Yamaha 242X E‑Series (2019-)

Brief Summary

The Yamaha 242X E-Series has been updated with important innovations and technologies that not only make the boat ready for wake surfing, they add a whole new dimension to how owners can enjoy this boat. Yamaha has added the NMMA Innovations Award winning Connext Helm Control System that integrates the entertainment features, operational functions, and all the essential systems information in a 12” touchscreen display. This system has an intuitive interface controlled from the high-resolution, glare-proof LCD touchscreen, key pad or joystick controller.

Key Features

• Removable dinette table with pedestal that mounts at cockpit and stern
• Adjustable Captain's Chair with flip-up bolster
• Portside entertainment area
• Integrated removable cooler
• Bow reboarding ladder and stern integrated swim platform
• Additional wet storage behind backrests with 12-volt outlet
• Teak-style marine-grade mat
• Fusion marine stereo with stern stereo remote
• 3-position "No Wake Mode™" control

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	24' / 7.32 m
Beam	8' 6'' 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,032 lbs. 1,829 kg
Tested Weight	4,752 lbs. 2,155 kg
Draft	1' 8'' 0.52 m
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	8' 2'' 2.49 m
Weight Capacity	2,698 lbs. 1,224 kg
Person Capacity	12
Fuel Capacity	50 gal. 189 L
Water Capacity	N/A
Total Weight	4,752 lbs. 2,155 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	2.5 sec.
0 to 30	4.9 sec.
Ratio	N/A
Props	3 blade ss
Load	2 persons, full fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	85 deg., 65 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 1.8L 1812cc HO Yamaha Marine Engine
Std. Power	2 x 1812cc 1.8 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engine
Opt. Power	Not Available

Captain's Report Learn More
Watch Our Video

Mission

The Yamaha 242X E-Series is designed and built for family and friends to fully enjoy their days on the water as well as a platform for tow-sport enthusiasts. Wake surfing has become exceptionally popular and Yamaha is acutely aware that dedicated inboard wake surf boats are extremely expensive. The Yamaha 242X E-Series weighs-in at about half the price and still provides a credible wake for surfing. In addition, the Yamaha 242X E-Series introduces some innovative features that make it even a greater value.

Most dedicated wake surf boats have inboard, shaft driven props under the keel. The jet-powered 242X E-Series is inherently safer for all watersports, because there are no external props. With this updated Yamaha, families can enjoy the boating lifestyle they love and add wake surfing to the day’s activities.

Better Wake

Jet boats have never been known for their high wakes, but Yamaha is changing all of that with the 242X E-Series. Yamaha also engineered a system to make a surfable wake that has better push, a deep pocket and a clean face they call “Surf Pointe Technology.” They adjusted the jet-drive nozzle positions to create the ideal wake and by adding three ballast tanks with a total of 1,400 lbs. of water ballast, the boat sits deep, creating a larger more ridable wake.

These technologies and innovations do not compromise the performance and handling of the Yamaha 242X E-Series. They just give families more reasons to enjoy fun times on the water.

Major Features

Ballast System – The Yamaha 242X E-Series comes complete with triple ballast tanks that add up to 1,400-lbs. (635 kg) of additional mass. The added weight pushes the boat deep, creating a larger pocket in the wake.

Wake Shaping – Yamaha’s engineers consulted with professional wake surfers to tune the jet drives so they vector the jet nozzles at just the right angle to create a wake with more punch, a clean face and a larger pocket. Yamaha has branded this system Surf Pointe™.

Helm Control System – The NMMA Innovations Award winning Connext helm control systems provides all critical boat and entertainment functions through three devices: a 12” high-resolution LCD touch screen, a dash mounted touch pad or the systems joystick controller. Multiple speeds and acceleration rates can be programed for a dialed in, repetitive performance. It also provides GPS chart plotting.

Aluminum Wakeboard Tower – The color matched tower is complete with a Bimini top that has two positions, a sunroof and a solar battery charger. There are two Wet Sounds™ speakers and a sound bar are mounted on the tower. There are also two wakeboard racks mounted outboard that swivel inboard for loading and unloading.

Custom Tuned Audio Package – Yamaha calls their audio package Wet Sounds™ that includes a Fusion stereo, subwoofer, and a sound bar.

Transom Seating – The award winning, patented, two-tiered transom seating and integrated swim platform provides a social area for interacting with swimmers or for launching watersports.

Articulating Keel – The articulating keel eliminates much of the low speed wandering that jet powered boats are known for and it keeps the boat tracking straight with self-centering steering while on plane.

Performance

The Yamaha 242X E-Series has a LOA of 24’ (7.32 m) and a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m). With an empty weight of 4,032-lbs. (1,829 kg), full fuel and two people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 4,752-lbs. (2,155 kg).

With the twin 1.8L (1812cc) High Output Yamaha Marine engines turning at 7550 rpm, we reached our top speed of 50.3 mph. The best cruise was measured at 5500 rpm and 32.2 mph. At that speed, the 9.7 gph fuel burn translated into 3.31 mpg and a range of 149 statute miles, all while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 50-gallon (189 L) total fuel capacity.

Acceleration Times and Test Conditions

Handling

The test 242X E-Series handled well, providing predictable performance at low and high speeds. There was a slight pull to the wheel below 24 mph, or so, but above that, the articulating keel served to keep the wheel centered and in fact, self-centering.

Turns were sedate with a gentle roll into the turn. She would only spin out on the turn if it was held long enough and the speed dropped to about half. Otherwise, turns are as normal as any other boat. Overall, with three-quarter turn steering it’s quite easy and enjoyable to drive.

Wake

The beauty of this system is that it doesn’t compromise the boat’s handling, there are no buttons to push and nothing to program. Surf Pointe is always on.

Safe Operation

The big plus of a jet-powered sportboat is that operation in extreme shallows can be worry-free, even when there are unmarked sandbars, rocks and stumps; the drive system is virtually flush with the bottom of the boat.

Jet propulsion eliminates the danger of a spinning prop when swimmers or wake-boarders are in the water. The inventive Articulating Keel should make handling around the docks much easier than with conventional jets. Like all Yamaha jetboats, the 242X E-Series features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for the removing of weeds and debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat.

Boat Inspection

Transom Seating

The swim platform and step-through are covered with teak-style, non-skid floor matting. There are two wrap-around bucket seats built into the transom with two backrests mounted on the step down to the swim platform.

Cockpit

The captain chairs swivel to allow two more people to join in on the conversation.

The top of the console has non-skid teak-style mat so incidentals placed there do not slide around. Next to the companion seat is a grab handle and drink holder.

Helm

The joystick controller for the Connext Helm Control System is to the right of the touch pad. There are three access points for the Connext, the 12” touch screen, the touch pad and the joystick controller.

The binnacle-style throttles are on the starboard side within comfortable reach. Through the Connext system they can be synced for single lever operation of both engines.

The Connext Helm Control can be programed for set speed and acceleration rates to create consistent, repetitive watersport runs.

Yamaha Cruise Assist and 3 Position “No Wake Mode” also can be set. Cruise Assist holds the boat at a set speed and can be bump adjusted in 250 RPM increments. “No Wake Mode” keeps the boat at a steady speed that is deemed acceptable in most no wake zones.

An optional 180-degree windshield mirror is one of many accessories that Yamaha offers.

Our Inspection

Bow

Yamaha has made the bow seating area exceptionally flexible by cleverly utilizing inserts.

The anchor locker hatch ingeniously doubles as an anchor keeper with a bracket that securely holds the anchor in place when the hatch is closed.

Tandem Axle Trailer

The Yamaha 242X E-series comes with a standard painted tandem axle trailer with swing away tongue for storage. The optional galvanized tandem axle trailer with swing is recommended if operating in saltwater.

The standard trailer comes with a spare tire mount, disk brakes, chrome wheels, aluminum fender with step plates, LED lights, safety chain, adjustable winch stand with strap and hook.

The height of the boat and trailer is 10’11” (3.33 m). With the tower folded down, the height of the boat and trailer is 10’ (3.05 m). The length of the trailer is 25’ (7.62 m). With the tongue folded the length is 23’9” (7.24 m). The dry weight of the boat and trailer is 5,382-lbs. (2,441 kg).

Options to Consider

Yamaha has an extensive list of accessories on their website. Everything from wake surfboards to branded mooring covers and U.S.C.G. required throwable floatation devices.

If you are considering launching and operating in saltwater, the optional galvanized tandem trailer would be recommended.

Price

MSRP starting at $73,999.

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price does not include prep, freight or tax.

Observations

The Yamaha 242X E-Series is a good fit for active boating families that enjoy a full complement of watersports along with their social boating lifestyle. It is easy to operate at speed as well as in close in maneuvering situations. Innovative forward and transom seating make it a comfortable and flexible boat for all the undertakings that dynamic boating families may choose to participate in.

Yamaha persistently demonstrates that they have a strong understanding of what their owners desire in a sportboat by continuing to evolve their products with advanced technology and innovative features. In many cases, it is before their customer even knows that they really wanted it.

With Surf Pointe technology and the articulating keel, Jet powered boat enthusiasts will find features they have been craving in a tow sportboat at a good value. Add the safety of jet power and the whole family can enjoy boating adventures in style and security.