Yamaha 232 Limited Specs and Review [Video]

Manufactured from 2008 through 2009, the Yamaha 232 Limited was the mid-range model between the 212 Limited and the top-of-the-line 242 Limited. The 232 was also marketed with a factory wakeboard tower under the name of Limited S.

In this post, we’ll review this high-quality Yamaha jet boat and her base sibling.

Yamaha 232 Limited and Limited S Review

Hull and Top Deck

The Yamaha 232 Limited was introduced as a more advanced configuration of the base SX230 HO.

These boats shared twin 160hp engines, the cockpit layout, and a deep-V fiberglass hull with a 20-degree transom deadrise.

In terms of dimensions, the 232 Limited measured in at an overall length of 23 feet with a trailerable beam of 8.5 feet.

Her claimed dry weight was 3,064-3,172 pounds depending on the model year, while the Limited S with the factory-installed wakeboard tower weighed 3,272 pounds.

Figuring the weight of liquids, some basic gear, and a tandem axle trailer, her trailering weight was roughly 4,300-4,600 pounds.

The interior featured a bowrider-style forward lounge fitted with wraparound seating and headrests.

Other features of the bow section included stainless-steel cup holders, speakers, gunwale-mounted grab rails, and under-seat storage compartments.

The port-side storage compartment was designed to double as a cooler since it featured an insulated wall and a drain system.

Through the walk-thru windshield, you had access to a spacious cockpit fitted with a lot of innovative features.

Cozy and spacious, the helm was designed with a flip-up swivel bucket seat and a modern dashboard with wood grain trim and a compass.

Instrumentation included a speedometer, fuel gauge, depth sounder, and two tachometers.

Keeping comfort and safety in mind, the throttle/shift levers were hidden inside the side panel.

You could also find a head compartment in the port console, and the helm console housed a sizeable storage cabinet with a door that doubled as a block-off gate for the bow.

The cockpit had a lot of free deck space and a large U-shaped aft lounger.

This was extended with a folding port-side passenger seat, which could be converted into a forward-facing seat.

The aft lounge was completed with a dinette table, grab rails, and a high-performance audio system.

Covered by a snap-in Berber carpet, beneath the floor was a huge ski locker.

Other storage compartments included the aforementioned helm consol locker, under-seat stroages, and cup holders.

The most unique feature that set Yamaha jet boats apart from competitors was their special stern architecture.

Instead of a large sterndrive engine in the middle of the hull, Yamahas had two smaller low-profile engines with jet drives.

Thanks to this dual jet powertrain, the boat could be designed with a walk-thru transom and a special, two-level stern architecture.

The sizeable swim platform was positioned close to the water and the upper platform could be used as a lounge area.

The boat was fitted with a lot of convenience features like wet gear stowage, HydroTurf deck mats, cushioned backrests, grab rails, a stereo remote, a retractable reboarding ladder, table mount, jet pump cleaning access panel, and a freshwater transom shower.

Besides these standard features, the 232 Limited S also came standard with a forward-sweeping wakeboard tower with built-in spreader lights and marine speakers.

Aside from these features and a different color scheme, the 232 Limited and its S variant were identical.

Propulsion and Performance

The power source of the Yamaha 232 Limited and Limited S were the same twin MR1 engine package. These 4-stroke, 1052cc, 4-cylinder engines delivered a combined 320hp.

As the name suggests, this MR1 engine was derived from Yamaha’s R1 motorcycle engine, but modified for marine use.

Each of these engines was paired with an axial-flow, single-stage jet pump, featuring enclosed impellers.

This propulsion system ensured a shallow draft along with and easy, safe operation.

Under ideal conditions, the minimum planing speed of the 232 Limited was close to 20 mph, while she topped out at 48-50 mph at 10000 RPM.

Her dual jet propulsion system also provided a crisp throttle response and quick hole-shot acceleration.  

With a light load, the 0-30 mph time was less than 7 seconds while the planing time averaged around 3 seconds.

Specs Charts

You can read the factory specifications of the 232 Limited and 232 Limited S in these charts.

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	23’
Overall Width	8.5’
Draft	18”
Height on trailer (Limited)	83”
Height on trailer (Limited S)	125”
Maximum people on board	10
Maximum load capacity	1800 lb.

Weight

Model	Dry Weight (lb)
2008 232 Limited	3172 lb.
2009 232 Limited	3064 lb.
2009 232 Limited S	3272 lb.

 

Engine and Propulsion

Number of engines	2
Type	4-stroke
Number of cylinders	4-cylinder (each engine)
Displacement	1052 cm³
Maximum Output (each engine)	160hp @ 10000 RPM
Propulsion System	Jet pump
Jet Pump Type	Axial flow, single stage
Recommended engine oil	4-Stroke motor oil SE, SF, SG, SH SJ or SL 10W-30
Fuel tank capacity	50 US gal
Oil Capacity	4.5 qt (each engine)

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Only marketed in 2008 and 2009, the Yamaha 232 Limited was a more advanced version of the proven SX230.

These boats share a lot in common, but the latter had a port-side swivel passenger seat while the same seat in the 232 enjoyed a foldable design.

This allowed you to extend the U-shaped rear lounger to the port console.

In the 2009 season, Yamaha marketed a limited edition model under the name 232 Limited S.

Compared to her base sibling, she came standard with a custom “Yamaha blue” color scheme and a factory-installed aluminum wakeboard tower with lights and speakers.

These popular 23-footer Yamaha jet boats cruised at around 30 mph and topped out at close to 50 mph.

Thanks to their durability, these boats should still be in good shape if they have been taken care of.

They rarely appear on the used market, but if they do their asking prices average between $20,000 and $25,000.

Interestingly, the original MSRP of the 232 Limited back in the late 2000s was $41,000-$42,000 with a trailer.