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Yamaha 242 Limited S (2019-)
2 x 1812cc High Output Yamaha Marine Engine
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Brief Summary
The Yamaha Watercraft Group has brought several innovations to the market with its 2015 240 Series of jet boats which includes the 242 Limited S. One of the items that shined during our test and evaluation was the way in which this model drove and handled. An entirely new hull and deck design along with an “Articulating Keel” delivered a crisp, responsive ride that completely changes the way a boater will look at jet boats. Our report will also look at the Connext Helm Control System, Yamaha’s Quiet Cruise, and her additional key features.
Key Features
- Available in Suede Gray, Black or Yacht Blue
- Removable dinette table with 2 pedestals
- Portside entertainment area with lockable glovebox
- Integrated removable cooler
- Integrated swim platform and telescoping reboarding ladder
- ''No Wake Mode'' control
- Polk marine stereo with Bluetooth capability
- Bimini top
- Flush mounted tweeter speakers and LED lights in wakeboard tower
- Tandem axel painted trailer with swing-away tongue
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1200 | 1 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 82 | 71 | 54 |
2000 | 6 | 5.2 | 2 | 3 | 2.6 | 134 | 116 | 60 |
2500 | 7.1 | 6.1 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 132 | 115 | 68 |
3000 | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 97 | 85 | 70 |
3500 | 9 | 7.8 | 4.2 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 97 | 84 | 71 |
4000 | 10.1 | 8.7 | 5.6 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 81 | 70 | 71 |
4500 | 13.1 | 11.3 | 7.2 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 82 | 71 | 72 |
5000 | 18.1 | 15.7 | 8.4 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 97 | 85 | 74 |
5500 | 27.8 | 24.1 | 9.4 | 3 | 2.6 | 134 | 116 | 77 |
6000 | 33.1 | 28.7 | 12.7 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 117 | 102 | 80 |
6500 | 37.9 | 32.9 | 14.6 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 117 | 102 | 84 |
7000 | 44.1 | 38.3 | 18.6 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 107 | 93 | 84 |
7500 | 51.8 | 45 | 23 | 2.3 | 2 | 101 | 88 | 88 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 24' / 7.32 m |
---|---|
Beam |
8' 6'' 2.59 m |
Dry Weight |
3,713 lbs. 1,684 kg |
Draft |
17 1/4'' 5.19 m |
Deadrise/Transom | 20-deg. |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance |
7' 9'' 2.36 m |
Fuel Capacity |
50 gal. 189 L |
Water Capacity | N/A |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | 2.3 sec. |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 4.2 sec. |
Ratio | N/A |
Props | Yamaha Stainless Steel Impeller |
Load | 2 persons, 1/4 fuel, no water, min. gear |
Climate | 84 deg., 76% humid.; wind: 0-3 mph; seas: calm |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
2 x 1812cc High Output Yamaha Marine Engine |
---|---|
Std. Power |
2 x 1812cc 1.8 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engine |
Opt. Power |
Not Available |
Learn More
Watch Our Video
Mission
Yamaha tells us they designed the 240 Series, and the 242 Limited S to be the best possible all around family runabout that would deliver an exceptional ride, handling, and watersports capabilities, in a twin engine performance package.
Innovations
Articulating Keel
Probably the biggest change to jet boat design in the last ten years, the Yamaha Articulating Keel has dramatically changed the way this boat drives. Essentially they changed the shape of the hull with the addition of a dihedral keel, culminating at the stern with an articulating piece measuring approximately 11” long, 6.5” tall, 0.5” wide (thickness). Acting in concert with the motion of the jet nozzles, this rudder like extension has enhanced the overall ride stability as well as the low and high speed turning of the 242 Limited S in a remarkable way.
The usual wondering experienced in most jet boats was significantly reduced. Turning was crisp and sharp at all speeds and the new hull design also had the added affect that when one let go of the wheel while in a turn, the wheel and the boat immediately centered up on a smooth straight path. Even across moderate wakes, the tracking of the new hull design was exceptional. Yamaha specifically designed this articulating part to NOT extend below the bottom of the hull, thus maintaining the same shallow water capabilities these boats have been known for. Operating via a connecting rod from the starboard jet nozzle, this new design is clever and simple. The overall hull length has also been extended by 6” (0.15 m).
Connext Helm Control System
Keeping track with trends in the automotive industry, the team at Yamaha has created a new touch screen helm control system that they call Connext. Based off of a 7” display, Connext is truly intuitive and easy to use. During our test drive it was easy to switch between the radio, engine functions and set up menus. What we liked most about this system was how common sense the visuals are and the fact that you can change screens and control functions with either the joystick mouse, the function buttons or with the touch screen.
Some of the information provided on the display includes rpm, fuel flow and GPS speed as well as water depth. You can also pull up miles per gallon, average speed, trip odometer, elevation and engine temperature.
Connext is also the main control for entertainment, such as the lighting controls and the radio. While testing this boat it took us less than one minute to connect our phone to the radio and have tunes cranking out via Bluetooth. The process was easier and faster than on some cars.
Other items that are controlled by Connext include Yamaha’s Cruise Assist and No Wake mode, which makes it very easy and convenient to use via the joystick or touch screen.
Quiet Cruise Platform
In the past, a little extra noise from a jet boat was the balance struck for all the other advantages and performance of a jet boat. That is now a thing of the past. Yamaha has made a combination of engineering changes along with the addition of large amounts of sound deadening materials and significantly reduced the overall noise in the 240 Series. During our test and evaluation, we noticed the idle noise level at the helm was 69 dBA, and a level of 91 dBA when running at wide open throttle, clearly a welcomed improvement. We were even able to maintain conversations from the helm with people in the bow without having to shout.
Other Key Features:
Deck and Cockpit
Yamaha has redesigned the upper deck on the 240 Series which changes their profile quite a bit. The result is a higher freeboard in the bow and stern. In the cockpit there is a feeling of being lower with more protection and very good visibility through the windshield.
By opening up the design of the under gunwale area to port, there is a feeling of spaciousness, additional storage and the ability to easily swivel the companion seat 360 degrees. The helm and the companion chairs are very comfortable and the design, along with the heavily padded armrests give a feeling of security. These chairs also recline, with the armrests maintaining level when they do so. When swung around to face aft, they naturally blend into the social aspect of the cockpit.
Yamaha has provided premium vinyl with a variety of textures and a design that enhances the overall appearance of the entire 240 Series. All of the seating in the 242 Limited S has a cam-system hinge which makes it easy to raise and securely store in the open position.
The stern seating and swim deck area has been a key feature of all Yamaha boat designs. It’s achieved mainly due to the compact nature of the Yamaha 1812cc engine package. The swim deck is covered in SeaDek matting which add a great look to the back end as well as a level of comfort.
Keeping the watersports activities centered at the stern, Yamaha has designed wet storage behind each of the stern seat cushions. These compartments self-drain overboard and provide a significant amount of additional storage, and help keep the cockpit dry and uncluttered.
The anchor locker on the 242 Limited S is very well designed to allow for the deployment of the anchor or the beach boarding ladder independently.
When it comes to watersports, one of the essential tools is a tow point, preferably on a tower. The 242 Limited S has two tow points, the standard low hook, centered between the stern seats. Its elevated so that it will not rub on the swim deck when towing toys like a tube. The second location is on top of the easy fold tower with an integrated Bimini.
The 2015 tower on the 242 Limited S has several features. The first is the high tow point/ anchor light. Second is the integrated Bimini top which has the added feature of being adjustable. When using the high tow point, the aft end of the Bimini can be lowered so as not to interfere with the tow line.
The third and most convenient feature is the easy fold design of the tower. With just a quarter turn and removal of the self-locking quick release pin, the tower folds down in the forward position to provide clearance when trailering your boat to and from locations.
The 2015 Yamaha Limited S is powered by twin 1.8L four cylinder, 4-stroke electronically controlled engines designed specifically for use in jet power applications. These engines have been proven to be some of the most reliable engines on the water and have been upgraded with new engine mapping for 2015.
The 242 Limited S has a length overall of 24' (7.32 m) and a beam of 8'6'' (2.59 m) and is rated to carry 12 people, which our test and evolution showed she can do with ease and in comfort. She carries 50 gallons (189 L) of regular unleaded 87 octane fuel and is manufactured here in the USA in Vonore, TN.
We will be bringing the full video test and review in just a few short weeks so keep an eye out.