2020 AR195 vs 2015 212X

[TiDi41]

Hello Jetboaters!
I've been lurking on the site for a little while now as I have my heart set on getting a Yamaha for a variety of reasons. It's finally come down to two end of season deals; a 2020 AR195 w/ 175 hours, or a 2015 212X w/ 200 hours. The 195 would be 2k more expensive. Like I said, I've been lurking and researching for a while now, pretty sure I'd be happy with either boat, and both boats appear to be in great shape. Anybody have any feedback, advice, red flags to look out for? Is the 195 going to need a super charger clutch soon? Are the 2015 1.8s ticking (timing chain) bombs? I will get a sea trial, but are compression checks necessary on these engines?
Thanks everyone!

 

[VitaminSea]

Welcome aboard!

As far as I am aware the SVHO engines do not require a rebuild. Here is some additional information new 1.8 SVHO or 1.8 HO reliability

As for the timing chain - per this post it looks like if the engines were produced beyond 7/15, they have the thicker chain.

Thread '1.8L Timing Chain Confirmation'
1.8L Timing Chain Confirmation

I would favor the 212x over the 195 from a size perspective, which will also translate to a better ride in choppy conditions (in addition to the weight the 21s have 20 degrees of dead rise vs 18 degrees in the 19fts. Also you can use regular vs premium fuel.

The 195 will have the articulating keel, where you will most likely want some fins on the 212 to assist with tracking.

If you can do the maintenance yourself, there is not much more of an expense with the 212 (oil and plugs), if you take it to the dealer, it will probably cost you double.

But that’s just my 2cents for what it’s worth.

You have to consider where you are storing it, how are you towing it, what type of boating you plan on doing (water sports, the 212x) and how many folks you will typically have on board. Both have enough power to put a grin on your face!

Let us know what you decide!!

 

[VitaminSea]

Something else to consider…
I do believe the 2015 is all gauges (no Connex screen). Those gauges are hard to come by. In addition to the tach, they display fuel level, battery voltage, water temp, etc.

I believe the 2020 has the newer Connex screen, and per Partzilla is still available if it should need replacement.

 

[TiDi41]

Thanks for the feedback! The 212 does have thrust vectors already installed, but that is an interesting note about the gauges. I do like to do as much maintenance as I can myself, one of the main reasons I want a Yamaha. Plus some watersports, some entertaining, cruising, beaching, with various collections of families and kids.

 

[TiDi41]

To follow up on this thread - a decision was made! Going to be a loooooong winter.

 

[Ribs77]

Congrats! 2021 195 owner here. I've put about 80 hours on mine since I got it. (Edit: It has 210 hours now - I got it with about 130)

I've spent a good amount of time dialing it for surfing and can provide some tips if that's what you're after, but just for general boating it was fantastic right out of the box. Well, I did want the aftermarket steering fins for general use, but it looks like you may have those already.

 

[TiDi41]

Thanks! Ya I'm stoked!

I'm definitely going to try some surfing, got the 650 custom bag and the wakebooster with the boat along with some random older board. Probably just start with that next season and see how it goes, learn what I want to change or tweak. If I end up doing enough surfing with my wife and/or friends I think one of the cruise controls will be inevitable, but they're pretty expensive to just pull the trigger preemptively.

 

[Ribs77]

Yeah, the 650 bag is important, BUT...

Adding some weight in the bow or ski locker area is also important. I got a pretty cheap second bag from WakeMakers (like $80) that is in a straight tube shape and holds up to 375. I lay it on top of the ski locker and fill that about 2/3 of the way. Because too much weight in the back of the boat makes it want to cavitate and not be able to get up to speed. That weight helps keep the bow in the water and create additional displacement.

Secondary recommendation... 50lb steel shot bags. I have two of them and I usually put both in the surf side compartment below the seat. As far back and to the corner as you can shove them. Makes a shockingly huge difference, and allows me to switch from regular to goofy side without draining, moving, and refilling the 650 bag. I've also moved one of these to the bow when I have more/heavier passengers than usual.

Speaking of the 650 bag... it's worth figuring out a repeatable and easy system for tying it down. I got some flat-side bungees that I wrap AROUND the bag and then secure to each of the stern cleats. In addition to that, I use two small regular bungees to connect from both lower points on the bag to the transom tow point. Before I figured out this system, I was just using bungees from the upper bag attachment points and I managed to drop the bag into the water TWICE, and ripped off one of the attach points. Not awesome. (Fortunately the bag is so heavy duty that it survived this and still works great.)

Lastly... you already know about the speed control. It's definitely expensive, but I can't imagine surfing without it now. Not for the auto-launch feature, which has been slightly underwhelming given the amount of ballast I use, but just for the maintenance of speed.

It's super hard to know exactly how fast you're going (boat speedo not that accurate and only displays round numbers) and maintain that speed with wind, chop, driving in a gentle circle, etc. If you get moderately into surfing or wakeboarding it's a must-have. You can definitely try things out without it, and you'll get a good wave when you hit the right speeds...but it will be hard to maintain.

 

[Ribs77]

Oh, I almost forgot. I have the WakeBooster as well but I almost never use it. In my experience it doesn't do much when I'm heavily ballasted. It's possible that it might make the wake more surfable without as much ballast, but I haven't really tried that.

Edit: And... haha, can you tell how much I've put into this?

I also needed to swap in the Lucky 13 cone and do some sealing of the impeller intake tunnel to avoid cavitation when the boat has lots of weight. Even having done both of those things I still need to baby it a little bit at times, but it's much better than before.

 

[TiDi41]

Sweet, appreciate all the info! I've been lurking on this site long enough to have at least heard of these things, I'll definitely do some more digging over the winter.

 

[VitaminSea]

To follow up on this thread - a decision was made! Going to be a loooooong winter.
View attachment 240052

Congratulations!! Nice that your tow vehicle and boat colors match!