vanmurray
Jet Boat Junkie
- Messages
- 176
- Reaction score
- 178
- Points
- 132
- Location
- Raleigh, NC
- Boat Make
- Yamaha
- Year
- 2016
- Boat Model
- 242 Limited S E-Series
- Boat Length
- 24
New member here in NC. I see a few other similar posts, but wanted to share my thoughts after months of shopping and comparing for a new boat for the family. This is my 4th boat and I decided to look at jets after reading similar reviews about the new Chaparral and Yamaha 24 footers.
We ended up buying a 2016 Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series (Red) in June 2016 (just completed the first service at Chatlee -- these guys have an impressive operation and we had a great experience, highly recommend). There are plenty of reviews explaining the features of this boat so won't go there, but the deciding factor for me (other than the overall quality of the finish) was the giant top and the electronics. The controls are the smoothest I've ever experienced in any boat and everything is integrated with Connext all the way up to bluetooth to connect multiple devices to the Polk system. Would like to see option to add map/navigation with Navionics or Lowrance SD card.
Single lever mode is probably my favorite feature of Connext with the E-Series, but having everything integrated is perfect. The shade is awesome with the top. Ratchets keep the top from flapping and plenty of room for a 6ft tall guy to walk without having to duck. I think it could use a velcro strap in the back (like in the front) and there are some small pinholes where the stitching for velcro covers are sewn in (I expect that will be an issue over time).
Coming from a Ranger, I was not expecting to be impressed with the quality of finish, fiberglass, stability, etc... I was wrong. Fiberglass work is well done. All stainless hardware is quality up to the SS USCG LED 2NM nav light (not plastic). Boat rides smooth and stable even in rough water. Took it to the coast over the 4th with 12 on board and everyone was impressed (and dry) riding the waterway with large boat wake and 3-4ft inlet swells. Need 8ft 6in of clearance for bridges with top up.
I'm not impressed with the cooler. The boat came with a cheap Igloo that we had a hard time even getting out of the rear seat. It's like the cooler was installed before the seat lid. It was impossible to get it out without putting pressure on the seat and scratching the sides. At first, I was disappointed that there is not an integrated cooler, but I ordered a 36 can soft AO Cooler from Yamaha and it fits perfect under rear seat. They should include these instead. It keeps ice all day and you can easily carry in and out and you keep more of the under seat storage. Highly recommend this as an upgrade or go ahead and negotiate for one of these.
I also added a 16Qt Coleman which fits perfectly on the passenger side inside the net. I put a foam grip pad under it to prevent scratching. It works great as a trash can and we used it when we were in a day slip since it has wheels, it was much easier to get drinks or ice to the boat.
Galvanized Shorelander is nice, but have a few complaints. Posted on another thread about the trailer vibration. I think it's the tires/balance, but hopefully will find out. Significant vibration around 50MPH. Fenders and frame bounces noticeably. Loading and unloading boat by myself is no problem. There is a "step" on top of the winch that works well, but getting down off the bow when loading takes a balancing act and you have to jump down on the tongue which I don't like (if you drive all the way up). I ordered a D-Step, but due to the brakes the tongue width is 1/2" off. I will post when I figure this out.
Wanted to mention the cover since I store outdoors. The Yamaha Deluxe Mooring Cover is worth the money. Fits perfect, ratchets tight and after several highway trips I can say that it is the best I've seen on any boat (even my old Ranger Trail cover which was also well designed).
I'm enjoying reading all the helpful threads here and hopefully this post is helpful to someone. Looking forward to meeting folks and can't wait to keep exploring. Thanks @bronze_10 for letting me know about this site.
We ended up buying a 2016 Yamaha 242 Limited S E-Series (Red) in June 2016 (just completed the first service at Chatlee -- these guys have an impressive operation and we had a great experience, highly recommend). There are plenty of reviews explaining the features of this boat so won't go there, but the deciding factor for me (other than the overall quality of the finish) was the giant top and the electronics. The controls are the smoothest I've ever experienced in any boat and everything is integrated with Connext all the way up to bluetooth to connect multiple devices to the Polk system. Would like to see option to add map/navigation with Navionics or Lowrance SD card.
Single lever mode is probably my favorite feature of Connext with the E-Series, but having everything integrated is perfect. The shade is awesome with the top. Ratchets keep the top from flapping and plenty of room for a 6ft tall guy to walk without having to duck. I think it could use a velcro strap in the back (like in the front) and there are some small pinholes where the stitching for velcro covers are sewn in (I expect that will be an issue over time).
Coming from a Ranger, I was not expecting to be impressed with the quality of finish, fiberglass, stability, etc... I was wrong. Fiberglass work is well done. All stainless hardware is quality up to the SS USCG LED 2NM nav light (not plastic). Boat rides smooth and stable even in rough water. Took it to the coast over the 4th with 12 on board and everyone was impressed (and dry) riding the waterway with large boat wake and 3-4ft inlet swells. Need 8ft 6in of clearance for bridges with top up.
I'm not impressed with the cooler. The boat came with a cheap Igloo that we had a hard time even getting out of the rear seat. It's like the cooler was installed before the seat lid. It was impossible to get it out without putting pressure on the seat and scratching the sides. At first, I was disappointed that there is not an integrated cooler, but I ordered a 36 can soft AO Cooler from Yamaha and it fits perfect under rear seat. They should include these instead. It keeps ice all day and you can easily carry in and out and you keep more of the under seat storage. Highly recommend this as an upgrade or go ahead and negotiate for one of these.
I also added a 16Qt Coleman which fits perfectly on the passenger side inside the net. I put a foam grip pad under it to prevent scratching. It works great as a trash can and we used it when we were in a day slip since it has wheels, it was much easier to get drinks or ice to the boat.
Galvanized Shorelander is nice, but have a few complaints. Posted on another thread about the trailer vibration. I think it's the tires/balance, but hopefully will find out. Significant vibration around 50MPH. Fenders and frame bounces noticeably. Loading and unloading boat by myself is no problem. There is a "step" on top of the winch that works well, but getting down off the bow when loading takes a balancing act and you have to jump down on the tongue which I don't like (if you drive all the way up). I ordered a D-Step, but due to the brakes the tongue width is 1/2" off. I will post when I figure this out.
Wanted to mention the cover since I store outdoors. The Yamaha Deluxe Mooring Cover is worth the money. Fits perfect, ratchets tight and after several highway trips I can say that it is the best I've seen on any boat (even my old Ranger Trail cover which was also well designed).
I'm enjoying reading all the helpful threads here and hopefully this post is helpful to someone. Looking forward to meeting folks and can't wait to keep exploring. Thanks @bronze_10 for letting me know about this site.
