Yamaha’s new 242X E-Series represents the brand’s first boat focused on wake sports, and it comes loaded with cutting-edge features designed for high-end performance, towing and entertainment.
Foremost among these are triple ballast bags the produce up to 1,500 pounds of programmable weight and wake-shaping ability. The bags are located in the center storage compartment and under two bench seats in the cockpit and can be inflated independently using the boat’s Connext helm control system.
In fact, this advanced system is able to store a rider’s individual ballast preferences, so the shape and size of the wake is exactly as desired. When the rider is ready to go, the driver simply chooses that rider’s saved profile and pushes the throttle levers full forward. The same functionality stores the rider’s acceleration and top-speed preferences to the exact mile per hour.
Connext also acts as the information center of the boat — providing water depth, fuel, RPM, compass heading, mph — and controls the 1,000-watt premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and more. That’s pretty slick. No wonder the system won a 2015 Innovation Award from the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association.
Tracking has been tweaked with the Articulating Keel, which extends the boat’s keel with a trailing component that moves and tracks through the water in perfect relation to the jet pump nozzle. Straight-line heading at all speeds is enhanced, and cornering stability at speed is better, improving the overall comfort of passengers.
We mentioned earlier that jet boats have their advantages, and here’s one of them: the 242X’s big, bi-level integrated swim platform has rear-facing seats, conveniently placed cup holders, deep storage for ropes and vests, and optional mounts for a table or barbecue grill — all in the space normally taken up by an engine compartment. (For the record, other advantages of jet boats include a shallow draft and no prop under the boat to potentially harm those in the water.)
Jet boats aren’t known to be loud, but Yamaha’s Quiet Cruise sound-dampening system takes the 242X E-Series to new levels of low. Engine noise and vibration are significantly lessened, allowing passengers to engage in conversation or enjoy the stereo while under way.
Other notable features on deck include premium color-matched vinyl and billet aluminum grab handles, a head compartment with wide-opening door, oversized rearview mirror, port entertainment console with fold-down table and beverage center, and an all-new tower design with a built-in bimini, solar panel charger and swing-in board racks.
For its first foray into the performance wake boat market, Yamaha has set the bar as high as a wakeboarder doing a Half-Cab Front Flip. We can’t wait to see their next trick.
Yamaha 242X E-Series
Length Overall: 24’
Beam: 8’6”
Draft: 1’6”
Dry Weight: 3,624 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gals.
Base Price: $71,999
www.yamahaboats.com
Author: Brad Kovach is the editor of HeartLand Boating magazine
