Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 vs Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 vs Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 measures 23,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 at 16,0 feet (1999). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 tips the scales at 145 lbs — 142 lbs less than the Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 at 3 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 has a 185-hp advantage over the Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 carries 34 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Yamaha Exciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer 1999 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 5 passengers and at 16,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Yamaha AR230 High Output 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelAR230 High Output
ModelExciter 135 XG w/galvanized trailer
Model Year2006
Model Year1999
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam7 ft. 7 in. (2.3m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches91
Deadrise20℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [max] - Detail18 in. (.5 m)
Draft [max] - Detail13 in. (.3 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.46
Draft [max] - Meters0.33
Draft [max] - Inches18
Draft [max] - Inches13
Weight - Detail3,000 lbs. (1,406.1 kg)
Weight - Detail1,450 lbs. (659 kg)
Weight - kg1360.78
Weight - kg657.71
Weight - lbs.3
Weight - lbs.145
Length - Meters7
Length - Meters5.1
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet16
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in. (7 m)
Length overall - Detail16 ft. 7 in. (5.1m)
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Meters5.05
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inches199
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches7
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard2 Engines, 1,052 cc, 4-Cylinder, 4-Stroke
Engine/s standard1131 cc, 3-Cyliner, 2-Stroke
Impeller3-Blade, Stainless Steel (16.5 pitch)
Impeller3-Blade, Stainless Steel (16.5 pitch)
Intake grateEFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
Intake gratenot available
Jet pump155 mm Axial Flow Single Stage with Reverse
Jet pump155 mm Axial Flow Single Stage with Reverse
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (202 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail34 gal. (129 l) Reserve 7 gal. (27 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters128.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal34
Drive typeJet Drive
Drive typeJet Drive
Engine max320 hp
Engine max135 hp
Oil capacity - Detail1.32
Oil capacity - Detail3
Oil capacity - Liters5
Oil capacity - Liters11.36
Oil capacity post textper engine
Oil capacity post textnot available
Fuel systemnot available
Fuel system(3) Mikuni Super BN 44
Lubricationnot available
LubricationOil Injection
Operational Info
Storage15 Compartments
Storage131 gal. (498 l)
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (818 kg)
Maximum capacity930 lbs. (423 kg)
Maximum people1
Maximum people5