When you test drive a Yamaha boat and get an eyeful of the luxury seating, gleaming gelcoat and comfortable helm station, you expect it to be something special. Well, this one is and we agreed with Yamaha’s claim: This flagship of its line is the most technologically advanced model yet.
Yamaha boats come complete with a custom-fit, custom-colored trailer with a foldaway tongue to conserve garage space and eliminate banged shins. The custom wakeboard tower, complete with an integrated Bimini and solar-charging panel, folds down to make towing, covering and storing your boat easier.
On the water, enjoy the electronic throttle-and-shift and the smooth rack-and-pinion steering. The water operations are further enhanced by Yamaha’s Connext touch-screen system interface that gives access to preset rider profiles for custom acceleration, and top speed and tune control. A three-position, No-Wake mode and Cruise Assist help maintain steady speeds without constant throttle adjustment.
The 242’s glistening gelcoat is complemented with a stainless-steel rub rail, custom Yamaha-embossed pull-up cleats, and windshield supports and grab handles at the transom. The polished boarding ladder, also stainless steel, can easily deploy within the water for safety or from the platform for convenience.
Comfortable interior seating wraps around the cockpit, and seat cushions lift upward on scissor hinges that hold them in place while you remove or store items.
Battery switches isolate electrical components and starting systems to prevent battery drain during storage. A solar panel on the wakeboard arch also maintains the battery and extends stereo time.
From driveway to sandbar and launch ramp to water sports, Yamaha’s 242 Limited S E-Series has the boating fun planned for you, and the hard parts of storing, trailering and maintaining are eased.
High Points
*Electronic throttle offers smooth speed control with a single throttle lever.
*Joystick offers tactile control of Connext touchscreen.
*Patented jet-pump cleaning port allows the topside removal of grass and debris.
*Jet pumps are tucked up under the platform.
*Helm buckets swivel to join the U-shaped seating.
How We Tested
Engine: Twin 1.8L High Output
Drive: Jet pumps
Gear Ratio: 1.00:1
Fuel Load: 30 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.
Price
$65,999 (as tested)
Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing – Kennesaw, Georgia; yamahaboats.com