Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

The flagship of the Yamaha family of jet propelled sportboats just got better with a long list of luxury items. Adding to the already lengthy list of innovate concepts that make the SX230 a step ahead of the crowd. She’s built around a pair of Yamaha’s MR 1, four-stroke power plants that turn at over 10,000 rpm to deliver one of the most exciting rides I’ve had in a family runabout. Not only is the performance satisfying, but the cockpit layout is very functional.

Stern Features

The stern of the 230 is the first thing you’ll notice. She has a water level swim platform that curves up into a raised seating area. These dual platforms provide a great activity spot for your guests and a snack table can be inserted here for lunch or beverages. A telescoping swim ladder and stereo remote control complete this area and ensure that it will be the most popular among your crowd.

Access from the aft deck into the Berber carpeted cockpit is through a folding transom door. The spacious cockpit incorporates a large U-shaped settee which can quickly be converted into a dinette or a double sized sun lounge. Besides all the storage under the settee’s cushions, you also have easy access to the two giant storage bins located on either side of the transom walk-through.

Cockpit Features

Up front in the cockpit is a pair of adjustable bucket seats. The seats offer good support and incorporate a flip up bolster for better vision. On the companion side, the dash offers two large glove boxes, one of them houses the premium CD stereo. The captain can also control the stereo from a remote located at the helm.

Situated above the tilt steering column is the analog gauge cluster. The dash displays speed, fuel level and engine rpm on dual tachometers. Engine warning indicators are combined in the tach’s face and let’s you know of any critical problems.

As you transition to the bow, you’ll find an enormous ski locker in the sole. The large door will make for easy access to the locker that has enough room to store several skis and wakeboards. The bow seating area is well padded and includes a pair of grab handles and cupholders. An anchor locker is also supplied up front and will make mooring up to the pop-up cleats easier.

The Power Plant

Showcasing this boat is the MR 1 engines. Based on a four cylinder, four-stroke, 998 c.c. mill, this electronically controlled power plant delivers 140 horsepower each. Gone are the days of filling your oil tank up every time you refuel, as the four-cycle engine is lubricated via a sump instead of through the fuel stream of a two-cycle motor.

Specs

The SX203’s deep-V hull is 23 feet long and uses a 20-degree deadrise bottom that measures 8 feet, 6 inches at the beam. Thanks to the enclosed jet pump, shallow bays are no problem for the 18 inches of draft required. Towing this boat will also be a breeze due to a dry weight of only 2,900 pounds, and the trailer that is included with the package.

Performance

Pushing the twin throttle levers forward on the SX 230 makes for an exciting time as we maxed the engine to 10,000 rpm to record a top speed of 48 miles per hour. Cruise speed was determined to be 22 miles per hour at 7,000 rpm. At this rate we achieved 2.5 miles per gallon or 114 miles on a full tank.

In total, the SX 230 platform is a value packed fun machine. It offers significant space, great performance and is technologically advanced enough to keep you smiling for years to come.

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