23-Foot Yamaha Boats Compared [SR-SX-AR-LTD]

Yamaha manufactured its deservedly popular 23-foot jet boats from 2003 through 2009. This model line included many great boats, which were as follows:

• SR230
• SX230
• SX230 HO
• AR230
• AR230 HO
• 212 Limited
• 212 Limited S

If you want to find out more about the differences between these 23-footer bowriders, this post is for you.

We at BoatReviewGuide have compiled these models head-to-head!

23-foot Yamaha Jet Boats Compared

Yamaha SR230 (2003-2007)

The Yamaha SR230 was the first 23-foot Yamaha boat ever built. Its 2-stroke forerunners were the iconic XR1800 and the top-of-the-line LS2000.

The SR230 was introduced with the first-generation 23’ Yamaha hull, which was specifically engineered to hold the twin-140hp 4-stroke MR1 engine package.

The boat was rated for 10 passengers but it was really only comfortable for 7-8.

It was designed with plenty of storage units and a small enclosed head compartment.

After the introduction of its more advanced brothers, the SR230 remained the entry-level model in the fleet until 2007.

Yamaha SX230 (2004-2006)

The 2004-2006 SX230 was a more featured version of the SR230.

These models were almost identical, except the SX230 enjoyed more bells and whistles, like a Bimini top, a depth sounder, stereo remote control, filler cushions, and Berber carpet.

All of these came as options on the 2003 SR230 but they became standard features on a newly released 2004 SX230.  In other words, the 2004- SX230 was almost identical to a fully opted 2003 SR230.

They shared the same 23’ hull and 2x140hp MR1 jet engine package.

One of the main differences between these models was how the reverse system was designed.

On the SR, you could only lower the reverse buckets of the two jet pumps together. In other words, when you put the boat into reverse, both of the jet engines start reversing the boat.

In contrast, on the SX, you could put one of the engines in forward and the other in reverse independently.

Thanks to this feature, the SX was easier to control around the dock and in tight spaces.

Yamaha AR230 (2004-2006)

The 2004-2006 AR230 was virtually an SR230 with a different paint job and a factory-installed Yamaha wakeboard tower.

Aside from the above, the two models were completely identical.

Yamaha SX230 HO (2005-2009)

As the name suggests, the SX230 HO was a more powerful successor to the SX230.

Its MR1 jet engine package was upgraded from 2x140hp to 2x160hp, which translated to greater performance and better fuel economy.

It was manufactured with the “first generation” 23’ platform from 2005 to 2006.

For the 2007 season, its hull and top deck were slightly redesigned. The revamped model returned with a higher freeboard, a larger closet, and a more versatile deck design.

Yamaha AR230 HO (2005-2009)

The AR230 HO was an SX230 HO with a factory-installed Yamaha wakeboard tower.

Yamaha 232 Limited (2008-2009)

As the name suggests, the Yamaha 232 Limited (a.k.a. Yamaha 232 LTD) was the most luxurious 23-foot jet boat in the fleet.

It was a close relative of the SX230, but it came standard with the “Limited” package, which included:

• More advanced Sony sound system with a remote
• Dual batteries
• Premium vinyl upholstery
• Removable Berber cockpit carpet
• Transom shower
• Wood grain dash trim
• Drink center/stainless steel cup holders
• Rub rail insert
• Pull-up cleats
• More advanced EZ loader trailer
• Custom color scheme

Yamaha 232 Limited S (2009)

The Yamaha 232 Limited S (or LTD S) was a 232 Limited equipped with a forward-sweeping aluminum wakeboard tower.

This Yamaha-exclusive watersport tower came standard with built-in lights and Marine-grade speakers.

Aside from this, the 232 Limited and its S version were completely identical.

Conclusion

Yamaha released its 23-foot jet boats just after the Millennium.

These relatively lightweight and affordable boats instantly become popular among buyers. What’s more, the HOs became the best-selling jet boats in their class in the late 2000s.

The first boat in this breed was the 2003 SR230 followed by the SX230 and AR230. Those were followed by more powerful models with “HO” engines, including the AR230 HO and SX230 HO.

The most featured models in this fleet were the 232 Limited and 232 Limited S, which came with the most luxurious features.

For a better comparison, we’ve listed the key specs of these boats in one chart:

Model	Years	Engine HP	WB tower	Weight (lb.)
SR230	03-’07	2 x 140	–	3025
SR230	04-’06	2 x 140	–	3025
AR230	04-06	2 x 140	Yes	3100
SR230 HO	05-09	2 x 160	–	3172
AR230 HO	05-09	2 x 160	Yes	3272
212 LTD	08-09	2 x 160	–	3064
212 LTD S	09	2 x 160	Yes	3272

From 2003 through 2006, each of these models was built on the first-generation 23’ hull, which was replaced by a more advanced version in 2007.

Aside from this body redesign, a minor (280 vs. 320hp) engine upgrade, and some convenience/watersport features, there’s no significant difference between the listed models.

Because of this, they are often classed together, and the asking prices are also in the same ballpark.