Yamaha AR230 & AR230 HO Specs and Review [Video]

The AR230 was a popular 23-foot Yamaha jet boat manufactured in the 2000s. This model was virtually an SX230 equipped with a factory-installed wakeboard tower. It utilized twin MR1 2x140hp jet engines, while its more powerful successor, the HO variant enjoyed a big-bored MR1 package rated at 2x160hp.

If you want to find out more about these popular wakeboard jet boats, this post is for you.

We at BoatReviewGuide have compiled all you need to know into this detailed review!

Yamaha AR230 and AR230 HO Review

Hull and Top Deck

The AR230 shared its hull and top deck with the SR230, SX230, and the top-of-the-line 232 Limited.

This platform was introduced on the 2003 SR230 and was carried over to the more advanced 23-footers in the fleet without any significant changes.

This deep-V hull featured a 20-degree deadrise at the transom and a shallow, 1.5-foot draft. It measured 23 feet in length and 8.5 feet in width, while its bridge clearance was 5 feet.

Its shallow, 1.5-foot draft and jet propulsion system made it ideal for shallow waters.

The claimed dry weight of the boat was 3,100 pounds alone and 4,000-4,200 pounds with a trailer.

The weight of this water-ready setup on its trailer was in the ballpark of 4,500-5,500 pounds depending on the load.

Thanks to its lightweight construction, this Yamaha boat was easy to tow, even by a smaller vehicle.

Designed with watersport lovers in mind, the AR’s top deck featured a large swim platform with a Telescopic reboarding step, a ski locker, and a robust aluminum wakeboard tower.

In terms of capacities, the boat could legally carry ten passengers or 1,800 pounds, but it provided comfortable cruises for only 7-8.

The cockpit featured a traditional bowrider layout, housing a U-shaped rear seating area, two bucket seats, and bow seating for 2-3 passengers.

Besides the floor-mounted ski locker, you could load your gear into numerous under-seat storage units, gloveboxes, and carpeted pockets.

The boat also came standard with a small enclosed head compartment, which could be used either as storage, a changing room, or a place for a porta potty.

Yamaha marketed the AR230 with the same hull deck layout until 2006.

For the 2007 season, the base model was discontinued, so buyers could only choose the more powerful HO version.

This more advanced model was designed with a 320hp engine package while its hull was also slightly redesigned with a higher freeboard.

The deck also got some minor improvements, including larger storage compartments, a larger closet, and a nice lounger.

The latter was a convertible passenger seat behind the port side console, which could be unfolded to create a cushioned bench.

Engines

Yamaha launched the base AR230 in 2004 with the standard 280hp MR1 engine package. This included two 4-stroke, 998cc, fuel-injected Yamaha marine engines, each rated at 140hp at 10,000 RPM.

They were paired with axial-flow, single-stage, Hyper-flow jet drives that housed 155mm, three-blade impellers.

At full throttle, the boat could reach a top speed of 47-48 mph. At this speed, the claimed fuel consumption was 23.2 gph, so its 50-gallon fuel capacity offered a cruising range of 100 miles.

Its best cruising speed was about 27-28 mph when the boat burned 8 gph and could cover 160-170 miles.

Yamaha marketed the base model with this 2x140hp engine package from 2004 through 2006.

From the 2005 season on, the model was also available with a more powerful, 2x160hp engine configuration.

Labeled as AR230 HO, it was fitted with a big-bored version of the proven MR1 engine package.

The displacement of the engine was increased from 998cc to 1052cc and the compression ratio also changed from 11.4:1 to 11.9:1.

These changes increased the power of the MR1 engine from 140 to 160hp at maximum engine speed.

Believe it or not, the more powerful engines ensured not only higher top speed and better hole-shot acceleration, but they also proved to be more fuel efficient at cruising speed.

According to real-world tests, the best cruising fuel consumption of the HO was 7-7.5 gph at 31-32 mph while it topped out at 49-50 mph.

Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the factory specs of the Yamaha AR230 under one roof:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	23’
Beam	8.5’
Draft	1.5’
Height on trailer	10.3’
Dry Weight	3100 lb.
Maximum people on board	10
Maximum load capacity	1800 lb.

Engine Specs

Number of Engines	2
Type	4-stroke
Number of Cylinders	4 each engine
Displacement (Base Model/HO)	998 cm³ / 1052 cm³ each engine
Fuel injection	EFI
Fuel tank capacity	50 US gal (189 L)
Oil Tank Capacity	4.5 qt (4.3 L) Each engine

Performance (Base Model)

Maximum Output (each engine)	140hp (103 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption (each engine)	11.6 US gal/h (44 L/h)
Cruising Range (full throttle)	2.2 hr.

Performance (HO Model)

Maximum Output (each engine)	160hp (117 kW) @ 10000 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption (each engine)	11.9 US gal/h (45 L/h)
Cruising Range (full throttle)	2.1 hr.

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

Takeaways

The 23-footer Yamaha AR built its reputation on its durability and reliability. This is why this model is still a favorite among used boat buyers!

If you are also looking for a used wakeboard boat with jet propulsion, you can’t go wrong with one of them.

The best practice is to invest in a HO, since they are more powerful and have slightly better fuel economy than their non-HO counterparts. 

If you do your research, you can find many used Yamaha AR230s for sale on eBay, Craigslist, or boat classified sites.

The asking price of these iconic boats averages between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on their manufacturing year, condition, and features.

References

Yamaha Boats