What's Powering The Open 232? || Yamaha Engine Options

Our Series of Boats
Resources
Discover Sportsman Design Studio Pricing Compare Store Find a Dealer →
Series

Open

9 Models • 21' → 40'

Built for families who want serious offshore capability, premium comfort and the freedom to fish, cruise or entertain.

Side image of the Open 402

Open 402

Side image of the Open 352

Open 352

Side image of the Open 322

Open 322

Side image of the Open 302

Open 302

Side image of the Open 282

Open 282

Side image of the Open 262

Open 262

Side image of the Open 252

Open 252

Side image of the Open 232

Open 232

Side image of the Open 212

Open 212

Series

Heritage

4 Models • 23' → 32'

A refined crossover lineup designed for coastal cruising, ample seating, family days and some fishing when the moment calls for it.

Side image of the Heritage 321

Heritage 321

Side image of the Heritage 261

Heritage 261

Side image of the Heritage 251

Heritage 251

Side image of the Heritage 231

Heritage 231

Series

Masters

6 Models • 22' → 28'

Shallow-water performance, fishing-focused layouts and everyday comfort built for family life and fishing.

Side image of the Masters 287

Masters 287

Side image of the Masters 267OE

Masters 267

Side image of the Masters 267OE

Masters 267OE

Side image of the Masters 247

Masters 247

Side image of the Masters 247OE

Masters 247OE

Side image of the Masters 227

Masters 227

 
Blog > What's Powering The Open 232? || Yamaha Engine Options

The Sportsman Open 232 offers a variety of engine options ranging from 225HP to 300HP, with choices from both Yamaha and Mercury. This guide breaks down the available configurations, comparing features like mechanical vs. digital controls, hydraulic vs. electric steering, and performance benefits for different boating activities. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective setup or high-performance power for watersports, this overview will help you select the best engine package for your needs.

February 28, 2025
Cover image for the post What's Powering The Open 232? || Yamaha Engine Options
  • Know your usage and select an engine family that fits your Open 232: horsepower options range from 225 to 300 and choices include mechanical or digital controls and hydraulic or electric steering
  • Yamaha options range from 250XB through 250XCB VF250XB and XSB with digital controls and integrated steering for autopilot compatibility
  • Mercury options start with the 225 V6 and scale to 250 V8 and 300 V8 with digital controls on the 300 V8 for extra hole shot and capacity

Chase Schelble
Technical Sales Representative

The Open 232 is one of our most popular models among the Open series, as it’s a great size for most families and easy to operate and trailer. There are many engine packages available for this model, ranging from 225HP to 300HP.

template marking.

Yamaha’s offerings range from 250HP to 300HP. The first in the lineup is the 250XB, which is a great price point as it offers mechanical shift and traditional hydraulic steering, yet still boasts Yamaha’s extremely reliable 4.2L V6. The next engine is the 250XCB, which features digital controls with traditional hydraulic steering. Stepping up to digital controls not only provides great precision when shifting but also includes integrated speed control, neutral hold, and start/stop features. Another unique option from Yamaha is the VF250XB, which is the Super High Output model of the 4.2L V6. This engine is ideal for those who will primarily be pulling skiers, wakeboarders, or tubers, as it delivers tremendous torque for getting people up on plane quickly, along with excellent top-end performance for long runs to the next ski cove or fishing hole. Lastly, Yamaha offers both the 250 and 300 in an XSB configuration, which includes digital controls as well as Yamaha’s proprietary fully integrated electric steering. This feature makes steering effortless and allows for compatibility with Yamaha’s autopilot and Helm Master features if that’s something you’re interested in.

template marking. template marking.

For Mercury, the 225 V6 with the conventional mid-section is an excellent price-point option that includes everything you need to get on the water. The 225 V6 offers mechanical controls as well as traditional hydraulic steering. This package is similar to Yamaha’s 250XB, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for boaters looking for a straightforward setup. Next in Mercury’s lineup are the 250 and 300 V8 models, both featuring conventional mid-sections. The primary difference—aside from power—is that the 300 comes with digital controls. These are both great options that provide extra punch out of the hole, making them beneficial for those who plan on pulling skiers or tubers, or regularly running with multiple passengers.

template marking.

Powering your new Open 232 can be a daunting task, but we hope this helps you select the engine package best suited for your needs.

Happy Boating!