I was able to spend a couple days on the new 255 Open this weekend, here are my first thoughts.
Review:
Light years better slow maneuver handling, the ability to set true neutral and then turn right and turn left like a boat center pivot makes any approach simple and maintains confidence in handling in each situation that would make you anxious while handling a new boat (BTW- Reverse is backwards (R is L and L is R), I am not use to it yet, throws me off every time). Speed performance seems to be better than Yamaha, my model has the twin 200 hp version, I am still in break-in (less than 7 hrs), I am told that I should begin to see performance improvements, even more, Fast maneuvering provides feedback that gives confidence in handling, hitting waves or large boat wakes landed softly and not with the significant hard "thud" that my Yamaha would have during similar situations, which would always yield complaining from those on the bow. We rode about 5 miles south against the wind/waves on the gulf from Egmont Key to Longboat Key at 25-28mph and the experience was no big deal, where similar trips on my 242 LS which would have worn us out feeling beat to death.
Honestly, I did not expect to have as much a difference of improvement from the 242 LS to the 255 Open, but the performance in the Gulf proved the 255 to be significantly better. The 242 LS was a great lake boat, and I am sure the 255 Open would prove to be just as good or even better in fresh water, there is no doubt the 255 Open is superior in the environment of salt water. I was able to activate the wireless network card on the SIMRAD and connect to WiFi, which after inserting a micro sd card, allowed me to wirelessly upgrade the firmware from 4.0 to 5.0 easily. I will figure out more on the SIMRAD but seems fully capable for the majority of my uses. Upgraded radio sounds great, very happy with it, easy to use and control. The entire command center is great, I can't wait to dive into some of the functions and explore its capabilities. Seats and materials used look high quality and fit perfectly. A few snaps may be missing or stripped but 99% of the quality control looks
great as far as I am concerned. The cloth t-top is already coming apart from slapping into the wind, I believe it wasn't sewn well and is frayed, and should be replaced. Dealer said to send pics and they will handle while at the 15 hr service. I am very pleased with the 255 Open and happy with my purchase, I look forward to this summer creating memories with my family as well as many years into the future.
If you have any specific questions just let me know in the case or you are looking for more detail than I provided.