Yamaha 212 Limited Review

While a number of companies make jet-powered runabouts these days, no one has been building them longer than Yamaha. Indeed, the company’s long history of building high-quality jet boats that over-deliver on value has earned Yamaha a special place among performance boat fans. With their luxurious amenities, high build quality and the unique qualities of their jet drive, it’s little wonder models like the 212 Limited have become top-sellers within their market.

Yamaha’s philosophy behind its jet boat line is simple – design and build every boat to be the best you can buy – period. In that 21-foot class, it’s hard to imagine beating the 212 Limited since it comes with such a long list of standard features there’s really left over for an option list.

Let’s start with the essentials, which in a 21-foot hull means storage space. No one goes boating without bringing a few toys, and the 212 Limited accommodates all of it with multiple, cavernous storage compartments throughout. The bow seating, as an example, flips up to expose massive, carpeted storage bins that can accommodate bulky gear with ease. Flip the seats back down and the matching, forward-facing loungers look like any other seats.

The twin bow lounge seats are super-comfortable with plenty of space to stretch out. Flipping up the cushions reveals cavernous storage compartments.

The driver and companion ride on pedestal-mounted Captain’s chairs that can rotate 180 degrees to face aft. With the U-shaped stern seat, this creates a perfect spot for conversation or a quick spot of lunch. Need a prep table? The door to the portside console flips out to form what Yamaha calls an entertainment center, complete with storage behind it for drinks and glasses. Now that’s slick, and it’s a great use of what would otherwise be dead space. Need a spot to put that drink? There are 13 cup holders scattered throughout the boat, so a secure spot is never more than an arm’s length away.

The door to the portside console flips out to form an entertainment center, complete with storage behind it for drinks and glasses.

Other standard features include premium non-slip flooring throughout, which provides comfort for bare feet and easy cleaning. There’s also a flip-up bolster on the helm seat, a lockable glove box, an integrated removable cooler, a walk-through bow door to keep things warmer on cold fall days, tilt steering, a dedicated anchor and rope locker in the bow, a bow reboarding ladder, and a self-draining cockpit.

Further, the all-new helm on this updated 212 Limited features Yamaha’s Connext helm control system, with a seven-inch multi-function display and joystick controls. Yamaha Quiet Cruise for reduced cabin noise and vibration comes standard, as does Yamaha’s advanced responsive handling system, which include an articulating keel for enhancing maneuverability and control at all speeds. On the helm you’ll also find the controls for the standard, six-speaker Polk Audio stereo system.

The all-new helm on this updated 212 Limited features Yamaha’s Connext helm control system, with a seven-inch multi-function display and joystick controls.

Overhead there’s a standard Bimini top, outside are six pop-up cleats that retract when not in use, so they don’t stub any wayward toes, and back on shore there’s that standard tandem axle trailer with a swing-away tongue and spare tire that Yamaha decided should be standard equipment too. They even thought to include a couple of convenient pump cleanout ports, which open with the twist of a wrist make it easy to clear out the jet pumps if they become fouled with weeds.

As we’ve come to expect from Yamaha’s Limited-series boats, the stepped transom includes twin rear-facing seats and an oversized swim platform, making this spot the ideal place to gear up for watersports or to dry off after a swim. Of course there’s a retractable boarding ladder for convenience.

The transom includes twin rear-facing seats and an oversized swim platform, making this spot the ideal place to gear up for watersports or to dry off after a swim.

“We started from scratch with our new 21-foot boats beginning with feedback from customers in the market. We learned what features and benefits these customers valued most, valued least, and more importantly, features and benefits that they would like to see in the future,” said Yamaha Watercraft’s product planning manager, Mike Ricciardi. “Everything we learned is reflected in the design of these new boats that include high-end appointments, more space for lounging, a great wake for surfing, and new high-tech features like our new Connext helm control system.”

Powered by twin Yamaha 1.8L High Output marine engines, the 212 Limited benefits from not only plenty of get-up-and-go, but the added maneuverability that only twin engines can provide. Put one engine in forward and the other in reverse, and it’s possible to spin the boat 360 degrees in one spot. Docking has never been easier.

Powered by twin Yamaha 1.8L High Output marine engines, the 212 Limited benefits from not only plenty of get-up-and-go, but the added maneuverability that only twin engines can provide.

Yamaha enjoys huge market share in the jet boat market for good reason – it continues to make great boats that come loaded with every imaginable feature, and backs them with a strong warranty that very few people ever need. With its fresh redesign for 2017, the 212 Limited builds on that heritage.

Specifications

• LOA: 21’ 3”
• Beam: 8’ 6”
• Dry weight: 3,486 lbs.
• Fuel capacity: 50 gal.
• Passenger capacity: 10
• Power: Twin 1.8L HO