Yamaha 255 FSH Sport E (2021-)

Brief Summary

BoatTEST provides the most current info for boats currently for sale. Check out our Yamaha 255 FSH Sport E review with everything from specs to tests.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	24'6" 7.46 m
Beam	8'6" 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,835 lbs. 2,193.12 kg
Draft	22" 55.88 cm
Deadrise/Transom	20°
Bridge Clearance	9'2" 2.79 m
Weight Capacity	2,700 lbs. 1,224.7 kg
Person Capacity	12
Fuel Capacity	111 gallons 420.18 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	6.0 seconds

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 250-hp 1.8L Yamaha SVHO

Yamaha 255 FSH Sport E 

By Capt. Steve

Mission

Fishing is certainly the main function of the 255 FSH but the family is not to be left at the dock — not by a long shot.  There seems to be an equal number of fishing features as there are family-friendly additions all over this beautiful boat.  So that should make it easier to convince the “other half” of the controlling part of the checkbook to pull the trigger on this exciting purchase. 

Major Features 

These are the standout features to note when considering a Yamaha 255 FSH Sport E for sale:

• Twin 1.8L SVHO Yamaha Marine Engines
• E-Series fly-by-wire functionality for one-button start/stops, single-lever controllability 
• 12-inch (30.48 cm) Simrad® electronics
• Hardtop tower
• Custom leaning post
• Dual livewells

Performance

With the twin 250-hp 1.8L SVHO Yamaha Marine Engines spun up to 7400 RPM, our speed topped out at 57.5 MPH.  Best cruise came in at 5000 RPM and 31.2 MPH.  It was at the speed that the 14.8 GPH fuel burn translated into 2.1 MPG and a range of 211 statute miles — all while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 111-gallon (420.2 L) total fuel capacity. 

Handling

She’s quick off the line, reaching 30 MPH in 6 seconds.

You don't have to brace yourself and hang on for the turn in anticipation of getting thrown over to one side.  Quite the contrary.  Just grab hold as normal, there’s a little bit of a slide in the turn as she brings herself around. 

Turning on the wheel is 1 ½ turns, so you're not putting a lot of effort into the turn.  Plus, there’s feedback on the wheel, so if the pressure on the wheel is released she returns to straight ahead on her own. There's also no chine walk in the turn, just a stable turn as she comes around.  

Engines

The 255 FSH Sport E is powered by the company’s top-of-the-line twin 250-hp 1.8L Super Vortex High Output Yamaha Marine Engines.  They are accessed by lifting the center casting deck between the two aft jump seats.  And there’s plenty of room to service the engines. 

Boat Inspection

Fishing Features

We’ll start our features inspection with the fishing features. And that has to begin with the 111-gallon (420.2 L) fuel capacity, so you can get out to where the big fish are and get back.

This fuel capacity gives the 255 a range of 211 statute miles, while still keeping a 10% reserve in the bank for emergencies. There’s a livewell in the aft quarter, right alongside the full-beam casting platform.  A raw water washdown is underneath. 

Padded coaming bolsters are to both sides of the 255.  To the starboard side of the bow walkthrough, there’s Plano tackle sorter storage.  To the port side, there’s another livewell, this time with a glass back to it so we can actually see the live bait inside. There’s yet another casting deck forward with an insulated fish locker to the starboard side. 

Rod storage is everywhere.  Under the gunwales, vertical storage is to both sides of the console, rocket launcher style is to the trailing edge of the hardtop and in the caprails. Plus, there are combination beverage holders and rod holders scattered throughout the boat, making for a place to put more than 29 rods on this boat.   

Family Features

As previously mentioned, the 255 FSH Sport E is a boat your family members will want to ride in. All of the areas on the 255 FSH Sport E are transitional so they can be converted to family features and they'll be wanting to go out on the water every weekend. 

Start with the casting deck at the bow. We can remove the center section and add a pedestal table. Then add two cushions to the side sections and an al fresco dining and social zone are created. 

Just behind is another seat ahead of the console.  Lift it and a changing room can be added for getting into or out of the swimsuits.  We can also add a porta-potty to this area.  There’s a trash receptacle right alongside the tackle storage we pointed out earlier.

At the stern, we have the two flip jump seats.  We can add a cushion between the two and the seat base has a flip-up section that becomes a seatback with another cushion, creating seating all the way across the stern.    

Helm

The helm features start with the 7” (17.78 cm) Connext Touchscreen.  This gives control of all of the boat’s electrical features as well as things like acceleration curves, single lever controllability and throttle sync.  We also have control over the vessel’s stereo and a moving map display. 

Alongside is a cellphone holder and I’d like to see that also be an inductive charger.  To the right is a 12” (30.48 cm) Simrad multifunction display.  The steering wheel has a steering knob and it’s mounted to a tilt base.  There’s a row of electrical switches and all of them are lighted when activated. 

The double-wide seat is part of a custom-built leaning post.  There are dual flip bolsters and the underside of them are contoured for comfort when leaning back.  Below is a flip footrest with space for a cooler behind and there’s an angled footrest at the bottom of the console. 

The entire helm console is protected by a standard hardtop.  The supports have integrated grab handles.  There is glass protecting the operator to three sides and spreader lights are to the forward and aft edges. 

Options to Consider

As is consistent with Yamaha boats, there are no options offered.  There are aftermarket items offered that can go with the boat, such as stereo upgrades, bait/filet table ($149.99), a Yamaha surf package ($1,299.99) and a propane grill ($469.99). 

Price

One of the most important aspects of the Yamaha FSH 255 Sport E review: The cost expectation.

Pricing for the 255 FSH Sport E is set at $81,999. 

Observations 

Yamaha seems to have come up with an ideal combination of family features, fishing features, power and roominess with the 255 FSH Sport E, which is now the largest center console in the fleet.  She’s easily handled and also easily trailered. Most of all, since she’s a Yamaha, she’s priced right. So the Yamaha FSH 255 Sport E is easily affordable.