By Bill Trapman
In 2004, Yamaha struck gold with a revolutionary boat design that is now the best selling 23-foot, open-bow boat line in the boating industry. Today, the flagship models based on this award-winning design are the upscale Yamaha 232 Series boats that compete head-to-head with “luxury” runabouts priced $20,000 more.
The Yamaha 232 Series includes two well-appointed models, the 232 Limited and the 232 Limited S. The Limited S is the watersports edition that includes a forward-sweeping aluminum tower with integrated speakers and ambient cockpit lights. Both models are based on Yamaha’s 23-foot platform with comfortable seating for 10, more storage than boats that are several feet longer, and a two-tier lounge area at the stern with table mount, backrests, and rear stereo remote.
One of the key features that differentiates the 232 Series from other boats in its class is Yamaha’s “jet drive” system brings the 232 series on plane faster and accelerates quicker than stern drive boats. The primary difference between a jet drive and a stern drive is that a jet drive system is enclosed inside the hull of the boat and there is no exposed propeller at the stern. Forward thrust is provided by a jet stream rather than a spinning propeller.
This feature gives Yamaha boats a very shallow 16-inch draft that increases the boat’s versatility and provides the peace of mind of knowing that the kids are not swimming near an exposed propeller under the stern swim platform. The 232's are powered by twin Yamaha marine engines that accelerate 0-30 mph in half the time of comparable models while using less gas than most boats in their category. Owners can expect a top speed in the 49 mph range at wide-open throttle.
What we like:
- The 232 Limited and the Limited S are much lighter than comparable 23-foot runabouts. In many cases, the weight difference can be as much as 2,000 lbs. That difference makes the 232 boats much easier to tow behind your standard SUV or truck.
- Both models are virtually maintenance-free. A quick oil change every 100 hours is about it.
- Everything you see on the boat comes standard to include the trailer.
The Bottom Line:
With a starting price of $41,199 for the 232 Limited and $43,199 for the Limited S, these boats should be on every discriminating buyer’s short list. The performance and craftsmanship meets and exceeds the best boats in the luxury 23-foot runabout category and the ease of ownership makes it an excellent choice for first-time boat owners.
232 SERIES STANDARD FEATURES PACKAGE:
- Twin Yamaha High Output engines
- Freshwater shower built into the swim platform.
- Premium marine-grade vinyl upholstery.
- Premium marine-grade Berber carpet.
- Fully enclosed, carpeted head compartment.
- Yamaha’s exclusive No Wake Mode™ that allows the driver to set the engines at optimum no wake speed with the simple push of a button.
- Innovative stern lounge area with table mount, backrests, and stereo remote.
- Premium, Sirius®-equipped Sony® stereo with MP3® input.
- Full-featured helm with wood-grain dash, cushioned steering wheel and plush, adjustable captain’s chair.
- Stainless steel cupholders, rubrails and pull-up cleats.
- Includes premium, matching painted trailer.
232 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type: Twin 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder engines
Displacement: 1052cc
Impeller: 3 blade, stainless steel
Length: 23’
Beam: 8’6”
Draft: 16”
Dry Weight: 3272 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 50.2 gal.
Storage Capacity: 675.6 gal.
Vehicle Capacity: 10 persons
Dead Rise: 20º
Warranty: 1 year limited factory; 5 year limited hull
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