From the dock, the 242X E-Series stops the show with beautiful gelcoat color options, a wakeboard tower with Bimini and board racks, and a bow seating area that sweeps forward with so much room, two can lounge feet forward, or four or five can sit comfortably.
Remove the cushions to reveal the jump seats at the forepeak. They give a stunning ride experience, and with the filler cushion in place, the area can serve as a tanning bed for three. The three-tiered stern seating is another trademark Yamaha feature that capitalizes on water fun by giving a great hangout spot for swimming, or a watersports platform for booting up or getting set to surf.
That’s right. Surf. This new 242 is equipped with SurfPointe technology that Yamaha engineered and pioneered with the help of nationally known surfers. By experimenting with jet-pump nozzle angles, they found aiming the nozzles inward toward each other at the optimum angle boosts the wake by compressing the water as it comes around the hull. That creates a deeper hole in the water with a larger ramp — and it’s just as good on both sides of the wake. Add Yamaha’s patented articulating keel and you have crisp helm response not available in any other jet-boat brand.
Yamaha takes this new riding technology to the water with state-of-the-art glass-helm controls too. Its 12.3-inch Connext dash replaces all the analog gauges with a sunlight-bright touchscreen system that accesses lake mapping, engine controls, courtesy and navigation lights, and electrical systems such as bilge pumps. A touch panel gives you complete control of the audio system that can include subwoofers and a marine sound bar. Not enough audio control? There’s a full-feature remote at the transom platform too.
In our test team’s estimation, one of the greatest Yamaha boat features is the complete control Yamaha takes of power, the hull and accessories in construction, which allows the company to offer an industry-leading warranty and just one contact point for service — your Yamaha dealer.
High Points
* Connext touchscreen gives complete access to every vessel system but includes tactile joystick control as well.
* Bimini top can tilt to improve headroom when moving from the cockpit to the bow.
* SurfPointe technology provides a jet-created wave that is surfable on both sides.
Price: $73,999 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: Twin 1.8L High Output
Drive: Jet pumps
Gear Ratio: 1.00:1
Fuel Load: 25 gal.
Crew Weight: 500 lb.
More Information
Yamaha Motor Corporation – Kennesaw, Georgia; 800-962-7926; yamahaboats.com
