Yamaha 212XD (2021-)

Brief Summary

The 2021 Yamaha 212XD is the latest model to Yamaha’s 21-ft. (6.4 m) series with all the same reliability and functionality, plus newly-added technology to make it that much better.

Key Features

• Yamaha's patented Connext 12.3" (31.24 cm) touchscreen display
• Yamaha’s E-Series drive-by-wire system
• DRiVE technology
• Bow reboarding ladder
• Folding aluminum wakeboard tower
• Painted trailer with swing-away tongue

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	21' 3" 6.48 m
Beam	8'6" 2.6 m
Dry Weight	3,598 lbs. 1,632 kg
Tested Weight	4,516 lbs. 2,048.42 kg
Draft	19" 48.26 cm
Deadrise/Transom	20°
Bridge Clearance	7' 3" 2.21 m
Weight Capacity	2,200 lbs. 997.9 kg
Person Capacity	10
Fuel Capacity	50 gallons 189.27 L
Total Weight	4,516 lbs. 2,048.42 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	6.1 seconds
Props	3 x 14.7
Load	3 persons; 50% fuel; 50 lbs. gear
Climate	78 deg.; 85 humid.; wind: 0-5; seas: level

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 1.8L Yamaha Marine Engines

Captain's Report

Mission Statement

The 212XD is Yamaha’s premiere wake boat that has all the functionality of a watersports and family crossover with many features that come standard. She also includes a deck and hull designed for maximizing space, comfort and versatility. Yamaha even includes a trailer.  

Performance

With Yamaha's twin 1.8 L High Output engines, the 212XD is a powerful boat with the capability to not only carry a lot of family and friends but also hold filled ballast tanks and tow someone at the same time. This jet drive boat easily came up to plane and reached its best cruising speed (and time). She also reduced noise levels thanks to her sound dampening hull and engine compartment that creates a quiet ride, easily allowing conversations even at cruising speed. 

Handling

With the addition of the articulating keel, the 212XD accommodates off-throttle steering. The 3/4 turn steering makes the boat quick to respond and helped make it easy to handle. When in slow turns, she kept her speed well but in performance turns, don't be afraid to add a little throttle to counter the bleeding speed. We found that she has a tight turning radius at a moderate to slow speed but that radius expands the faster you are going. Overall, she was a comfortable riding boat that was quick to respond to maneuvers and had plenty of power to keep her going strong even when fully loaded.

Engine Compartment

Stern

One of our favorite features of Yamaha boats is the aft swim platform patio. With a 19” (48.26 cm) deck up top and a 16” (40.64 cm) deck below there is plenty of space to lounge or get staged for watersports/towing. There is a place to mount the pedestal table on the starboard side and the stereo controls on the port.

Cockpit

Helm

The Helm on this year’s model of the 212XD comes standard with Yamaha’s patented Connext 12.3" (31.24 cm) touchscreen display that can also utilize joystick control. This controls most of the boat's electrical functions. With the Connext touchscreen, the driver can read the water temperature, RPM levels, fuel gauge, GPS location, depth, trip information, and even display a nautical chart. The captain can also control all the boat's functions such as ballast tanks, speed control, Bluetooth, courtesy, and docking lights all through the Connext unit. When using the display for watersports, it can store up to five profiles when it comes to their wake, speed and acceleration preferences.

The 212XD also comes with Yamaha’s DRiVE technology. With the addition of Yamaha’s E-Series drive-by-wire system, you get push-button start-stop, engine sync, single-throttle and paddle controls for docking. The paddles control forward and reverse propulsion for each engine. They are also progressive so the driver can add more or less throttle if needed without ever having to take his or her hands off the wheel. Look into our Yamaha DRiVE technology video for more.

Bow

The bow cushions can be arranged in multiple configurations from a sun pad to a general seating area. Fully forward, there are steps going up the bow hatch so we can help facilitate bow in boarding. There is a beach reboarding ladder in the anchor locker. The two seats are 25” (63.50 cm) apart and the padded bolsters come up 13” (33.02 cm). There are two beverage holders on the bow step, two more in the gunwales aft and two speakers facing inward.

Observations

It was nice to see Yamaha add some of the features we usually see in larger models to their smaller counterparts, from the DRiVE system to the Connext touchscreen display. With everything on this boat coming standard, it’s an ideal beginner to intermediate level wake surfing boat at a comfortable price. This boat would suit most families either just wanting to spend the day on the water or wakeboarders who want to have a good day's fun.