An Easy Choice When it Comes to Family Fun

The SX230 High Output offers first-rate features which allow spontaneous adventures on the water.

By Captain John B. Wenz

Prospective boating families who are looking at boats in the 20 to 25 foot range fall into a number of categories. There are some who are first-timers, some who are moving up from smaller boats, and some who are moving from personal watercraft into their first boat. No matter which group you might fall into, another general priority common to all these groups is value. Two questions are often asked “What will the basic package include, and what will we have to add to make the package complete?” Based on my test of the SX230 High Output, Yamaha’s answer to those questions is simple --- a lot is included, and there’s not much to add. Yamaha Motor Corporation seems to be on a mission. They’ve got a good product line, and they’re on the road to changing the way people think about boating.

First-Class Features

Yamaha’s top-of-the-line SX230 is comparable to many similar-sized and powered boats which cost fifteen to twenty thousand dollars more. That says a lot about value, and it’s true. She’s got a real nice profile, and her relatively high freeboard provides a feeling of security when on board. The 230 features a comfortable, J-shaped cockpit seating arrangement which is designed for ten. The port side converts to an extended lounge seat or a comfortable spot for the first-mate.

The bow area is big enough for the taller crowd to stretch their legs, and the upholstery everywhere is very comfortable yet has a well-made, rugged hand. There are not many boats in this size range that provide an enclosed space big enough for a portable toilet, yet you’ll find one on the SX230. (Just don’t look for a toilet, it’s not available from the builder, but a porta-potti can be dealer-installed very easily). That’s a big selling point, particularly for families who like to spend the day on the boat. It’s especially true when you make the boat itself your destination; as opposed to going from point A to point B.

Spacious Cockpit

Moving out of the cockpit, there’s plenty to help you enjoy yourself while at anchor in your favorite spot. The distinctive aft deck area is roomy, comfortable, and easy to access from the cockpit or the water. The design encourages this to be the center of activities when you’re on the hook enjoying all sorts of activities. The seating is comfortable, and there’s a mount for the standard cocktail table in just the right place. In addition, you’ve got control of the stereo from back here, so you won’t have to get up from your seat.

The list of standard equipment goes on and on, and includes things like a depth finder, a compass, and a trailer. Get this--- there’s even a no-wake throttle feature to go along with the full set of engine instruments and tachometers. Punch a couple of switches when you’re entering a no-wake zone and the engines automatically run at a factory pre-set RPM level, adjusted to provide optimal, no-wake speed. Leave the guess work back at the dock!

Jet Pump Technology

I will admit, right off the bat, that I like waterjet engine technology. It’s simple and reliable, and Yamaha has it figured out. In addition, they build the boat around their own engines, so you can expect a perfect match.

The SX230 High Output has got a pair of 160 horsepower four-cylinder four-stroke MR-1 marine engines. Legendary for their reliability, the worse thing you can do for them, in my opinion, is to not use them enough. Should you happen to accidentally pick something up in the water pump, clean-outs are conveniently located right under the aft deck. It’s a simple process to remove debris and get back on your way.

Cruising Experience

I enjoyed spending the day on this boat, and my test included using it for a typical outing; enjoying the kind of activities you could expect your own family to participate in. I can tell you this much--- everything works like it says so in the brochure. We took a tour, taking photos and sightseeing. We then anchored for a swim and some relaxation. The enclosed compartment was used as a changing room, to suit up for swimming and snorkeling and later when we stopped for lunch. The entire day was made more enjoyable by the SX230, and I could easily see my family having similar adventures of our own.

One of the most important features of the SX230 and all of Yamaha’s boat products is the internal propulsion system. Aside from mechanical simplicity and the ability to put the boat on plane very quickly, it offers two other major benefits not possible with a stern drive or outboard. First, there’s no exposed propeller, so you can eliminate the associated fear and anxiety. Second, no exposed prop means a shallow draft and minimal risk of damaging running gear should you go astray. You can operate in the shallows with these boats, where conventionally powered boats just simply can’t.

Performance and Ride

Speaking of operating, we tested the SX230 on a day which wasn’t perfect for speed runs, but did allow us to gather accurate data. The twin 160-hp Yamaha engines put us on plane in 2.5 seconds and we reached 30 mph in 4.8 seconds. We reached a top speed of 50.4 mph and we found our optimal cruising speed to be 28.4 mph at 7000 rpm. At this rate, the SX230 uses 7.6 gallons of gas per hour, which works out to a range of 168 miles as provided by her 50 gallon fuel capacity. Everything about the boat has a good, solid feel of quality. The ability to produce boats of this size with robotics, much like automobiles, eliminates the human error factor. The results seem to make a difference in the end product.

One of the yardsticks I use when evaluating any boat is answering the question, “Would I buy this boat myself, if I was in the market for something this size?” The answer to that question is absolutely “yes.” Do yourself a favor. Take a good look at the SX230 from Yamaha.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions