255 XE First Steps

[Jniemela]

So shopped around and bought a left over 2024 Yamaha 255XE. On the Lake Winnipesaukee here in NH I learned a 25 is the smallest boat you'd want for a long term boat here. Hoping for ice out around April 20th and then get to take it around and learn the boat. My question for the forum is what is or are the things that I should have set up or purchased or prepped for the new boat. This is the first real boat that I've owned and operated. Is the boat good out of the box or was there something that you would have done looking back. Pretty open ended question I know, but want to hit the ground running.

 

[Acard7]

A lot of people like to add low speed steering help in cobra jet steering fangs or thrust vectors from jet boat pilot. But I would say feel how it is at low speeds without, if it’s too much wandering then you can always add them. Seems like everyone always wants a better anchor than the one given to you, I’m a fan of box anchors but wouldn’t keep it in the anchor locker. A boat pole is nice to have that extends out to reach docks, other boats, people, etc.

 

[Jniemela]

A lot of people like to add low speed steering help in cobra jet steering fangs or thrust vectors from jet boat pilot. But I would say feel how it is at low speeds without, if it’s too much wandering then you can always add them. Seems like everyone always wants a better anchor than the one given to you, I’m a fan of box anchors but wouldn’t keep it in the anchor locker. A boat pole is nice to have that extends out to reach docks, other boats, people, etc.

Thanks will look at the steering once I get it out. And also thanks on the anchor. I talk to the boat salesman about that.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

So shopped around and bought a left over 2024 Yamaha 255XE. On the Lake Winnipesaukee here in NH I learned a 25 is the smallest boat you'd want for a long term boat here. Hoping for ice out around April 20th and then get to take it around and learn the boat. My question for the forum is what is or are the things that I should have set up or purchased or prepped for the new boat. This is the first real boat that I've owned and operated. Is the boat good out of the box or was there something that you would have done looking back. Pretty open ended question I know, but want to hit the ground running.

The boats do experience several things that people want to address in the handling department.
The bow wander requiring constant correction on plane.
The loss of speed in turns on plane, the very poor steering response at slow speed and the loss of control if you rapidly decelerate in a turn.
I make several systems that address those issues as well as others like using both sides to control the steering not just one and aligning the nozzles properly using the 2 tie rods to hold the settings .
Plaining surfaces to get the boat on plane quicker and to fight the bow hop in choppy water.
I have specially designed fins made from 6061-t6 tempered aluminum and those change their influence levels based on the position of the hull in the water so you get the correct amount of steering input automatically.
The fins also have adjustments so you can change the settings to suit your personal needs. I make spring loaded sets also I usually recommend those only if you use a fork lift to dry dock your boat just in case the operator gets careless.
My fins do not go below the factory rudder to avoid increasing the draft of the boat. I also make a lot of model specific steering systems for all the Yamaha jet boats even the new H series. And I welcome you to contact me directly if you have any questions or need assistance deciding what best fits your personal needs.
Also I do not recommend messing with the 2019 and newer nozzle designs in the reverse thrust as Yamaha uses a V configuration to direct the reverse thrust so that either way you turn your nozzle when backing up your nozzle provides a reverse thrust to push backward and an angled thrust to push the back of the boat in the direction you want it to go .
the early nozzles just had a large opening and the water came out and just pushed backward I do make mega fang plus upgrades to deal with that issue on the pre 2019 model nozzles.
Those provide stronger more focused reverse thrust and stronger stopping power . And a mild power steering effect because the early nozzles only have a 1/4 turn helm the 2019 and newer ones are geared down and have more that twice the travel for a turn making the helm a lot smoother at speed.
So remember if you want the most features and benefits available at buy direct discount prices as well as free domestic shipping and a lot more than just slow speed assistance as I always say do your research and buy your last system first.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

In regards to steering, to take advantage of the boat as delivered, read the manual about the TDE (thrust directional enhancer) position of the throttles and the use of No Wake Mode. The TDE position is designed to increase steering authority at low speed by only partially opening the reverse bucket thereby directing some of the thrust down and to the sides. The No Wake Mode button will raise the engine idle in three steps to increase thrust and control authority, as well as increasing the speed in and around the dock or Marina. While I do not have the exact boat you do, I can say that with the throttle in TDE position and No Wake at level 3 steering control is brisk. Then like @Acard7 says if you want better control then opt for one of the steering enhancers, it’s never going to steer like a car, nor will it steer like an outboard or I/O boat.

Your best friend here is practice, practice, practice. Go out some where away from boat traffic and practice low speed maneuvering, you’ve got twin engines so you can use differential throttle-one forward one reverse to enhance your close quarter maneuverability just remember to keep the steering wheel centered when splitting the throttles, you can literally spin the boat around without moving forward or backwards. I’ve found that if it’s too windy splitting the throttles doesn’t have enough control and you’ll have to use both together and use the steering wheel to maneuver. I’ve gotten to the point where I will use both tactics. Again practice is the key.

The No Wake button becomes the cruise assist button when you’re cruising. It will raise engine speed eight steps up and eight steps down from your throttle set point. This is a great way to dial in your speed when the water is rough and I would imagine a good way to slightly incrementally increase or decrease speed when surfing or towing.

I’d say the number addition is an onboard battery charger that will be plugged in while the boat is not in use to keep the batteries fully charged. The alternators on our boats are not that powerful so the battery charger is a must. A 10x2 NOCO would work out fine, and 10A is necessary for proper charging of lead acid batteries so you can get the most out of them on the water.

NOCO also makes a convenient AC port.

NOCO - 2-Bank 20A On-Board Battery Charger - GENPRO10X2

The GENPRO10X2 is a 2-bank 20-amp waterproof on-board battery charger for lead-acid and lithium batteries and rated at IP68.

no.co

NOCO - AC Port Plug - GCP2

A remote AC Port Plug with an integrated extension cord that requires zero cord modifications. Perfect for engine block heaters, chargers, and more.

no.co

The only other thing that I’d suggest would be installing a Victron Smart shunt on your house battery so you know what the state of charge is on your house battery how many amp hours you’ve used etc. These are configurable on any size or chemistry battery. They have a Bluetooth interface that works with Victrons free app. But it’s not necessary right away.

SmartShunt - Victron Energy

The SmartShunt is an all-in-one battery monitor, only without a display. Your phone acts as the display. The SmartShunt connects via Bluetooth to the...

www.victronenergy.com

I spent the first season not doing anything to my boat except enjoying it, doing the basic maintenance and figuring out what modifications I wanted to do my boat for how I wanted to use it.

I say spend your money on gas, food, ice and sunscreen and go put a lot of hours on your boat this first season. Then make necessary changes over winter. Oh, get a service manual, it’ll help you with the maintenance.

 

[Jniemela]

In regards to steering, to take advantage of the boat as delivered, read the manual about the TDE (thrust directional enhancer) position of the throttles and the use of No Wake Mode. The TDE position is designed to increase steering authority at low speed by only partially opening the reverse bucket thereby directing some of the thrust down and to the sides. The No Wake Mode button will raise the engine idle in three steps to increase thrust and control authority, as well as increasing the speed in and around the dock or Marina. While I do not have the exact boat you do, I can say that with the throttle in TDE position and No Wake at level 3 steering control is brisk. Then like @Acard7 says if you want better control then opt for one of the steering enhancers, it’s never going to steer like a car, nor will it steer like an outboard or I/O boat.

Your best friend here is practice, practice, practice. Go out some where away from boat traffic and practice low speed maneuvering, you’ve got twin engines so you can use differential throttle-one forward one reverse to enhance your close quarter maneuverability just remember to keep the steering wheel centered when splitting the throttles, you can literally spin the boat around without moving forward or backwards. I’ve found that if it’s too windy splitting the throttles doesn’t have enough control and you’ll have to use both together and use the steering wheel to maneuver. I’ve gotten to the point where I will use both tactics. Again practice is the key.

The No Wake button becomes the cruise assist button when you’re cruising. It will raise engine speed eight steps up and eight steps down from your throttle set point. This is a great way to dial in your speed when the water is rough and I would imagine a good way to slightly incrementally increase or decrease speed when surfing or towing.

I’d say the number addition is an onboard battery charger that will be plugged in while the boat is not in use to keep the batteries fully charged. The alternators on our boats are not that powerful so the battery charger is a must. A 10x2 NOCO would work out fine, and 10A is necessary for proper charging of lead acid batteries so you can get the most out of them on the water.

NOCO also makes a convenient AC port.

NOCO - 2-Bank 20A On-Board Battery Charger - GENPRO10X2

The GENPRO10X2 is a 2-bank 20-amp waterproof on-board battery charger for lead-acid and lithium batteries and rated at IP68.

no.co

NOCO - AC Port Plug - GCP2

A remote AC Port Plug with an integrated extension cord that requires zero cord modifications. Perfect for engine block heaters, chargers, and more.

no.co

The only other thing that I’d suggest would be installing a Victron Smart shunt on your house battery so you know what the state of charge is on your house battery how many amp hours you’ve used etc. These are configurable on any size or chemistry battery. They have a Bluetooth interface that works with Victrons free app. But it’s not necessary right away.

SmartShunt - Victron Energy

The SmartShunt is an all-in-one battery monitor, only without a display. Your phone acts as the display. The SmartShunt connects via Bluetooth to the...

www.victronenergy.com

I spent the first season not doing anything to my boat except enjoying it, doing the basic maintenance and figuring out what modifications I wanted to do my boat for how I wanted to use it.

I say spend your money on gas, food, ice and sunscreen and go put a lot of hours on your boat this first season. Then make necessary changes over winter. Oh, get a service manual, it’ll help you with the maintenance.

This is really helpful. I'll look those up. Seems like the right thing to do. I'll keep in mind the steering and yes plan to practice soon before the lake gets busy.