Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

[uscboy]

All the reviews and numbers look good, but you <br />know those magazines... everything is always <br />great, the boat is great, the price is great, <br />your dealer is great, go get this boat... for <br />every review. <br /><br />That said, I was just curious if anyone had any <br />experience with this boat... I know it's new for <br />2004, so the chances aren't real good.. but <br />maybe someone has another Yamaha jet boat that's <br />similar to the SX230 that they'd like to comment <br />on as far as pros and cons.<br /><br />I get the feeling after researching this boat <br />it's going to be near to impossible to find a <br />2004 in the 2005 season.... which of course <br />would be ideal. Maybe in 2006, who knows... <br />then again, by then I may just bite the bullet <br />and buy new and eat the depreciation amount.<br /><br />Anyway, any opinions on this boat or one like it?

 

[KCook]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

My dealer also carries Polaris in addition to the Yamaha. In some respects I like the Polaris better. Here is another thread on the Yamaha - YAMAHA SR 230 <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[uscboy]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

Thanks for the link... Good info!<br /><br />I wanted something with a full windshield (i.e., <br />more traditional bowrider style) than the <br />motorcycle type windshields on most jetboats <br />like Polaris.

 

[KCook]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

Sure looked like a full windshield to me?<br />

 

[uscboy]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

Ahh, yeah.. there are some polaris models with <br />that... forgot about that.<br /><br />Most that I've seen have the small motorcycle-<br />style wind shields.<br /><br />Was there a reason you liked the Polaris models more?

 

[KCook]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

Most of these new 20' bowriders still cling to the old Sea-Doo formula for their construction. Which means thin (easy to bottom) seat cushions, etc. Fine for the young crowd that those play boats were aimed at. This Polaris is the first of the jet bowriders I have seen that has seats (especially the back bench) that are built the same as for "real" bowriders. Much more comfy. If you will, much more adult. Also the Merc 2-strokes for the Polaris will be a lot easier to find mechanics for than the motorcycle 4-strokes in the Yamaha. Those motorcycle engines will mean you are married to your Yamaha dealer forever for service.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[brett169]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

Just bought a 2005 SX230, love the boat not sure about the Jet drive. Handles terribly at no wake speeds and is a little on the loud side at running speed. On the other hand I am getting used to the throttle controls and my wife says its quieter than the old birdbath we had. Verdict is still out although I love the looks layout and simplicity. Everythings a trade off I guess.

 

[erick00]

Re: Consensus on Yamaha SX230?

I am a boating newbie but I purchased a Yamaha SX230 High Output jetboat about a year ago and have been using it on local lakes and Connecticut River. I really like it for skiing, waveboarding and kneeboarding. The biggest drawback is lowspeed handling which I am still not very adept at; you really have to be confident and use the throttle. You can get into trouble quickly if you are unskilled. It has great power and turning ability, but then again, I have nothing to compare it to. I just bought it because I don't want to deal with a propeller when skiing!