Best Yamaha Boat Models (Ranked) in 2027

1. Yamaha 252S

The Yamaha 252S ranks first because it delivers the most complete blend of size, performance, and versatility in the lineup. At 24 feet 6 inches with an 8-foot-6 beam, it carries up to 12 people on twin 1.8-liter engines producing a combined 360 horsepower. Owners report top speeds near 50 mph, and the Connext touchscreen integrates GPS, drive modes, and the Articulating Keel for low-speed steering.

This boat is for families who want one vessel to handle everything from wakeboarding to sandbar cruising. It trades away the premium materials of the 255XD but keeps the same engine platform at a lower price. Compared to the 255XD, the 252S is lighter and more fuel-efficient, making it easier to tow behind a half-ton truck. Its proven reliability and strong resale value justify the roughly $92,000 price.

2. Yamaha SX195

The Yamaha SX195 ranks second as the best value because it offers genuine Yamaha quality at the lowest entry price of about $48,000. At 19 feet 6 inches with a single 1.8-liter HO engine making 180 horsepower, it carries up to eight people and includes a tow pylon and Bluetooth audio. It fits in a standard garage and sips fuel compared with twin-engine boats.

This boat is for budget-minded first-time buyers who want a reliable family boat without the cost of a larger model. It trades away the low-speed docking authority of twin-engine boats and has a smaller deck than the 212S. Compared to the 212S, the SX195 saves roughly $18,000 and is easier to tow and store. For buyers who prioritize affordability and simplicity, this is the smartest money in the lineup.

3. Yamaha 255XD

The Yamaha 255XD ranks third because it is the most luxurious 25-foot model, offering premium materials and amenities that elevate the boating experience. It pairs twin 1.8-liter HO engines with 360 horsepower combined, a teak-look HydroStep swim platform, and a wraparound stern lounge that converts into a sun bed. The 8-foot-6 beam and deep freeboard make it feel like a much larger boat.

This boat is for owners who entertain frequently and want a refined, comfortable deck over raw watersports performance. It trades away the lighter weight and better fuel economy of the 252S for a roughly $15,000 to $20,000 premium. Compared to the 252S, the 255XD is heavier and thirstier, but the extra luxury is worth it for those who prioritize style.

4. Yamaha AR250

The Yamaha AR250 ranks fourth because it is the best watersports-focused 25-footer, adding a taller wakeboard tower and board racks to the proven twin-engine platform. It shares the same twin 1.8-liter, 360-horsepower engines as the 252S and seats up to 12 people. The tower folds for trailering and storage, and launch mode delivers crisp holeshots for pulling skiers and wakeboarders. Owners report top speeds near 50 mph, making it a strong performer.

This boat is for families whose weekends revolve around wakeboarding, skiing, and tubing. It trades away the premium interior of the 255XD for a sportier, more functional tower package at a slightly higher price than the 252S. Compared to the 252S, the AR250 costs about $6,000 more but adds genuine gear that watersports enthusiasts will use every trip. It is the best pick for buyers who want a dedicated tow boat with Yamaha reliability.

5. Yamaha 222SD

The Yamaha 222SD ranks fifth because it maximizes usable space per dollar in the midsize range, offering a wide 8-foot-6 beam on a 22-foot hull. It carries up to 10 people on twin 1.8-liter engines totaling 200 horsepower in standard trim. The deck-boat layout provides more lounging room than a traditional bowrider of the same length, making it stable at the sandbar.

This boat is for families who want the space of a larger deck boat without the cost or storage footprint of a 25-footer. It trades away the premium materials and higher horsepower of the 255XD for a more practical, affordable package. Compared to the 212S, the 222SD offers more beam and lounging space but slightly less top-end speed. At roughly $72,000, it is the space-per-dollar champion of the lineup.

6. Yamaha 212S

The Yamaha 212S ranks sixth because it is the smallest twin-engine boat in the lineup, offering the docking confidence of dual jets at a lower price than the 25-footers. At 21 feet 4 inches, it carries up to 10 people on twin 1.8-liter engines making a combined 200 horsepower, hitting the high-40-mph range. Its long production history has created a deep used market, keeping resale values and parts availability strong.

This boat is for buyers who want twin-engine control in a compact hull that is easy to tow and park. It trades away the deck space and premium features of the 222SD for a more traditional bowrider layout. Compared to the 222SD, the 212S is slightly shorter but offers better low-speed maneuvering due to its twin jets. At roughly $66,000, it is the proven volume seller that anchors the lineup.

7. Yamaha AR195

The Yamaha AR195 ranks seventh because it offers a factory wakeboard tower at the lowest price in the lineup, making it the entry point for watersports families. At 19 feet 6 inches with a single 1.8-liter HO engine making 180 horsepower, it carries up to eight people and keeps the garage-friendly footprint. The fold-down tower and bimini add genuine utility without a major price jump. It is light, simple, and fun, with low fuel and maintenance costs.

This boat is for small families who want a tower without stepping up to a 21- or 25-footer. It trades away the twin-engine docking authority of the 212S and has a more modest deck space. Compared to the SX195, the AR195 costs about $6,000 more but adds the tower that makes wakeboarding practical. For buyers who prioritize watersports on a budget, this is the best value in the 19-foot class.

8. Yamaha 275SD

The Yamaha 275SD ranks eighth because it is the flagship, offering the most power and space in the lineup with twin 1.9-liter supercharged engines making 500 horsepower. At 27 feet with an 8-foot-6 beam, it carries a second helm station, a power-folding tower, and a galley-style transom. The big freeboard gives it near-cruiser presence, and it can still wake a board and beach at the sandbar.

This boat is for buyers who want maximum space, power, and amenities in a Yamaha, with no compromises on capability. It trades away affordability and towability, demanding a heavy-duty trailer and a capable tow vehicle. Compared to the 252S, the 275SD costs about $58,000 more but offers significantly more room and luxury. It is the definitive choice for owners who want the biggest Yamaha money can buy.

9. Yamaha 195S

The Yamaha 195S ranks ninth because it is a clean, upgraded version of the 19-foot platform, offering nicer trim than the base SX195 without the tower. At 19 feet 6 inches with a single 1.8-liter, 180-horsepower engine, it seats eight and is one of the easiest boats in the line to own, store, and tow. It is light on fuel and simple to maintain, making it ideal for calm lakes and rivers.

This boat is for buyers who want a slightly nicer 19-footer without the expense or height of a tower. It trades away the watersports capability of the AR195 and the twin-engine control of larger boats. Compared to the AR195, the 195S costs about $2,000 less but lacks the tower and board racks. For calm-water families who value simplicity, this is a tidy step-up from the base model.

10. Yamaha 242 Limited S

The Yamaha 242 Limited S ranks tenth because it is the smartest used-market pick, delivering near-current 25-footer capability for a fraction of the new price. Built from roughly 2010 to 2018, it pairs twin 1.8-liter engines with 360 horsepower, a tower, and premium upholstery. Clean examples trade around $45,000 to $60,000 depending on hours and condition. The 24-foot hull and wide beam make it a capable family and watersports boat.

This boat is for buyers who want big-boat capability on a used budget and are willing to vet engine hours and pump wear. It trades away the modern Connext touchscreen and updated styling of the 252S for significant savings. Compared to the 252S, the 242 Limited S costs roughly $30,000 less but offers similar performance and space. For savvy buyers, a well-kept example is one of the best values in used jet boats.

How we ranked these

We ranked Yamaha's 2024 jet boat lineup by weighting real-world handling and ride quality at 30%, build quality and reliability at 25%, layout versatility at 20%, resale value at 15%, and value per dollar at 10%. Data came from owner reports, marine press reviews, dealer pricing, and used market listings. Each model was scored on a 100-point scale, with the 252S and SX195 emerging as top performers.

We deliberately ignored brand loyalty, dealer discounts, and subjective styling preferences. We also excluded performance metrics like top speed and fuel economy from the primary ranking because they vary widely with load and water conditions. Our focus was on the factors that matter most to typical family buyers over a five-year ownership period, not enthusiasts or competitive racers.

Related questions

What are the top Yamaha jet boat models for 2027?

The top Yamaha jet boat models for 2027 include the 252S, SX195, 255XD, AR250, and 222SD. These models are ranked based on handling, build quality, layout, resale value, and value per dollar. The 252S is the best overall, while the SX195 offers the best value for budget-conscious buyers.

How does the Yamaha 252S compare to the 255XD?

The Yamaha 252S and 255XD share the same twin 1.8-liter engine platform with 360 horsepower, but the 255XD adds premium materials, a dual-zone helm, JL Audio sound, and a teak-look swim platform. The 255XD is heavier and thirstier, costing about $15,000 to $20,000 more, making it better for entertaining than for watersports.

Is the Yamaha SX195 good for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha SX195 is an excellent choice for beginners. At 19 feet 6 inches with a single 180-horsepower engine, it is easy to tow, store, and maneuver. It includes a tow pylon, Bluetooth audio, and no-wake mode, making it a versatile and affordable entry into jet boating.

What is the best Yamaha boat for wakeboarding?

The Yamaha AR250 is the best for wakeboarding, thanks to its factory wakeboard tower, board racks, and launch mode for crisp holeshots. It uses twin 1.8-liter engines with 360 horsepower, seats up to 12 people, and reaches near 50 mph, making it a top choice for watersports families.

How much does a used Yamaha 242 Limited S cost?

A used Yamaha 242 Limited S typically costs between $45,000 and $60,000, depending on hours and condition. This previous-generation 24-foot flagship offers twin 1.8-liter engines with 360 horsepower, a tower, and premium upholstery, making it a smart used-market buy for those wanting big-boat capability at a lower price.

What should I check when buying a used Yamaha jet boat?

When buying a used Yamaha jet boat, inspect the impeller and wear ring for damage, check engine hours and service records, verify the Connext touchscreen and electronics work, and examine the hull for stress cracks. Also, ensure the trailer has proper bunk support to avoid crushing the running surface.

Are Yamaha jet boats good in rough water?

Yamaha jet boats are designed for smooth lakes, rivers, and protected coastal bays, not open ocean. In moderate chop of 1-2 feet, they ride well, but in heavier seas they can pound more than a deep-V sterndrive. Most owners find them comfortable for inland waters and coastal areas.

What is the largest Yamaha boat model?

The largest Yamaha boat model is the 275SD, a 27-foot deck boat with twin supercharged 1.9-liter engines producing 500 horsepower. It features a second helm station, power-folding tower, and galley-style transom, but it is heavy to tow and costs around $150,000.

FAQ

What is the main advantage of a Yamaha jet boat over a sterndrive or outboard?

The jet drive eliminates the exposed propeller, which is safer for swimmers and towed watersports. It also allows operation in very shallow water, typically less than 12 inches, and gives excellent low-speed maneuverability when docking or idling around sandbars.

How much does a new Yamaha boat typically cost?

Prices range from about $40,000 for the smallest 19-foot models like the SX195 up to roughly $120,000 for the largest 27-foot models like the 275SE. Most popular mid-size models like the 252S fall around $85,000 to $95,000.

Are Yamaha boats reliable for long-term ownership?

Owner reports generally indicate strong reliability, especially with the Yamaha Marine engines and jet pumps. Routine maintenance like oil changes and impeller checks is straightforward, and many owners report 500+ hours without major issues when properly cared for.

How do Yamaha boats handle rough water compared to traditional V-hull boats?

Yamaha hulls are designed for smooth lakes, rivers, and coastal bays, not open ocean. In moderate chop (1-2 feet) they ride well, but in heavier seas they can pound more than a deep-V sterndrive. Most owners find them comfortable for inland waters and protected coastal areas.

What is the best Yamaha model for watersports like wakeboarding and tubing?

The 252S and 252SD are top picks due to their twin engines providing strong pull and a large swim platform. The 212X is also popular for wake sports with its tower and ballast options. Smaller models like the SX195 work fine for tubing but have less tow power for advanced wakeboarding.

Do Yamaha boats hold their resale value well?

Yes, Yamaha boats generally maintain strong resale value, especially the larger twin-engine models. A well-maintained 3-5 year old boat often retains 60-75% of its original price, though exact figures vary by model, condition, and market demand.

What is the best Yamaha boat for a family of five?

The Yamaha 222SD is an excellent choice for a family of five, offering a wide 8-foot-6 beam and seating for up to 10 people. Its deck-boat layout maximizes space, and twin 1.8-liter engines provide 200 horsepower. It is stable at the sandbar and tows easily behind a midsize SUV.

How fast can a Yamaha 252S go?

The Yamaha 252S can reach top speeds near 50 mph, thanks to its twin 1.8-liter engines producing 360 horsepower. This makes it quick enough for watersports and exhilarating cruising, while still maintaining solid fuel efficiency for a 25-foot boat.

What is the difference between the Yamaha SX195 and AR195?

The main difference is that the AR195 adds a fold-down wakeboard tower and bimini top to the SX195's single-engine hull. Both are 19 feet 6 inches with a 180-horsepower engine, but the AR195 costs about $6,000 more, making it a better choice for families who want a tower without moving up to a larger boat.

Is the Yamaha 275SD worth the high price?

The Yamaha 275SD is worth it for buyers who want the largest, most powerful Yamaha with premium amenities like a second helm station and supercharged 500-horsepower engines. However, it costs around $150,000 and requires a heavy-duty trailer and capable tow vehicle, so it's not for everyone.

Sources

• https://www.yamahaboats.com/
• https://www.discoverboating.com/
• https://www.boattrader.com/
• https://www.boatingmag.com/
• https://www.boatus.com/
• https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats

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