Looking at 2006 AR 230 HO

[WJL24]

I recently sold my 1986 Stingray SBV205 260 HP I/O after many years of fun on the lake.
I have been considering getting into a jet even though I am unfamiliar with them. I've always done my own maintenance and repairs on my various I/O's.
I looked at a 2006 AR230 today. It has 500 hours on it. Is that too many?
Couple of things I noticed on test drive:
Steering seemed stiff at first but seemed ok after driving a bit. Maybe I'm just used to the power steering on I/O's.
I don't think the no wake buttons worked. Owner said he never uses them. Is that big deal?
The boat was in the river in Pittsburgh so I couldn't look at the hull.
The white parts of the gel coat seemed dull. Is that just sun fade or is that the way they are? Once faded, can the luster be brought back by buffing?
Rear cushions on swim platform area will need replaced.
He is asking $19,600.00 for the boat.
I figured I would check with you guys who are familiar with these boats to guide me a little.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jgorm]

Run compression for sure. 20k seems high.

 

[Julian]

I sold my perfect condition heavily upgraded 2005 SX230 for around that price 2 years ago, sounds like this one needs some work and isn't in what I would call good condition.

Faded gel coat can be brought back, but it takes elbow grease and lots of it.
Have any of the control cables ever been replaced? If not, they will need to be soon (may be why the steering was stiff - next will be the bucket controls and last the throttles).
Has the scupper valve been replaced? (this is the exit of the deck drain on the stern...you wouldn't have been easily able to see it in the water...if its white plastic, then no, stainless..then yes)
Rear cushions will cost a few k as you'll probably want to do them all to make them match?

Photos would give us a better idea. I'd keep looking for a top condition and well maintained boat, and be prepared to drive a little to get it. Check out the classifieds here

 

[Gym]

I have a 2006 SX 230 (no tower) the price sounds pretty high given the description you give. Sounds like you may have to invest 2-3k to get it into decent condition. You didn't mention it there are any add ons like steering fines, upgraded stereo, two batteries, ski racks, or required boat equipment. If you decide to go forward I would see if there is a local Yamaha dealer that can run a diagnostic and compression test on the engines. I would also put the boat on its trailer to check the hull. How does the trailer look? Tires, bunks, or any rust? I think you can do better for that price.

 

[Beachbummer]

I agree price is high for that condition and model year. Look at other options to compare.

 

[PaulyB]

I have one for 13k I am trying to sell....

 

[Beachbummer]

Not trying very hard (just kidding).... Where's the link and pictures?? Potential buyer nearby.... Just saying.

 

[PaulyB]

Haha, I am not trying really hard. I bought the boat last year from Copart, and have just started listing it on www.boatsetter.com. Here is a link to the post for sale. I also have a 2008 SX230 with a huge stereo for sale in the classifieds.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/2006-yamaha-ar230-for-sale-in-va-13k.19082/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/va-2...-2200w-wet-sounds-stereo-system-23-000.19084/

Here is a video of the stereo in action:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10213566085686653

 

[BlkGS]

I didn't think the price was bad frankly. It's a lot harder to find one for less than that than youd think, especially a decent one. It's almost as if price have been climbing on these boats, though o figure more accurately they're staying the same but that inflation is making each dollar worth less.

500 hours isnt a lot, these engines do thousands of hours in rental skis. I think all boats from this era need some upholstery work done, or it has recently been done.

 

[Beachbummer]

I see 07+ 230s for low 20s listed out there. I think he could do better.

 

[Wisefam22]

The 2005-2007 market in good condition is hard to find. I have a friend selling a 2005 I think ar230 (not sure if ho) it has around 200hr and they were asking 19k last I saw. Not sure if they sold it yet.

It's in good condition some carpet fraying and door padding loose.

We found our sx230 locally with 140ish hours on each motor for 18500. Its what Nada showed as value... was it little higher yes, but it had cushions redone recently and back swim steps with sea deck already.

 

[BlkGS]

The 2005-2007 market in good condition is hard to find. I have a friend selling a 2005 I think ar230 (not sure if ho) it has around 200hr and they were asking 19k last I saw. Not sure if they sold it yet.

It's in good condition some carpet fraying and door padding loose.

We found our sx230 locally with 140ish hours on each motor for 18500. Its what Nada showed as value... was it little higher yes, but it had cushions redone recently and back swim steps with sea deck already.

I agree, I just bought my 07 sx230, and it was a steal at 18k. There were NO other boats in decent shape for less than 22 or 23k. And my decent shape I mean "seats need replaced but are there" and "no major mechanical problems". The 05s and 06s were a little cheaper, but not a lot cheaper. A clean needs nothing boat was like 27k or more, there were a few at 30k! I looked across the east coast of the US, these boats are just hard to find and bring good money when they sell.