23' Yamaha AR230 Fast Jet Boat in Renton review
Yacht · 23 ft (7 m) · Seattle
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Yamaha Boats
- Model
- AR230
- Length
- 23 ft (7 m)
- Guests
- 10
Verdict
A lively 23-foot jet bowrider with strong acceleration, shallow draft and family-friendly seating, the 2007 Yamaha AR230 is best suited to day boating and watersports. It trades the quiet ride and efficiency of a sterndrive for jet-drive agility, while cabin-style livability is limited.
Pros
- +Twin jet propulsion gives quick acceleration and shallow-water capability
- +Seating for up to 10 suits family outings and social day trips
- +Low draft makes it useful on lakes, rivers and near beaches
- +Fiberglass bowrider layout is practical for watersports and casual cruising
Cons
- −No cabin, so overnight comfort and privacy are limited
- −Jet boats can be less efficient than prop-driven cruisers at cruise speed
- −Can be noisier and rougher in chop than deeper-vee alternatives
- −Used examples may show age-related wear in upholstery, pumps and trailers
The AR230’s design follows Yamaha’s familiar jet-bowrider formula: a 23-foot fiberglass hull, wide 8'6" beam, twin engines and seating for a large group. Its shallow draft and swim-friendly stern layout make it appealing for lake use, sandbars and watersports, while the open deck prioritizes social space over enclosed accommodations.
On the water, the boat is known for brisk acceleration and nimble low-speed maneuvering from twin jet drives. That same setup also means handling is different from a prop boat: steering relies on water flow, so control is best once the boat is moving, and fuel use is typically higher than on similar-sized inboard or sterndrive cruisers.
Comfort is appropriate for day use rather than extended cruising. The AR230 can carry up to 10 people, but there is no real cabin livability to speak of, so shade, storage and sleeping options are limited. For buyers wanting a used family day boat with strong fun factor and simple shallow-water operation, it offers solid value; buyers seeking quiet efficiency or overnight capability should look elsewhere.
Request offers
Find a boat