Hybrid might be the hackneyed buzzword for the 2020s, but it aptly describes the mindset of most boaters out on the water. Yes, they want to cruise. Yes, they want to fish. Yes, they want performance. Enter Yamaha’s 222 FSH Sport E—the prototypical yes boat.
This jet-powered boat stands as the premium model of three new 22-foot Yamaha center-consoles for the 2023 model year. The trio of 222s replace previous 21-foot models and bring 9 more inches of length and as much as 4 more inches in higher interior freeboard.
At the bow, anglers will certainly appreciate the insulated fish box beneath the starboard lounger. The port lounger hides dry storage. A removable filler piece nestles between the two perches to create a table for dining or a stable casting platform. Aft of the bow loungers, bulkheads port and starboard create cavernous storage, a thing boaters of all ilks seek.
The forward console seat flips up to unveil a compartment that serves to house the head and the space for a changing room, with a zippered curtain for privacy. The center console itself reflects a fishboat’s half-tower design. The hardtop frames a glass windshield and features cutouts for the six rods that fit in holders along the console sides. Anglers can store more rods in vertical holders along the aft hardtop edge and in the gunwales. Racks below the gunwales tuck even more tackle or can stow mops, brushes or water skis.
Helm and cockpit seating include a bolstered leaning post and jump seats. Aft, the deck cascades to form Yamaha’s trademark stern lounge, flanked to starboard by a 26-gallon livewell.
With no outboard cowlings to negotiate, this wide-open space makes it super easy to fight a fish. But it’s also a perfect spot to relax and listen to music from the Hertz marine sound system.
The 222 FSH is nimble and smooth. With its twin 1.8L high-output motors, which generate 360 hp in total, the 222 charges onto plane and hits a top speed of 47.7 mph. The features and multipurpose design of this vessel and the low maintenance of jet propulsion certainly check all the boxes.
High Points
- Open stern lounge is ideal for fishing, swimming and sunning.
- Standard hardtop features cutouts for fishing-rod tips.
- Hertz marine stereo system with six speakers.
- Storage compartments total 542 gallons.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 1.8L HO Yamaha marine engines
- Drive/Prop: Jet drive/155 mm jet pump
- Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 475 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $71,999 (with test power and painted trailer) |
| LOA: | 22’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’7″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,777 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 10/2,200 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 75 gal. |
Yamaha Boats – Kennesaw, Georgia; yamahaboats.com
