Yamaha 222 XD (2023-)

Brief Summary

The all-new Yamaha 222XD is top of the line model in Yamaha’s recently released series of 22-ft. (6.7 m) runabout boats. Yamaha’s twin 1.8 L High Output engines power the boat. The innovative technology, wake-making devices, and performance hull design make the 222XD and the other seven models in the series, versatile on the water.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	22' 6.7 m
Beam	8' 6" 2.62 m
Dry Weight	4,740 lbs 2,150 kg
Tested Weight	5,811 lbs 2,636 kg
Draft	19" 48 cm
Deadrise/Transom	20 deg.
Bridge Clearance	7'7" 2.311 m
Weight Capacity	2,050 lbs 929.86 kg
Person Capacity	10
Fuel Capacity	70 gal 308 L
Water Capacity	0
Total Weight	5,811 lbs 2,636 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	6.3 sec.
Load	3 persons; 34.3 gal. fuel; 50 lbs. gear
Climate	92 deg., 56 humid; wind: 4-7 mph; sea: 1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 1.8L Yamaha HO Marine Engines
Std. Power	2 x 1.8L Yamaha HO Marine Engines

Mission Statement

Yamaha is changing the wake sports community’s perception of jetboats by creating good wake with its SurfPointe wakesurf system.  A system designed to make a clean, deep-pocketed, surfable wake.  Their goal is to incorporate more of the standard features from the larger lines into a smaller footprint.  

Overview

The 222XD is rich in standard features and advanced technology for the watersports enthusiast and the family-minded boater. The additional 9" in the runabout’s length allows a roomier interior space with added storage.  The higher gunwales and greater freeboard make for a deeper cockpit and a more comfortable, dryer ride.   

Major Features   

• DRiVE technology
•  Yamaha's patented Connext 12.3" (31.24 cm) touchscreen display
• Yamaha’s E-Series drive-by-wire system and push-button start
• Integrated SurfPointe wakesurf system
• Folding aluminum wakeboard tower
• Painted trailer with swing-away tongue
• Integrated push-button controlled Yamaha Wakebooster®
• Three ballast tanks for a total of 1,100 lbs. (498.95 kg)
• Hull designed to sit lower in the water at wake speeds
• Program multiple profiles to fit each rider’s preferences 

Performance

The 222XD is equipped with Yamaha’s twin 1.8 L High Output engines, plenty of power to provide ample wake with full ballast tanks and be able to take family and friends along for the ride. Like all jet drive boats, the 222XD instantly accelerated – which is a jet boat’s forte -- rapidly planed, and reached cruising speed in 6.3 seconds, even in slightly choppy conditions on a terribly hot and humid day when performance would be at its worst for any boat.  Top speed was around 47mph and was still a comfortable ride.  The best cruise came in at 6000 RPM and 29 mph.  With an hourly fuel burn of 13.7 gallons, the 222XD averages around 2.1 miles per gallon. As wake speed is different from rider to rider but generally in the area of 9-12 MPH, the 222XD’s wake speed is firmly within its best cruise speed to fuel burn range.

Handling

In the past, jet-powered boats were known for needing constant helm interaction to stay heading in the right direction. Yamaha’s articulating keel reduces the low-speed meander and keeps the boat more in line with the desired direction even when there is little to no propulsion from the jets.  

New operators will quickly become comfortable as the ¾ turning radius of the wheel is more like a car with power steering than a traditional helm. That short turning radius in the wheel translates to a full swing of the jet nozzles underneath and the response while turning is almost instant.  We noted the need to add a little throttle when doing hard banking to maintain speed but with the single lever throttle engaged it is an easy task. 

As expected, the turning radius expands as speed increases. Overall, the boat was fun to maneuver and a comfortable ride with plenty of power to keep the speed up even when fully loaded.

Wake Making

There is more than enough power in the dual jet engines to tow any surf rider or towable and with the simple push of a button on the Connext® Touchscreen, integrated WakeBoosters® can be deployed on either side of the boat for wake surfing.  With all three ballast tanks filled the boat sat deeper in the water and while handling did change with full ballasts the 222XD was still nimble.  Setting SurfPointe preset preferences is intuitive and allows for five different profiles.  Each rider can set their preferred speed, acceleration speeds, ballast tank fill in each individual tank, and the rider’s preferred side of the boat.  

Stern

One of the favorite hangout areas on Yamaha boats is the signature stern lounge and swim platform. Two aft-facing loungers are flanked by cup holders for both the in-water and seated bathers.  To port, there is a table mount and on starboard sound system controls.  Underneath is a stainless-steel telescopic ladder with two central grab handles to aid in reboarding.  The entire platform, like the rest of the boat, has Marine Mat in all logical places including the boarding steps.

Engine Compartment

Release the latches at the rear seat hatch to gain entry to the engine compartment.  The engine cover lifts effortlessly on a single center-mounted, assist strut secured to a heavy-duty bracket. The ballast tanks on port and starboard do take up a good portion of the space here, but there is access to the major components.  Filters and sea strainers are within reach to perform regular maintenance and pre-start checks. Batteries and their switches are located beneath the port cockpit seat.  Pumps for filling the ballast tanks are on either side and the white hose running down the center of the two engines is for channeling the cockpit drains overboard, not typically found in other boat this size.

Cockpit

Four-tone upholstery features a mix of patterns and textures that all complement each other. Marine Mat decking is permanently affixed in some areas while the floor mats are secured to the deck with snaps throughout the cockpit and forward.  

A cornucopia of cupholders are strategically placed throughout so everyone has a place to put a beverage. There are even grab handles in some well-placed locations. Even though this is required by ABYC standards, not all builders do it for every seat.  Forward are two latched storage compartments and recesses for personal items in the extra thick marine mat on the dash.  

Helm

The Helm on the 222 series has been reconfigured. Yamaha’s patented Connext 12.3" (31.24 cm) display has been moved to the right of the steering wheel to allow for easier access to the touch screen.  The joystick, which also controls that screen, is now to the left of the helm.  The Connext system allows the operator to control all the boat's functions such as ballast tanks, throttle configuration, DRiVE, Bluetooth, and lighting.  

Other information on the screen includes water temperature, RPM levels, fuel gauge, GPS location, depth, trip information, and even displays a nautical chart and compass. When using the display for watersports, it can store up to five profiles when it comes to their wake, speed, and acceleration preferences.

The only boat in the 22ft series to also have Yamaha’s DRiVE technology is the 222XD (hence the D in the name). The paddles provide thrust in forward or reverse depending on the paddle and the more you squeeze the more RPMs you are going to get.  

This technology is limited to slow maneuvering so there is a limit to how much power you will receive.  With Yamaha’s E-Series drive-by-wire system, you also get push-button start-stop, engine sync, three-position "No Wake Mode™", and single-throttle controls.