First Impressions 2021 252 SE

[TwoSips]

Hey all, here it is on Day 1 of meeting our new 252 SE at Lake Mead - out by Las Vegas. I'm a veteran driver, both military and leisure, first time owner!

She's already got a few hours on it and just working to hit 10, so I can get break in service done, then really let her rip.

1. She's nimble for being a meaty boat.
2. She get's on plane incredibly quick.
3. I was running a lot of high RPMs (550 mile shoreline lake and only roughly 50-80 boats out based the ramp's traffic - winter time traffic) and covered 37 miles with only 12% consumption of fuel - roughly 4.4 miles per gallon - don't know if this is good or bad.
4. She's noisy at high RPMs, moderate at cruise.
5. She looks premium, but I can tell a good number of the finishes are kind of cheaped out plastic trim. Vinyl is very pretty, but I can see it being exceptionally high maintenance due to all of the white.
6. I'm learning a TON being here with all of you fine boaters and look forward to learning much more!

 

[swatski]

covered 37 miles with only 12% consumption of fuel - roughly 4.4 miles per gallon - don't know if this is good or bad

Congrats - beautiful boat! And a great lake! (see my sig pic, lol)

That fuel consumption rate would be outstanding, but more likely it is a fluke. The fuel gauge is notoriously inaccurate and non-linear.
We typically pay more attention to "Gallons used" as a good measure of fuel consumption, and re-set it (holding reset on touch screen in my connext) after fueling up so that I always know where I am as far as fuel level.
The gauge-displayed level can also drop suddenly when coming off plane with a few gallons left in the tank, and you can get that annoying beep. All that in the 240/242 models though, could be different, except for fuel consumption, will be around 2mpg at best.

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[TwoSips]

Absolutely! We LOVED that part of the journey! And thanks for the fuel measurement tips. That's VERY helpful! Really appreciate this community!

 

[poidog]

Hey all, here it is on Day 1 of meeting our new 252 SE at Lake Mead - out by Las Vegas. I'm a veteran driver, both military and leisure, first time owner!

She's already got a few hours on it and just working to hit 10, so I can get break in service done, then really let her rip.

1. She's nimble for being a meaty boat.
2. She get's on plane incredibly quick.
3. I was running a lot of high RPMs (550 mile shoreline lake and only roughly 50-80 boats out based the ramp's traffic - winter time traffic) and covered 37 miles with only 12% consumption of fuel - roughly 4.4 miles per gallon - don't know if this is good or bad.
4. She's noisy at high RPMs, moderate at cruise.
5. She looks premium, but I can tell a good number of the finishes are kind of cheaped out plastic trim. Vinyl is very pretty, but I can see it being exceptionally high maintenance due to all of the white.
6. I'm learning a TON being here with all of you fine boaters and look forward to learning much more!

View attachment 137940

Gorgeous boat! I'm waiting for the same color but the SD. How loud was loud? This is my biggest concern since we're have a cocktail talk boaters vs any type of wake sports. I've noticed a lot of new boats use cheap plastic now. We were also looking at regal's and I couldn't justify paying 20k more to get like for like - they are also decked out with cheap plastic in areas.

 

[TwoSips]

Hey Poidog! Loud is loud for sure. As in, you're not going to have reasonable conversation without having to shout at each other while you are getting on plane. Once you settle into your cruise, it's more of a loud conversation, like at a club.

Yeah, did notice that as well, saw a beautiful Malibu with MAX trim and plastic pieces around the console and side trim wasn't thick or "strong" feeling. Was surprised at the cheaping out on plastics!

 

[ComingInHot]

What did you think of the low speed steering? We also got a 252SE, and this is our first jet boat. I'm a little concerned about handling around the dock based on comments I've read on this forum. Do you think you'll add Thrust Vectors or CobraJet steering fins?

 

[TwoSips]

What did you think of the low speed steering? We also got a 252SE, and this is our first jet boat. I'm a little concerned about handling around the dock based on comments I've read on this forum. Do you think you'll add Thrust Vectors or CobraJet steering fins?

Great question. I think those are incredible tools, but I'm learning VERY quickly that this boat is very nimble. I've already launched and recovered 6 times within the past 1.5 weeks. One of the launches and recoveries was in swift water. Since you're on the E, you have Digital controls and that makes a HUGE difference in touch. With a little practicing and experimenting while in open water, I figured out you can side slip this, even without the additional aid of the TV or CJ. Alas, does that mean I won't add those soon to create an even greater advantage? No, I will probably be doing it, because, as I've learned in this forum, those create an advantage that will always help you become a better jet boat driver!

Hope this helps.

 

[anmut]

Beautiful boat! They're noisy for sure - just do like I did and spend a few (six if my wife isn't around) grand on a premium stereo system to block it out.
What are your thoughts on the glass cutout on the sides? Feel thick enough that it's not going to get whacked and break? Is that supposed to help you hang a bumper on the middle cleat?

Oh, and do yourself a favor with that beautiful black hull, buy bigger bumpers! Those mini's are great for calm water and nice docks but will anger you that one time it's windy and the dock is a POS.

 

[TwoSips]

HAHA! The side glass does NOT feel tempered or sturdy.

 

[Dean P]

@TwoSips Welcome to the forum! Sharp looking boat; very classic. Love the walk thru to get in. Definitely get those Fins; you'll be glad you did (especially coming off plane). Enjoy!!!

 

[Tobes]

Nice boat! Hope to see you out there at Mead sometime. Usually out almost every weekend from May-Sept. I have just a little 19' but it's fun and gets the job done.

 

[haknslash]

Hey all, here it is on Day 1 of meeting our new 252 SE at Lake Mead - out by Las Vegas. I'm a veteran driver, both military and leisure, first time owner!

She's already got a few hours on it and just working to hit 10, so I can get break in service done, then really let her rip.

1. She's nimble for being a meaty boat.
2. She get's on plane incredibly quick.
3. I was running a lot of high RPMs (550 mile shoreline lake and only roughly 50-80 boats out based the ramp's traffic - winter time traffic) and covered 37 miles with only 12% consumption of fuel - roughly 4.4 miles per gallon - don't know if this is good or bad.
4. She's noisy at high RPMs, moderate at cruise.
5. She looks premium, but I can tell a good number of the finishes are kind of cheaped out plastic trim. Vinyl is very pretty, but I can see it being exceptionally high maintenance due to all of the white.
6. I'm learning a TON being here with all of you fine boaters and look forward to learning much more!

View attachment 137940

Sharp ride you got and congrats!

Don’t let the white vinyl scare you for high maintenance. There are plenty of good threads on what people use to keep them clean with minimal effort. I used MaryKate Ultra Vinyl Cleaner and it made cleaning maintenance a breeze. It’s a spray foam which also makes things easy. Give it a try sometime and see how you like it. I used 303 UV protectant as a follow-up to give the vinyl some protection. This combo of cleaners was minimal effort and kept my vinyl looking bright white for years.

 

[TwoSips]

Nice boat! Hope to see you out there at Mead sometime. Usually out almost every weekend from May-Sept. I have just a little 19' but it's fun and gets the job done.

Thank you! Is there any kind of JB gatherings out at Mead? Maybe time for one in 2021? ;-)

 

[Tobes]

Thank you! Is there any kind of JB gatherings out at Mead? Maybe time for one in 2021? ;-)

Not really. I just find people who are enjoyable to be around. Everyone is different. Some people you meet and they are great, but don't come often. Others come often but aren't good people.

 

[dzeppos]

Great write up on 21 252. I've spent 5 years boating in Lake Mead with my 242 and 90% its always perfect (the 10% with high winds not so good).
Never boated in November/December out there, but it feels so reassuring taking a twin engine boat 25 miles out through the narrows into the basin area - lots to see. Enjoy - and use the Boating Nav app to help you avoid new shallow areas when the lake drops

 

[swatski]

Great write up on 21 252. I've spent 5 years boating in Lake Mead with my 242 and 90% its always perfect (the 10% with high winds not so good).
Never boated in November/December out there, but it feels so reassuring taking a twin engine boat 25 miles out through the narrows into the basin area - lots to see. Enjoy - and use the Boating Nav app to help you avoid new shallow areas when the lake drops

I envy anyone who can boat this lake on a regular basis!
We trailered up there from St. Louis, MO, one of the best vacations ever. Made several 100+ miles trips, from Wahweap deep into San Juan river arm and beyond, we did carry extra fuel and trim tabs were essential in making good time, without loosing dental fillings, lol, it can get pretty choppy.

I think this was in the "Bold Rock" Canyon off of San Juan river. Kate and the kids wakeboarding to Jimmy Hendrix "Hey Joe", lol.
It was pure magic.




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[TwoSips]

Great write up on 21 252. I've spent 5 years boating in Lake Mead with my 242 and 90% its always perfect (the 10% with high winds not so good).
Never boated in November/December out there, but it feels so reassuring taking a twin engine boat 25 miles out through the narrows into the basin area - lots to see. Enjoy - and use the Boating Nav app to help you avoid new shallow areas when the lake drops

It’s been an unusually still and mild winter so far. 68 to 72 with the worst southerly crosswinds topping out at 7 mph.

it was indeed heavenly and the water was mostly still throughout. GREAT way to break in the new Yama Mama!

 

[2kwik4u]

@swatski Those shots are incredible. Whats the drive time to Mead from St. Louis? I made the drive from Louisville to Vegas in 2 legs about 20 years ago. 12hrs the first day 19hrs the second.

@TwoSips You setup a Lake Mead Jetboat meetup, and I'd be trying to figure out a way to make that happen. Long drive for me, but look at those views!

 

[TwoSips]

@swatski Those shots are incredible. Whats the drive time to Mead from St. Louis? I made the drive from Louisville to Vegas in 2 legs about 20 years ago. 12hrs the first day 19hrs the second.

@TwoSips You setup a Lake Mead Jetboat meetup, and I'd be trying to figure out a way to make that happen. Long drive for me, but look at those views!

Yeeeeeeees! Should be done!

 

[Tobes]

@swatski Those shots are incredible. Whats the drive time to Mead from St. Louis? I made the drive from Louisville to Vegas in 2 legs about 20 years ago. 12hrs the first day 19hrs the second.

@TwoSips You setup a Lake Mead Jetboat meetup, and I'd be trying to figure out a way to make that happen. Long drive for me, but look at those views!

Swatski is lying to us......... Those pics are from Lake Powell not Lake Mead. Although he has been to Mead (obviously by his sig pic)