Boats

Yamaha SX 210

The feeling of twin throttle levers under your palm is only bested by the acceleration two engines provide - that's the experience we had testing the new SX210.

By Randy Vance

Updated: November 30, 2005

The feeling of twin throttle levers under your palm is only bested by the acceleration two engines provide — that’s the experience we had testing the new SX210. The 110-horsepower engines, coupled to Hyperflow jet pumps, provided fast, smooth acceleration. Translation: It was a ton of fun.

Top speed is exciting, acceleration blistering and control crisp. In idle zones, we engaged the “no wake” mode and both engines set themselves to 2,500 rpm for optimum low-speed control. Around the docks, twin engines gave the ability to spin the boat by setting one engine in forward and one in reverse.

Plenty of attention was given to comfort and convenience, too. The SX210 seats nine comfortably — a result of widening the cockpit and bow area. We had six onboard during a ride to lunch, and three more would have fit easily.

Most boaters use their rigs as transportation to a favorite anchorage and just hang out. The transom area was designed just for that: The two-tiered platform is integrated into the hull and upholstered for comfortable reclining. A cocktail table fits in a pedestal, making it the ideal picnic spot, and a telescoping stainless-steel ladder is accessible from both the boat and the water.

While other companies promise to integrate engine, gauges, hull and hardware for a better boating experience, Yamaha has already done it in the SX210.

AT A GLANCE

Nimble performance, a 16-inch draft and no exposed props make the SX210 ideal for shallow waters.

Test Drive

Test Engine: Twin Yamaha 110 hp 4-strokes

Test Impeller: 16.5-pitch stainless steel

Test Load: People (400 lb.); Fuel (35 gal.)

Top Speed: 45.2 MPH @ 8,000 RPM

Time to Plane: 3.0 sec.

Time to 30 MPH: 7.0 sec.

Minimum Plane: 21.0 MPH @ 5,500 RPM

Vital Stats

Length Overall: 21’3″