Considering Yamaha Boat Purchase

[djtech2k]

I am considering a purchase of a 2015 Yamaha AR912 and am looking for some knowledge/advice.

I have not been around boats since I was a kid, but have been considering getting one. I have a family of 4, which are all adults now, and of course I have extended family and friends. I like about 2.5 hours from lakes that I would be able to launch the boat in and about 30mins from a river that I could use, but would prefer to avoid. My family had a couple I/O prop boats when I was a young kid but I have not really been around them since then, which was 25 years ago.

I was originally considering 2 PWC's but based on some good feedback, I think a boat may be a better option. I have always found jet boats interesting, but haven't even been in one before.

As I have been looking, I found an AR192 for sale with 115 hours that is less than $23k. Based on other boats I see advertised, this seems like a good deal. So I am looking for some advice/experience. Does this sound like a good price? Is the AR192 a good boat for around 4 people and maybe pulling a tube or something? I say 4 people just as guess because it could be 2 or 6, so I am just guessing at what it will be most of the time.

One thing that concerns me is the single engine in this boat. Will it have enough power for what I described? The size is a minor concern as well because I have had people say that it might be too small. I have also had some people say that they prefer prop boats and to stay away from jets. That is really why I am here. Just looking for some info and possibly advice on what I should be looking for and if the boat I found would be a good boat for a good price.

Thanks.

 

[2kwik4u]

The prop vs jet thing:
it's different. Some better, Some worse. No different than buying a FWD sedan and comparing it to a RWD pickup. They're gonna drive a little different, the feel and response is different, but the basics are the same. Biggest thing to remember when driving a jet (without fins) is "No thrust, no steering". Change your expectations a little, and realize it's different and it's great. I love mine, and will most likely never go back to a prop boat. Comparing this 19ft jet to my old 19ft I/O, the jet is FAR more maneuverable, and the simplicity of the drive system is very appealing to me. There is no transmission, just an engine connected to an impeller, and a couple cables for steering and forward/reverse control. With no transmission, it's no big deal to "shift" from forward to reverse and back to forward as often and as fast as you like. That REALLY helps with maneuvering around the docks/ramp.

Size/Space.:
4 adults and 4 kids is a tight fit. 6 adults is a tight fit. 8 adults is down right tight. If you want to put 8 adults on a 19ft, then you better be pretty close friends with a good dose of patience. Lots of "her sit down so I can move over here". Think about putting 8 adults in a Chevrolet Suburban, it's about like that. I've had 4 adults and 4kids for day trips a few times each year. It's OK for a 6-8hr trip on the water. Good portion of that time the kids are on a tube/board, or we're anchored and swimming. Our "typicaly" load is usually 2-3 adults and 2-3 kids, for that, it's great. Similarly we do a "no kids weekend" once a year, and another couple comes with us. 2 adult couples on the boat is perfectly comfortable for a few LONG days on the water.

Power concerns:
I haven't driven a 192/195 with the supercharged engine. I've heard they have tons of power. Even with 8 adults, a couple coolers, and some additional gear my 190 (without a supercharger) will still get on plane pretty easily, and maintain 35+ mph. It's not a rocket ship, but it serves the purpose just fine. I have a few mods (sealed intake tunnel, L13 pump cone, and ribbon delete), but am mostly stock in the performance category. It's just as strong/fast as my old 19' I/O with the 3.0L 4cyl. I would have ZERO concerns about power with a 192/195. FYI, they sound like big jetski's. I'm on my third season and I'm still not certain I've completely adjusted to the sound.

Price:
That feels a little high for me, but if it has extra's and gear that comes with it, that is worth something. It's at least a 2015 since it's a 192 not a 195 (I think they changed that year). So it's 4.5yrs old at this point, and was a $30k boat brand new. I'm really bad at knowing what is a "good deal" so hopefully others will chime in shortly.

 

[Dean P]

I am considering a purchase of a 2015 Yamaha AR912 and am looking for some knowledge/advice.

I have not been around boats since I was a kid, but have been considering getting one. I have a family of 4, which are all adults now, and of course I have extended family and friends. I like about 2.5 hours from lakes that I would be able to launch the boat in and about 30mins from a river that I could use, but would prefer to avoid. My family had a couple I/O prop boats when I was a young kid but I have not really been around them since then, which was 25 years ago.

I was originally considering 2 PWC's but based on some good feedback, I think a boat may be a better option. I have always found jet boats interesting, but haven't even been in one before.

As I have been looking, I found an AR192 for sale with 115 hours that is less than $23k. Based on other boats I see advertised, this seems like a good deal. So I am looking for some advice/experience. Does this sound like a good price? Is the AR192 a good boat for around 4 people and maybe pulling a tube or something? I say 4 people just as guess because it could be 2 or 6, so I am just guessing at what it will be most of the time.

One thing that concerns me is the single engine in this boat. Will it have enough power for what I described? The size is a minor concern as well because I have had people say that it might be too small. I have also had some people say that they prefer prop boats and to stay away from jets. That is really why I am here. Just looking for some info and possibly advice on what I should be looking for and if the boat I found would be a good boat for a good price.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum !! Thanks for signing up. There's lots of great info in these threads with knowledgeable members to help keep you on the water.

Like @2kwik4u mentioned steering at slow speeds takes a bit of practice. There are mods that dramatically improve this. I always believe in buying your 2nd boat first. A lot of people, after a fews years, upgrade to something larger. This gives you more room and more power/speed to better handle weight and water activities. If you can afford it do it.

I had the 2015 SX-192. Loved it, did a ton of mods, kept it for 3 years (it's actually still for sale at the dealership) and then moved up to a 22'. Love the twin engines, power, speed, ride and range (larger gas tank). Good luck! Let us know how you make out.

 

[d_coyne1984]

I would say the AR192 sounds like a good fit for you. Six adults was always my target max I would crew my boat with, but it was very doable. There is a lot of storage space for gear and I kept coolers in the center floor hold. The 192 has plenty of power to handle that amount of weight and pull a wakeboarder at the same time. If you are worried about power I would definitely stick with the 192 over the 190, but it is a thirsty engine, so just be aware of that. It runs on regular octane fuel though so if you compared the cost to other propped boats (most of which require premium) it's going to be a draw. You will not find an easier boat to maintain than a single engine Yamaha.

 

[mdchachi]

Definitely there is plenty of power and the size is perfectly fine for the needs you describe. You won’t find people voting against Yamaha jet boats here.

Of greater concern is to make sure the boat you’re looking at is in good shape. There’s lots of advice here on what to look for. Or have it professionally checked before you buy.

 

[djtech2k]

Thanks for the replies.

I am concerned about the engine/power and the size a little bit, but I am also not sure how much I will get to use the boat either. I am 2.5 hours from lakes now so this would be a weekend kind of thing. I am hoping to get property at a lake in the future, but do not know when that will happen.

For the price, when I search places like iboats and boattrader, I put in criteria and the price on this boat seems to be better than the other comparable jet boats I see, and better than many prop boats. That's why I was asking if its really a good deal. I will certainly try to bargain for it if I try to get it, but it is a lot of $$ to spend without having some confidence that it is a smart buy.

I have very little mechanical capabilities so doing mods is not likely for me, but it does make me wonder if I will need to have some done. I have seen many topics about that heat condition and the ribbon thing that I see mentioned a lot.

 

[jjmparsons]

Thanks for the replies.

I am concerned about the engine/power and the size a little bit, but I am also not sure how much I will get to use the boat either. I am 2.5 hours from lakes now so this would be a weekend kind of thing. I am hoping to get property at a lake in the future, but do not know when that will happen.

For the price, when I search places like iboats and boattrader, I put in criteria and the price on this boat seems to be better than the other comparable jet boats I see, and better than many prop boats. That's why I was asking if its really a good deal. I will certainly try to bargain for it if I try to get it, but it is a lot of $$ to spend without having some confidence that it is a smart buy.

I have very little mechanical capabilities so doing mods is not likely for me, but it does make me wonder if I will need to have some done. I have seen many topics about that heat condition and the ribbon thing that I see mentioned a lot.

I was/ am a bit new to the jetboat scene as well. The wife and I picked up a 2011 242 Limited S just last year and I have to say, Im not mechanically inclined for the most part but, installation of the Cobra Jets or Thrust Vector Mods for steering is actually extremely straight forward. This is by far a much easier boat to work on IMHO as opposed to our cabin cruiser.

 

[djtech2k]

So based on what you guys have seen or bought, what do you think of the price of the boat I mentioned?

 

[mwalker4]

I'll throw one caution: If you boat in a place with a lot of debris or weeds in the water, you may want to give some pause. I don't have any problems, but I've read enough complaints in this forum to mention this.

 

[BakedZiti]

The 192 is a great boat, I had that exact year. It has plenty of power but if you plan on having more than 6 adults it won't be much fun in the cabin. The price may be a touch high, but not crazy. I sold mine for higher earlier this year. If your budget allows don't be afraid to go bigger, you will eventually ?

 

[djtech2k]

Thanks.

I doubt I will have more than 6 adults in the boat. I think 6 would be max for us.

For the price, of course I am not near marinas, so I do not get to see boats for sale, but online all the prices I see are definitely higher. Would it be a great buy if I could get it closer to 20k? Just trying to determine if this boat is worth going aggressively after of if it is nothing special of a deal.

 

[djtech2k]

I also saw a 2010 Yamaha SX210 with 200 hours on it for sale. It is 4hrs+ away from me and I am sure its been in saltwater, but the price is $17500. I like the price, but I do not know if its a good buy or not. From what I have read, it seems like the engines or something changed around 2014(?), so although this is twin engine, it is the older one.

The twin engine thing does confuse me a bit. On one hand, I'd like to have 2 engines for power, but then again that means 2x the maintenance cost and 2x the chance that something breaks.

I am thinking that 2010 may be older than I want to go, but I'm staying open minded.

 

[2kwik4u]

@djtech2k I should add to my post above.

I love my little 19ft boat. However I went to purchase a 24ft boat. I only brought the little one home after I realized I could store it in the garage. That saved me a monthly storage bill. Otherwise I would have bought an AR240.

I've never heard a single person say "I wish I bought a smaller boat" or "I wish I got the smaller engine" (in reference to boats anyway).

 

[djtech2k]

Yeh I get that and I would prefer 21' or 24', with 2 engines, but I just do not see that working out with the $$. Some older ones, like the 2010 I mentioned could work to get 2 engines, but its still 19' and I do not know if the older 2 engine boats are better than the 2015 1 engine boat.

 

[djtech2k]

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about the older vs newer boats and 1 engine vs 2?

 

[mdchachi]

Where do you live? I wonder how much use you'll get out of it based on the effort it takes (2.5 hours) to get in the water. Especially if you have a short summer season. My point being that the 19' should be sufficient for your needs. AR192 should have plenty of power.
Of course if money is not an issue bigger is generally better.

 

[djtech2k]

I just found a 2015 SX210 that looks awesome for $31k. That's definitely more than I was going to spend and its a few hours drive from me, but man it looks nice. It has like 70 hours on it and 2 more years of Yamaha warranty. Its the 21' and the twin engine.

I have asked the person with the 2015 AR912 to come see the boat since its pretty close to me.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

@djtech2k welcome to the forum. Their is a classified section on this website as well and I have my 2014 AR210 for sale. https://jetboaters.net/threads/2014-yamaha-ar210-greenville-nc-33-000.23646/
Not sure where you are located but I would be happy to take you out for a spin if you are relatively close by. I was once in your shoes and going round and round with the same questions. Nothing answers questions like getting on the boats on the water. If update your location in your profile there is likely someone around you that will probably show you around their boat....we are all on a jet boat forum because we love talking about jet boats

 

[djtech2k]

I went and looked at the 19’ boat today. It has some wear but looks to be in very good shape. Question for you owners: what’s the speed like on this boat? With 4 people or so and/or pulling a tube?

 

[2015 SX210]

I just found a 2015 SX210 that looks awesome for $31k. That's definitely more than I was going to spend and its a few hours drive from me, but man it looks nice. It has like 70 hours on it and 2 more years of Yamaha warranty. Its the 21' and the twin engine.

I have asked the person with the 2015 AR912 to come see the boat since its pretty close to me.

We just bought a 2015 SX210 this spring. Owned a 19’ prop boat the previous 14 years. Ours had 15hrs on it or something and we paid 32k.
Have to say, not having a prop to worry about has been nice! We boat with up to 6 adults and 4-5 kids/teens and never have an issue with size or power. A tank of gas will last two full days of boating/tubing.
It is different driving, but doesn’t take long to adjust to the difference.