not interested or need it. I can maneuver my boat and turn it on a dime. Parallel it, etc. etc. But it took some practice and a few days out of throwing fenders in the water and practicing. All the other upgrades are not important to me/us. Of course they may be to you. The other factor is cost for me. If I had money falling out of my ass I would probably buy the top of the line. Unfortunately I can't get to that point in life yet
I would highly recommend getting the galvanized trailer or aluminum trailer since you indicated that you will be pulling down to the Ocean. Mine is painted and has been in the salt water once.
I also use Steering Fins, which I installed. Game changer for steering at no wake and at all speeds. I use Cobra Jet Fins.
@Cobra Jet Steering LLC He is a member here and there are many posts regarding them. Others use Thrust Vectors, which I find inadequate since they only provide assist at slow speeds and no wake. The Fins help a ton crossing through the chop and the bathtub that can be lake Huron and most assuredly Lake St. Clair. These type of mods you will need to install yourself. I don't have a problem assisting if you want, I have worked on many Yamaha's for those modding their boats, both members here and others locally.
Trim Tabs are another item that I would highly recommend, I have them and love them. The Admiral is very happy with them as well. If you were just inland lake boating I wouldn't put them on, but if you are going into LSC and big water on the Weekends when the boat chop is up and it can become a bathtub, they are a game changer. I use Lectrotab. Are they an absolute need? No, but the negate the porposing and slamming the water and allow you to cut through the waves and chop and not fly over them at speed.
If I go out next weekend or before the boat show, I will message you. Depends on family functions with school, etc.
This forum is a fantastic place for info, a lot of knowledge and great members.
