Yamaha Marine AR230 High Output - Bowrider Boat

These are 2008 boats. See current models at
New 2010 Yamaha Marine - AR230 High Output - Bowrider

2008 Yamaha Marine AR230 High Output Description

Of all the places your family will go, this is sure to be their favorite destination. Designed to satisfy you whether you're behind the windshield or at the receiving end of the wakeboard rope, the AR230HO is essential component of every family with a flair of water sports. Offering Twin high Output Yamaha Marine engines, instantaneous acceleration, decisive handling and brilliant maneuverability, this 23-foot boat was designed as much for the driver as it was for wakeboarders and skiers. Fully appointed with all the amenities you would expect form a Yamaha, its aluminum wakeboard lower offers both style and function and an innovative sealing layout gives everyone onboard room to breathe. And the swim platform area is always prime real estate.

2008 Yamaha Marine AR230 High Output Specifications

Boat

Length Over All: 23 Feet
Draft: 1 Feet and 4 inches.
Beam: 8 Feet and 6 inches.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50
Dry Weight: 3270

Engine

Model Name: AR230 High Output
Model Year: 2008
Hours: 2
Cylinder: 4
Displacemet ci: 1052

2008 Yamaha Marine AR230 High Output Standard Features

Features
* Multiple Storage Compartments: Ten storage compartments include an enclosed head compartment (boat is not equiped with portable toilet), anchor storage compartment, storage under each seat and carpeted compartments under the starboard and port consoles. The SX230 High Output is also equipped with a full-size ski locker that accommodates skis, kneeboards or wakeboards. Stern storage is perfect for wet items, like ropes and wetsuits.
* Innovative Swim Platform: This award-winning stern can be transformed into a private patio on the water with room for a dinette table.
* Center Walk-Thru Transom: Easy access to the stern patio area and swim platform from the cabin.
* Integrated Aluminum Wakeboard Tower: This sturdy aluminum tower provides the perfect angle for wakeboarders, not to mention, adding to the AR230 High Output’s aggressive good looks.
* Telescoping Re-boarding Ladder: For easy boarding while in the water.
* Sport Dashboard Gauges: The AR230 High Output features deluxe gauges, including a more precise electronic speedometer. Also included are 4” dual tachometers, 2” fuel level gauge, low fuel warning light, compass and depth finder.
* Adjustable Tilt Steering Wheel: Allows the operator to adjust the angle of the steering wheel for added comfort.
* Independent, Dual Engine Controls: Adjusts each throttle position and control forward, neutral and reverse.
* Yamaha’s new “No-Wake” Mode: Allows for easy operation in slow-speed zones by maintaining optimum RPM.
* Depth Finder: Digitally monitors water depth from any spot on the water.
* Flip-Up Captains Seats: The fully upholstered, flip-up captain seat provides a different, elevated view of your surroundings.
* Marine Grade Carpet Kit: High-grade, removable carpet throughout the cockpit adds to the AR230 High Output’s comfort and great looks.
* Bimini Top: Premium Stainless Steel construction with Sunbrella® material for better durability.
* Automatic Bilge Pump: Turns on automatically when water is present.
... more

Yamaha AR230 High Output
By Charles Pleuddeman
July 2007

Miss popularity. Whats the best selling 23' boat in America?

The Yamaha 230 is the biggest hit since the Bayliner Capri.” This from a dealer who sold 29 of the new 23' Yamaha runabouts during the Atlanta Boat Show. In fact, the Yamaha 230 is the best-selling 23' fiberglass boat model in America. Last year it outsold all other fiberglass models in the 22'-to-24' range. The success of this boat series is driving other boat companies nuts.

A low price equals a popular boat.

Yamaha’s base SR230 High Output starts at just $32,999, hence its popularity. Even the most expensive version, the wakeboard tower–equipped $37,999 AR230 HO, is a bargain in this size-and-feature category, where prices typically start closer to $50,000. The second-best selling model in the 22'-to-24' range, the Sea Ray 240 Sundeck, has a base price of $57,236. The Bayliner 245, which like the AR230 HO has a head, costs $51,218 with comparable options. The Sea-Doo 230 Challenger starts at $35,499 with twin 155-hp jet drives and makes about 46 mph. The 230 Wake version adds a tower, ballast tanks, and PerfectPass speed control. It costs $40,499.

Price is no object.

But according to our dealer friend, with the 230 series price never enters the discussion. “It’s the appearance of safety,” he says. “Mom takes one look at the stern of the Yamaha, sees there are no props, and the discussion is over.” Each version of the 230, of course, is propelled by a pair of jet drives mated to 160-hp 1,052cc Yamaha Marine four-cylinder engines. The outlet nozzles are tucked discreetly under the aft platform.

Another family-friendly feature shared by the three versions of the Yamaha 230 is an aft platform design that I think is one of the most versatile in the runabout category. Measuring about 4' from the aft edge to the cockpit walkthrough, the platform surface is arranged on two levels to create a comfortable lounging area. The vertical surface surrounding the platform is 1'9" high. It’s also curved and padded to act as a backrest. On my AR230 HO test boat, the platform surfaces were covered in soft HydroTurf, a material that’s easy on the feet and knees. A wide hatch in the upper level of the platform covers a wet-stowage compartment that can handle lines and fenders, swim fins, and other gear. The lower level has a pedestal socket for an optional table ($293). There’s even a remote for the stereo. This is all made possible by the long, low profile of the Yamaha engines and jet drives. It’s a design that can’t be duplicated on a stern drive–powered boat, which locates a much larger engine snug to the transom.

All in.

Boating families also appreciate a privacy compartment, and each 230 offers an enclosed space below the port console with 3'7" of headroom and a fiberglass pan. Add your own portable head, or just use the space for changing or stowage. There’s also a stowage slot here for the optional table.

The forward location of the engines on this boat reduces the size of the cockpit, which is perhaps a foot shorter than the cockpits of most stern drive runabouts in this class. A bench seat on a fiberglass base molded as part of the liner wraps around the cockpit. At the port console, the seat is configured to face forward or fold down into an aft-facing lounge. Molded inwale panels hold stainless-steel grabhandles and drinkholders. A digital depthsounder is standard, and I like the low-fuel warning light and the extra courtesy light that illuminates the twin control levers after dark. The bow seat bases are also molded with the liner, and the base to port is drained and insulated so it can double as a cooler.

The AR230 HO offers all of the good (and bad) performance attributes of jet power. The acceleration is furious—I zipped from 0 to 30 mph in 4.7 seconds with no bowrise. The electronic “no-wake mode” control holds engine rpm at 2500, enough thrust to keep the boat on course and your hand off the throttles through those long, go-slow zones, so long as there’s not much wind. If it’s windy, this rudderless boat requires constant steering input at below-planing speeds. The handling is much better once on plane, and the ride is acceptable—not as smooth as that of a deep-V stern drive but certainly better than an inboard skiboat. I found 7500 rpm (about 31 mph) to be a happy cruising speed.

Go faster, and the high-pitched tone of the engines can get annoying.

The boat is all fiberglass. The deck molding incorporates the stringers and motor mounts, which are backed by 3⁄8" aluminum plates. The deck is bonded to the hull with polyurethane adhesive and injected foam, then secured to the deck with adhesive and screws. The boat, which is assembled in Vonore, Tennessee, feels solid and its overall fit and finish is outstanding for this price. What’s the secret to the success of Yamaha’s 230 line? It’s no secret. It’s just a lot of boat for the money.