New buyer...needs advice!

[waterlooboater]

Hello everyone! I've tried to gather as much info as I can before posting this, but I need some advice in the final stages of decision making.

I am looking at a 2016 Yamaha AR192 and a 2014 Scarab 195 HO Impulse. From pictures, both look to be in excellent shape. Both could be water tested I believe. The Yamaha is $7k higher than the Scarab (this is in Ontario Canada)

Are there issues with either of those years? I know the general advice seems to lean towards Yamaha..

And other thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Acard7]

Does one have more options or add-ons than the other? Just wondering why the price difference.. Definitely water test before buying.

 

[waterlooboater]

The Yamaha has very low hours according to the ad, both have wake towers, biminis, trailers...which price surprises you?

 

[AZMark]

Who’s got a dealership closer to you if you need a major repair? That would factor into my decision with supercharged engines

 

[Acard7]

The Yamaha surprises me that it’s higher but if it’s lower hours then maybe that’s why. Just assumed one had more things added to it like tower speakers, seadek, etc

 

[WiskyDan]

Who’s got a dealership closer to you if you need a major repair? That would factor into my decision with supercharged engines

This - great advice.

 

[usmcgoose]

Are they at a dealer or private seller? Take the time to go over the boats. Think about you plan to use them, how many people you would routinely take on the water, and what your normal trip would look like. Then look at the layout of each, storage availability, and plan where you would put everything. If you can't or want to wait on getting a mechanical inspection, look at cleanliness of compartments, surface corrosion on metal parts, pull zincs (if they'll let you), check oil looking at color and consistency, look at wire bundles (paying attention to upgrades and rewires) to see if they are clean or shoved in a hole. It's the little details that let you know how much they loved their boat.

 

[steelhorse454]

Yamaha motors by far are more reliable.....

 

[waterlooboater]

Thank you all for the great advice! I have both dealers within a reasonable distance from me. The Scarab is private sale and close enough that I can go see it/water test it. The Yamaha is at a car dealership on the other side of the country. However, my uncle (long time boat owner) lives close and is willing to go look at it/water test it for me. Luckily he's owned jet boats and jet skis before so he knows what to look for.

 

[waterlooboater]

Ok, so I just spoke with the dealer about water testing a 2023 AR190. However, he mentioned the low power the 190 has when you approach max capacity. The same dealer has a 2009 Sea-Doo 230 Wake with freshly rebuilt superchargers for a very appealing price. However, he mentioned that I'd be looking at rebuilding the SC's every 100 hours....do I go with the 190 and the few times I have more people we just stick with tubing? Or up to the 195 and have to use premium and rebuild an SC every 200 hours???

 

[Acard7]

I’d do the 195, guessing it would be far newer as well, but have to remember using premium fuel. Is a 21 footer not in your price range?

 

[waterlooboater]

They do have a 242 Limited in my price range...but it's nearing the max I can tow safely.

 

[Acard7]

I know you wanna get on the water asap but I’d definitely wait until a 21 footer came about, I think it would check all your boxes for enough power and room, without a super charger model anyways!!

 

[waterlooboater]

So something like the AR220?

 

[Acard7]

Or a 210 model since it would be cheaper, but if you can afford the 220s have at it!

 

[waterlooboater]

Alright, same dealer has a 2016 242 Limited S...I assume with the twin supercharged engines I won't have any issues pulling a full boat?

 

[Acard7]

Alright, same dealer has a 2016 242 Limited S...I assume with the twin supercharged engines I won't have any issues pulling a full boat?

Correct, you won’t have an issue at all. What’s your tow vehicle though?

 

[waterlooboater]

2020 Range Rover Sport. 7700lbs tow rating with 700 lb. max tongue weight

 

[Acard7]

2020 Range Rover Sport. 7700lbs tow rating with 700 lb. max tongue weight

Feel the Range Rover should pull it just fine.

 

[2kwik4u]

2020 Range Rover Sport. 7700lbs tow rating with 700 lb. max tongue weight

You'll be fine with the range rover.

The 242 has dual naturally aspirated 1.8L engines.

Of all you mentioned, the 242 would be my pick in your shoes.