The letter X is legendary in American lore. Planes like X-15, autos like the XKE, and even rockets like SpaceX bear “X” in their name. It denotes special designs, skunkworks performance and mystique. Yamaha’s 212X follows that trend.
Sure, to glance at it, the 212X sports traditional Yamaha DNA, including the company’s classic transom swimming-platform with wraparound seating, fastback transom lines and dual jet-pump engines, but the similarity ends there. You might have to look twice to see what X means, but the minute you launch it, you get it.
First, the dual jet-pump engines are quieter than ever before, and more powerful. The 212X reaches planing speed in 2.6 seconds and 30 mph in 5.5 seconds. Top speed crested at 52 mph during our tests.
Then glance upward at the wakeboard tower. Board racks point to watersports. A stereo sound bar highlights an all-new sound system on board with more than a dozen speakers. In our test ride, it rocked the boat. The dash has the Connext touchpanel control system; tapping through the screens, we found easy access to sound, engines, navigation lights and fuel-consumption information to let you economize fuel and maximize fun. A joystick adds tactile control to all the same functions.
Connext also controls 1,100 pounds of ballast tanks, which gave this a cool “green room” for surfing and great wakes for riding.
The cockpit and bow are surrounded by comfortable seating. Cushions lift up on scissor hinges that hold the seats up while you access storage beneath. The battery is recessed below the port-seat storage and covered so stowed gear can’t contact terminals. Yamaha has added further ease to ownership by providing flushing ports for the engines and ample access to both, making oil changes and other maintenance easy.
Boating is no fun if it isn’t easy — and Yamaha’s 212X takes care of business there.
High Points
* Amplified stereo with sound bar provides entertainment.
* Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports accessible from in the boat make it the only year-round jet craft available.
* Jump seats up front will be the kids’ favorites.
* 1,100 pounds of ballast offer great wakes for surfing.
How We Tested
Engine: Dual 1.8-liter High Output
Drive/Prop: Waterjet/3-blade stainless-steel impeller
Gear Ratio: 1:1
Fuel Load: 20 gal.
Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Price
$57,999 (as tested)
Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing – Kennesaw, Georgia; yamahaboats.com
