newbie questions

[aquilotti1]

I'm in the market for a new Boat. Now this will be my first boat ever and I decided to buy NEW instead of Used. Now I've been doing a lot of research and the jet boat engine technology is where I'm leaning but first I need some help answering some questions and if someone can give me any recommendations and personal opinions from more exeperienced boaters in the forum. first the 3 brands im looking into are Yamaha, scarab and chapparel (if anyone knows other please lmk) also the models im looking into are the Chapparel Vortex 203 VR, Yamaha AR190 or SX190 AND the Scarab 195 or 195 OPEN. My questions are out of the 3 Makes which one is the most reliable, better cosutmer service, better waranties, better quality etc. Also what is the main difference in Yamaha from the AR to SX? Which one is the best bang for the buck out of those models? I'm also buying this boat for potentially future longer distance trips like in the florida keys and probably my dream to one day go from miami to Bimini and I've seen people doing it on this boats on youtube in various videos. Ok guys help me out here and hopefully soon enough ill be joining you guys with my new Boat. Thanks

 

[robert843]

The 19-20 ft boats are great but if your plan is to do long distance Bahamas trips go bigger right from the start. Those boats will make the trip but you will have a much better time in the 24-25 ft range. I would take a jet ski to the Bahamas anytime over a 19ft boat but that's just my opinion I have seen many take the 19 footers across but few take them across a second time they either upgrade or do not cross again unless it's just perfect conditions.

 

[bobbie]

My advice is if you are looking for longer trips...a 19 ft boat would be a disappointment. I would keep the option of buying used to save a ton of money and still get a great boat. There are always jetboaters upgrading their boats here and you can find a used 24 ft'er that would be a great deal.

 

[fireflymedic]

The main difference in yamaha ar will have a tower. They say not to tow a tube from tower so its only good for sking or hanging speakers on it. Well they do put the anker light on it so its good for that.