Would you get a 2012 242 limited s or 2015 212x?

[RJ22]

Looking for your input. I am new to boating and I just want to get the most value for my money. Would you get a 2012 242 limited s or 2015 212x? Price is almost comparable. Both fall between CA$55k-CA$60k. I guess what I'm asking is if the articulated keel and sound dampening is really worth it. Older but bigger? Or newer but smaller? Thanks for your input

 

[Julian]

Depends...

1. does the older boat look well maintained? (for example, can you remove the clean out plugs easily...if yes...well maintained, if no...perhaps not)
2. How many hours on the used boat?
3. Any significant upgrades done to it (stereo, GPS etc)
4. Both boats have painted or galvanized trailers?

Also depends on what you want to do with the boat. Is the add on ballast worth it for you...will you use it?

 

[djetok]

Looking for your input. I am new to boating and I just want to get the most value for my money. Would you get a 2012 242 limited s or 2015 212x? Price is almost comparable. Both fall between CA$55k-CA$60k. I guess what I'm asking is if the articulated keel and sound dampening is really worth it. Older but bigger? Or newer but smaller? Thanks for your input

Like Julian said what are using it for. Are you going to put 6 to 8 adults on board a lot? We have a 210 and we will typically have 2 adults 2 kids (We could have easily been content with a 190/192/195 but we do have times where we have as many as 4 adults 4 kids.

 

[RJ22]

Hi Julian and djetok,

1. the 2012 242 looks well maintained.
2. Has 100 hrs on it
3. Has two covers and also sun cover. Boat also has a few upgrades like a new seatek floor, cobra steering fins and dual throttle lock
4. Not sure about the trailer

Most of the time it would be for 2 adult and 2 kids. On occasion, we might have some guests. It would be used primarily for cruising and occasional water sports. The ballast is not important.

I guess my question is for the same price and considering all else being equal, would you get a 2012 24 footer or a 2015 21 footer because the 2015 version has the articulated keel and has better sound dampening. Does it make a big difference?

Thanks again for the input.

 

[veedubtek]

Does the '15 212 have the keel and other relevant updates? I thought the 21' line didn't get updated until '17? Just the 24' line got updated in 15 IIRC.

If it were me and my money, trying to stay close to that budget, I'd be shopping a '16 sx240.

 

[Bennie]

@RJ22 your profile doesn't show where you're from, but I can tell you that near me my local dealer (Gulf Shores Power Sports) is selling the '17 AR240s for only $47k plus trailer and fees. Well below your budget.

If you can I would try to test drive them both. That will let you know first hand if the keel and extra 3ft will make a difference to you.

Sound dampening can be added. Don't let that be a major player in your decision. But do remember that if not properly (and diligently) maintained a boat can age very quickly.

 

[djetok]

@RJ22 your profile doesn't show where you're from, but I can tell you that near me my local dealer (Gulf Shores Power Sports) is selling the '17 AR240s for only $47k plus trailer and fees. Well below your budget.

If you can I would try to test drive them both. That will let you know first hand if the keel and extra 3ft will make a difference to you.

Sound dampening can be added. Don't let that be a major player in your decision. But do remember that if not properly (and diligently) maintained a boat can age very quickly.

I believe he's in in canada

 

[elcue]

Damn what's the exchange rate in Canada to Us? Seems like an awful lot for those boats. I have a 2012 242 Limited S that I will sell you tomorrow for that price. If my math is correct 60k Canadian is like 47-48k US. I paid 47k for mine plus 1500 freight and prep.

 

[Matt Phillips]

When I moved from an 09 to a 17, the difference in the keel was astounding. Test drive both boats and see what you like the handling better...

 

[John Mcpartland]

I had the same dilemma as you when i was looking. It was between a 212x and a ar240, the 212x was about 2k more. It came down to I can add everything the 212x has on the ar240 but i cant add 3 feet to the 212x. Ended up with the ar240

 

[Chillypilot]

I think that price is a little high even for Canada. We're in the last good month of the season. I'd beat him up a bit on whatever you choose. I might consider some cross boarder shopping too. You can Probably find a 2015 24 footer in the states for that price.