Looking for an upgrade for 2024

[I_squared_r]

I've had my AR192 for 5 years now and I'm ready to upgrade to something bigger, better for rough water, with a head compartment, and still trailerable. Don't want to get too crazy because I only come here for the summers (exactly 3 months) I don't need a wakeboard tower so I've narrowed it to 3 options.

1. No loan, buy a 2008 AR230
2. No loan, buy a 2000's Rinker 246 Captiva Cuddy, Regal 2250 LSC Cuddy etc.
3. 20k down, get a 6 year loan, 6.5%, finance 25k, 2016+ AR240

Option #1 is nice because I think it's economical and reliable. But the head compartment is small.
Option #2 has a protection from elements, large head compartment, sink, etc. but I'm nervous about inboard engines
Option #3 newer boat, probably never have problems, probably will hold value, but will start again a 6 year loan.

I guess the only real way to make this decision is to try each of these boats. How impossible that would be! lol
Any thoughts?
And its a long shot but, anyone local to Long Island have a AR230 or 240 that I can try?

 

[Weeb]

I/o are a pain to work on I’d stay clear. The 2016 had timing chain issues so I’d see if that was addressed. Having said that I love my 17 ar240.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Trying the boats shouldn't be difficult but would cost you some cash. A subset of my renters rent mostly to take an extended test drive.

Spend the money, get the best boat you can afford. You only live once.

 

[Blowshard]

I have a 2006 RInker 246 Captiva Cuddy. It is a tank in rough water. Let me know if you have questions! FYI, it will likely be up for sale in MI within a few weeks as well.

 

[I_squared_r]

I have a 2006 RInker 246 Captiva Cuddy. It is a tank in rough water. Let me know if you have questions! FYI, it will likely be up for sale in MI within a few weeks as well.

PM sent! After being on some boats this past weekend, I'm thinking about finding a clean cuddy cabin.

 

[CanTex]

Prior to my current boat I owned two I/O's....I wouldn't say they are difficult to maintain, just different with a tad more steps:
* Winterizing requires draining water from the engine, not a game changer (drain the block, drain the exhaust manifolds, if it has a transmission cooler drain that too)
* Oil changes - if it has a remote oil filter changes are a breeze (pump out the oil from the dip stick and remove the filter), even without a remote oil filter they are not difficult, just involves reaching behind the block to remove the filter.
* Outdrive Gear oil - Remove drain plug, gear oil gravity flows out, pump new oil in from the bottom...easy peezy
* Spark plugs - every boat they require gymnastics to remove a few plugs
* Impeller replacement - Handful of bolts to remove lower drive unit, then install new impeller...re-assemble.

Above list of items I was able to perform annually in my driveway with my wife as the helper; previous boats Sea-Ray SD200 and Four Winns (I don't remember which model!!!)