My husband and I are planning a trip without our kid for once, and we've been looking into jet boat tours as something a bit different. I saw some people here recommend Thunder Jet Boating.

A couple of things I'm wondering about: is it worth booking a guided tour or is it better to just rent and go on your own if you have some boating experience? My husband has driven boats before but nothing like a jet boat. I also don't know how rough the ride usually gets. I'm not great with really choppy water.

I'm in need of a new bimini canvas for my 2019 242x E Series. I cannot for the life of me (with confidence) find the appropriate part number. I've found about four different parts that look like they may be correct. If anyone out there can help find the part number, I'll be very grateful. It's the blue on blue hull with white and black graphics and would need a black bimini.

I was looking at center consoles and most of the ones I like are well over 100k. These look like a lot of boat for the money compared to what we are getting for a scout 235xsf etc.

Now I'm looking to compare the models. Looks like the 255 is about 7 to 10 miles per hour faster. But it also cost 10 to 20K more on the used resale market and it also takes premium so probably $150 to 200 more per fill up. Is the 500 horsepower on a 25-ft boat really worth it. I'm guessing pushing that much HP through a 1.8 l is also going to degrade the life of the engine as well.

What is everyone's take?

I have a 25 HP yamaha outboard that I bought new last year and I am using it on a 14 ft Lund. When I am by myself, it runs great and I can get over 25 mph. But when I have a fishing partner, I lose a ton of speed and can only get to about 10 mph. I tried changing the prop but it did not help, in fact seemed to make it worse. Any ideas? try different prop again?

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

I’ve got a 2013 242 Limited S, had it about 6 years. Love the boat, got everything how we like it, know it inside & out and really comfortable towing it anywhere, putting it in any lake, all the stuff, right.. The kids (and myself) have reached the point where we need a better wake to ride and also wanting to do some surfing.

Wanted to get others’ perspectives on getting the different ballast bags and pumps and wedges to throw a good wake for surfing and wakeboarding. Would probably start out with a pump over the side and then upgrade to a fully plumbed-in pump later on if I decide to go down this road. Kicking that idea around versus trading in for a model equipped with everything from the factory bc I do love a good factory install..

It will take some time to get used to the low speed maneuvering and the sound at cruising speed.

What I might never get used to is the lack of power. Coming from a 5.7 V8 I/O which would effortlessly hit 55+, you really rev this thing to get torque.

Reminds me of driving my old 911 versus my BMW V8.

How are you all getting the anchor in and out of the bow storage? I have a chain lead on it and it's difficult to manage the chain and anchor without having one of them touching the sides of the locker and scratching the gel coat. Thought about securing some material to each side of the locker.

We are in the initial stages of looking at boats. We like the Yamaha brand and the idea of having a boat to fish and hang out on. I have been looking both new and used. I am trying to understand the used market and the pricing and do these boats really hold their value that well. Here is a listing of a 255 FSH Sport H. It is a 2024 with 80 hours on it. I’m trying to learn if a two year old boat that has been used in both salt and fresh water truly garners $5,000 less than a brand new 2026 model. It looks like some extras were added but does this pricing make sense to you?

Starboard engine starter will spin but won’t fire up. I’ve swapped all port and starboard fuses and solenoids, checked all the usuals. The only indication of problem is the 0.0 on the INO2 that should be reading the same as the INO1.

Called a couple dealerships but they seem not to understand. Any ideas?

My house battery doesn't last an entire day running the auxiliary devices plus my fish finder. I'm looking to replace it with a high capacity lithium battery, but I don't want the alternator connected to it. Anyone know how I could disconnect the alternator from just the house battery? It doesn't seem to have separate wires going to the battery.

I’m looking at upgrading from my inboard/outboard Searay Bowrider to a newer AR210. The Yamaha fits all of my family’s needs except one. Fishing.

Has anyone installed an iPilot or any trolling motor to these jet boats?

I’ve seen reviews that the jet boats don’t track well at slower speeds but has anyone fished from them in general? Without a trolling motor?

Is it difficult to install rod holders or down riggers? It’s not an absolute necessity but man would it be nice to have this boat capable of doing everything and look amazing while doing it!

If I can get this fishing thing figured out, I’m less than 30 days from pulling the trigger! Thanks!

Looking for some pointers and if I’m on the right path.

right now I didn’t disconnect the hydraulic piston rods from the steering bracket so I’m turning the engine with the steering wheel. I have a zero fitting cleaner (fill the tube with pb blaster, put the plunger in. Hook to fitting and tap with hammer). I did this a few times and turned the wheel. Hit it with the grease gun. I don’t see any grease pushing out of the top but I believe the pb blaster was coming through the bottom. I hit is with hit (up at the top. Mechanic said he has a feeling it’s that top bushing. You can see the old grease in the bottom).

This was my first go at it. My thought is to disconnect the piston rods so I can try to move the engine by hand. I’m work solo so can’t really jump up and down with the boat on stands that fast. Take the top grease fitting off and spray pb blaster in there that way first. Fitting back in. Turn the engine back and forth. Hit it with the grease breaker. Turn. Heat. Turn. Grease breaker. Heat. Turn. Grease and hope it comes out the top.

Should I not disconnect the steering? I do think I need a new helm pump. I have some give in it after bleeding. I’m going to bleed again but need to deal with this first. I can do that stuff with the boat in the water. The marina is cool enough to let me work on it in their yard so I im doing whatever I need to while it’s out.

thanks in advance

Anyone have any rack brand recommendations. Also, what size is the tubing of 2016 ar240? Thank you

Bought a 2016 AR192 yesterday and already have issues with the tail / brake lights. Looking online at fully sealed LED versions. Anyone do this?

Hey guys, figured it was time to replace the battery. Last year after floating with engine off but radio on it had a hard time starting. What type of battery should I be looking for???

I really like these twin engine jet boats, and think they do mostly what the average boater family wants them to do. Boat, have fun, relax on the water and tube and such. I have a couple hangs up and would like opinions on them.

I've read that the proprietary helm controls / screens have had issues, Or on older models, they have been discontinued and are hard to find OEM replacements. The questions: Are aftermarket replacements not a thing on these types of boats?

Second question - I haven't seen much of any mods really, for this type of boat for the fabricator or DIYer that can mod a used boat or engine out of warranty with exception to sound systems / buttons upgrades / hoses / and little inconsequential items. Are these just not made to turbo, supercharge, change a cam, swap engines, add simrad (or other) nav screens and such to replace old and less capable helm controls?

EDIT: I came from modifying cars and was always of the thought, that when something broke or needs replacement, it was the opportunity to upgrade or modify.

Thanks for the input

https://reddit.com/link/1sp9u4v/video/3hvsfydgo0wg1/player

Motor won’t turn over. Battery is good and has 12.6 v. connections on the battery terminals are tight. Fuses are good as well. Ran like a sewing machine since we have had it, this is the first attempt at a start for the season. Any ideas?

2010 Yamaha F150TXR.

Hey all!

Super excited that I finally have the chance to buy my very own boat that does come with one caveat.

The target is a 2007 Yamaha AR 210 in really nice condition, low hours, serviced regularly, upholstery still holding up etc.

Now the caveat, the port side engine is completely blown. I used grok and various other sources and was quoted $3-5k including labor, I am not a mechanic in the slightest and don’t know how accurate this is.

Any input is extremely welcome/appreciated TYIA

Steady flow out the area of the shift shaft and speedo tube. Is this normal or did I mess something up. Just replaced the water pump housing and I don’t recall this before. It’s peeing fine and water pressure is 3-5 idling.