@leeatmg . You know Lee, I never really saw a need to add additional debt or expense. After selling the boat, and discovering what a mistake that was for me, my perspective changed of course. As I looked at the classic MR-1HO boats of '08 and '09, to try and find a replacement, I was looking at all the available options, issues, improvements, and trade-offs that I would get if I did not compare to the newer 1.8L version. For me, there was a few "must have" items in a boat, and especially in a newer version of the same. Either way, I knew it was going to be another Yamaha if I didn't go toward a cruiser of some sort.
As I compared the MR-1 classic 230 to the 1.8L 240...at first, it was only a difference of 6 inches. And, I didn't like the pickle fork bow, the higher step up on the swim deck, or the deeper two level head compartment. It is funny how impressions are. I saw all of those as negatives, until I spent some time with each of those features. That bow area also seemed like a waist of storage space to me. It does give me more room up there for lounging, but storage is about the same because they did away with the bow ice chest. The added room isn't available for storage much because the design gives you several different setup capabilities with the rumble seat config or the standard full seating in the bow. The only negative I now see is having to remove the center cushion of 3 to remove the large aft one. But the wider opening with both removed makes bulky items easy to accommodate. The third cushion covering the foot well of the rumble seat gives you a nice place to store shoes out of the way. Also, the step in the bow is a nice touch and makes egress easier. The ladder up front has got to go IMO.
The engines, at least on this boat, are smooth and quiet compared to the MR-1. The top out in the 7000+ rpm range, I am not yet certain what the max rpm is exactly. It isn't specified in either the service or owners manual. I have read it on the forum but can't seem to find comments on that. But that lower rpm, combined with a noticeable difference in sound pitch, makes for a much quieter boat at low speed operation. At cruise, it is not quite as loud but still a boat. I haven't seen WOT enough yet to determine an impression. I am still in break-in. It has seen 53mph on the gps speed, and hooks up fast. But the engine control is more responsive and less lag than the MR-1. It also seems to have much more stable throttle positioning without the slipping. I can set 2000, 3000, 4000, etc., and it stays where I put it for the most part. The 3 speed no wake mode, at 1600, 2000, 2400 rpm's is NICE. As is the TDE, thrust directional enhancement?. It is more than a change in reverse gate position apparently, it seems to add instant control compared to other positions. So the slow speed handling is apparent and MUCH better. The cruise assist, an 8 position up and 8 position down rpm hold, that allows you to match throttles above 2000rpm I think and below 7000 rpm. And then have the 8 settings up and 8 down from that position, at 150 rpm intervals with the touch of a button. That is a nice feature too, and I used it right off the bat, just fine tuning a speed that didn't beat us up crossing big wave sets on a rough lake. Speaking of ride...it is a much better ride on rough water for sure. I used to have to cross large cresting wave sets at an angle to keep from pounding down into the trough on the 230. The extra hull must do something, because what used to be harder and slower, seems to be much smoother on big water. Lets be realistic and realize I have an hour in this boat! But it definitely has a bigger boat ride than the 230.
The larger separation between the two levels of the swim deck bothered me until I spent some time in the boat. I thought it wasn't as easy to jump in and out when in the barn and working on it, and that it would be the same on the water. I discovered it IS easier to board both from the water as well as the ground, because it is lower! And that step difference doesn't even seem to matter in 10 minutes. Being closer to the water will make a huge difference getting in/out vs the higher platform on the 230. Getting into the clean out tray is easier for the same reason. Bottom line, the swim deck is better.
The head compartment change will have to play out. I have not seen the change as better yet. It is lower and provides better visibility across the bow. But it is deeper to step into, and while that may give more headroom, and it does, it isn't going to be a changing room or potty room for us. I will store a lugable loo in there that we will move outside to use. But the door is more in the middle of that room instead of off to the left side, and that doesn't leave room for my table storage mod in the same place I had it on the 230. But there is also more room in that compartment than the 230 by a few square inches it seems. The stepped floor creates issues for me so far, but I haven't learned to use it yet. I will be adding storage mods in here and get more use out of it. I have already added the shoe organizers to both the left (aft) and right (fore) walls. The biggest negative of this compartment is a door that only opens 90 degrees vs swinging all the way open and laying flat against the bow seat area.
The helm compartment door is wider, and I may actually be able to get into it...maybe. It has a curtain that covers the back of the helm gauges and electronics, which is nice. The different bow configuration makes this space bigger and connected to the bow, so many irregular shaped items may fit there. I am intending to store my cushions in there and seems to work. The bow now has two larger cushions instead of just one for filler, and several ways to use them instead of just filler. You can use one as a seat bottom and the other as a backrest in the bow and make 3 across seating with back rests, along with the rumble seat config, that would give room for 3 adults and 2 kids all facing forward on the go. Conventionally configured, it can easily accommodate 4 adults. The boat is certified for 11 passengers...are they nuts?
The vinyl appears nicer and the interior trim and carpet color (mocha) is more appealing to me. All the hydroturf on mine is mocha as well vs the old gray/black. The cockpit has answered a few questions that many have either created mods for or complained about. It has a glove box! And more cupholders, as well as a storage bin on the port and starboard sides. And the top of the head compartment, as well as the ledge on the helm, has hydroturf installed.
The trailer, Shorelandr. Although I already had to change the cheap poly bow roller that was scuffing the bow, it is a better trailer than the MFI it seems. It has skid pad on the LED lights, so it is a great place combined with the lower swim deck, to step up without the need of a ladder! The bow winch has a cover and needs some turf to use it as a step as well, but it is sturdy enough. This trailer is much more rigid and beefier than the MFI. The wiring and brake line don't need an immediate mod to fold the tongue. But...the bow stop post moves, just like the MFI. And the real issue, is that you don't want to weld this one to stop it, because if you need to change a roller or jack, you need to move it. Adjustments are easy. But it has some slop that allows the whole thing to pivot, and I need to find a fix for that. The rest of the movement, I will have to live with.
Overall Lee, if you want a new boat, there are reasons to upgrade. But if you still love your 230, the reasons are many as to what makes that a great boat too! Sorry to be dangling the bait here, it is indeed a nice boat however!
Congrats!! Again Mel.
