Yamaha 242 X E-Series Review

Yamaha has enjoyed considerable success with its family-friendly jet boats, offering a full line of well-designed, nicely equipped runabouts from 19 to 24 feet. But for the 2016 model year the company has taken the bold step of overhauling the entire product line. In some cases the changes are subtle, in others, substantive. Nowhere is this evolution more evident than in the flagship 242 X E-Series.

This top-of-the-line 24-footer is Yamaha’s first high-performance jet boat designed, in the company’s words, for the watersports-focused family who want the best of everything. And on that front, it really delivers, starting with some truly bleeding-edge technology that’s made with watersports in mind.

Cutting Edge Electronics

Yamaha’s Connext digital helm includes the GPS-based Yamaha Drive Control, allowing rider preferences to be instantly recalled at the push of a button.

The 242 X E-Series comes with Yamaha’s Connext digital helm, which includes the all-new GPS-based Yamaha Drive Control that lets you program acceleration curves and store rider speed and ballast system preferences, so they can be recalled with the tap of a finger on the digital helm’s touchscreen display. Exclusive to the E-Series models, the Drive Control capability lets the driver hold consistent GPS-monitored speeds for wakeboarders, automatically controlling the acceleration and top-speed preferences established for each rider. When Junior is out back and ready to go, you just select his preference icon on the touch screen display, put the throttles all the way forward, and let the boat do the driving. It’s dead simple, and absolutely brilliant.

The Connext helm also displays standard dash information including water depth, fuel level, RPM, compass heading and speed. A built-in trip computer tracks information such as average speed, maximum speed attained, miles per gallon, gallons per hour, engine temperature and even elevation. There’s even a handy trip odometer.

The Connext display also serves as the entertainment hub of the boat, providing full access to the stereo controls, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and USB connections.

More Than Just A Pretty Face

The main cockpit features a wrap-around rear bench seat with transom pass-through, complemented by twin buckets on swivel bases.

While the Connext system is truly impressive, there’s more to the 242 X E-Series than just some special brains. In the floor you’ll find a three-tank ballast system that loads up to 1,400 pounds of extra weight for incredible surf waves. Overhead, a brand-new sports tower offers dual swing-in watersports racks, speakers, and a rear-view mirror. It also accommodates a large sound bar – part of the 1,000 watt stereo system which includes two amps, a big subwoofer and no less than 18 speakers.

The tower fits just under a large Bimini top. It’s a brilliant design that provides convenient access to the tow point from inside the boat. Someone was thinking here, because just about every other rack on the market makes you reach over the canvas to access it.

A unique solar charging system can add up to 30 percent of the battery’s charge when the boat is at rest.

The top also includes a unique solar-panel charging system that can add up to 30 percent of the battery’s charge when the boat is at rest. Now that’s cool.

Creature Comforts

The helm seat offers a flip-up bolster for enhanced visibility in tight spots.

As a top-end model, the 242 X E-Series offers every imaginable comfort. Premium marine vinyl seating is hinged to facilitate access to the expansive under-seat storage lockers. Dual captain’s chairs amidships are comfy; the companion seat reclines and swivels 180 degrees for watching riders out back. There’s comfortable seating on the swim platform, plus cup holders, deep storage behind the seats for ropes, vests and other wet items, and premium non-slip matting that’s soft on bare feet.

Power To Burn

Beautifully designed transom seats are the ideal spot to get set up for water sports, or to dry off after a mid-day swim.

With its twin 1,812 CC four-stroke engines, the 242X E-Series accelerates like a rocket, sliding onto plane effortlessly and achieving a top speed in the 50 mph range.

Yamaha’s jet boats have long been considered among the most capable and best-designed runabouts in their class. But with its fresh refinements for 2016, the 242 X E-Series sets that bar even higher still.

Yamaha 242 X E-Series

LOA: 24’ 0”

Beam: 8′ 6″

Dry weight: 4,032 lbs.

Fuel capacity: 189L/50 gal.

Passenger capacity: 12

Power: Twin four-cylinder, four-stroke 1,812cc

Info: yamahaboats.com