When we hit the open ocean, we took the SR230 to a top speed of 46.2 mph.

When we hit the open ocean, we took the SR230 to a top speed of 46.2 mph.



Few corporations in the world have garnered the respect that Yamaha Motor Corp. has maintained throughout its many years in the marine industry. Even little children know the Yamaha name. (We certainly did when we where kids.)

A prominent name comes with great expectations, though, so any boat from Yamaha is going to have a lot to live up to. Fortunately, the Yamaha SR230 does just that, proving to be one of the best boats the manufacturer has ever built.

Our test of the SR230 began off the coast of Florida, near the Fort Walton Beach/Destin area. From there, we cruised over to Crab Island, a huge 2-square-mile shoal area near one of the entrances into the Intracoastal Waterway from the Gulf of Mexico.

Our test boat was a prototype that weighed 600 or 700 pounds more than the production model, which comes in at 2,900 pounds. We had four adults and almost a full tank of fuel along for the ride. Yamaha is hailing the 23-footer as a 10-person bowrider, so we figured this was a fair load.

We were very aggressive in putting the SR230 through a bevy of basic maneuvers. The boat handled well at all angles to a 1-foot swell and light wind chop.

There was very little pounding. The ride was soft and the handling was excellent. Yamaha has built a boat that makes softer turns than its previous sport boats, which is sure to broaden the appeal of this model.

When we hit the open ocean, we took the SR230 to a top speed of 46.2 mph. Yamaha rates the boat's top speed at 50 mph (at approximately 10,000 rpm), and gives it a cruising speed of 21 mph (at 6,000 rpm), where it gets 3.9 mpg. At a higher cruising speed of 35 mph (at 8,000 rpm), the boat gets 2.9 mpg.

The SR230's two Yamaha MR-1 jet drives combine to give the boat a formidable 280 hp. The MR-1 is Yamaha's first four-stroke sportboat engine, and it is one of the cleanest, quietest and most fuel-efficient engines ever introduced. The ultra-lightweight, four-cylinder engines have electronic fuel injection, a corrosion protection system and the Yamaha Engine Management System (Y.E.M.S.), which controls and adjusts such functions as ignition timing, fuel injection mapping and engine diagnostics.

Altogether, the SR230 is bigger, heavier and softer riding than the previous jet boats we've tested from Yamaha.

Quest for the Best

No matter what the size of boat, owners are always clamoring for more storage space — which makes the SR230's 14 storage compartments all the more impressive. You'll find an anchor storage compartment at the bow, storage under each seat and carpeted compartments under the starboard and port consoles.

The boat is also equipped with a full-size ski locker that accommodates skis, kneeboards and wakeboards. Two cockpit gunnel inserts provide additional storage for rear passengers, and the dual glovebox is perfect for stowing small items.

A V-shaped settee wraps around the bow. Moving back past the walk-through windshield, you'll find the helm console to starboard and the dual glovebox console to port. Unfortunately, a portable head is not an option.

The helm console includes full instrumentation, an adjustable steering wheel and independent dual engine controls. Music lovers will appreciate the top-of-the-line JVC AM/FM radio/CD player, which comes with four speakers and a remote control at the helm.

The captain's seat and matching passenger's seat are both standard size. A U-shaped settee runs along the forward side of the transom.

The center walk-through transom provides easy access to the stern patio area and swim platform from the cabin. The stern can be transformed into a private patio on the water with room for an optional dinette table with pedestals (that can be positioned in the stern or main cockpit area).

Other options include a Bimini top, removable Berber carpeting, a bow cushion insert (that transforms the bow seating area into a full-size sunpad) and a cockpit cushion insert (that transforms the cockpit seating area in the same way). A matching trailer is included as standard equipment — and a galvanized trailer is available as an option.

The SR230's deep-V, multi-chine hull has a 20-degree deadrise, and the hull and deck are constructed of multiple layers of fiberglass with sandwich core construction reinforcements. The fiberglass liner, which is separately constructed, combines the floor, stringer and engine mounting system.

The Yamaha name is a daunting one to live up to, but the new SR230 takes the pressure in stride and performs admirably. The boat offers a quiet, clean, smooth ride, and it is capable of reaching speeds over 50 mph. The SR230 ensures that boaters and children alike will know the Yamaha name for many years to come.

Yamaha SR230 Specifications
Length23'
Beam8'6"
Draft (hull)1'4"
Dry weight2,900 pounds
Fuel capacity53 gallons
Maximum power280 hp
Suggested retail price$26,999

Performance
Top speed50 mph
Cruising speed21 mph
Miles per gallon at 21-mph cruising speed3.9
Estimated fuel cost for 100 miles$38.46
Range at 21-mph cruising speed205 miles

(Estimated fuel cost based on a fuel price of $1.50 per gallon.)

Engine Specifications
Model(2)140-hp fuel-injected Yamaha MR-1 four-stroke with jet drives
Propshaft horsepower140
Cylinders4
Displacement998 c.i.d.
Bore and stroke74mm x 58 mm
Compression ration11.4:1
Maximum engine speed10,000 rpm

Standard Features

Matching ladder, telescoping boarding ladder, JVC AM/FM radio CD player with four speakers and remote control, dual tachometers, water pressure speedometer, fuel level gauge, low oil level warning light, dual check engine lights, dual oil pressure warning lights, dual ignition switches, and a blower switch, a navigation/anchor light switch and a bilge pump switch (all with breaker).

Options

Bimini top, carpet kit, dinette table with pedestals, bow cushion insert, cockpit cushion insert.

For More Information

Yamaha Motor Corp. USA
1270 Chastain Road Northwest
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(800) 962-7926
www.yamaha-motor.com