As Rumored - There is a whole new 21 Foot Line Up for 2017-BASE Model review

[Julian]

As we all hoped and expected, there is a whole new line up of the 21 foot boats for 2017! This post is focused on the base models (but does touch on the others at times). For the Limited check this thread, and for the New 212X check this thread.

Here is my quick video review of the AR210 model:

Here are the major changes...many of them are just what we asked for!

1. Quiet Cruise Technology - it is much quieter! 85DB at 30mph. Changes to achieve this noise reduction included:
   1. Engine hatch sound barrier
   2. Engine room sealed from surrounding areas
   3. Thicker deck
   4. Inlet duct shaped to smooth inflow and reduce noise
   5. Drive line rubber couplings
   6. Modified exhaust system
2. Keel and rudder - added! And it drives and responds really well! Much more responsive than my 24'!
3. Flip up seats in cockpit and bow.
4. Twin TR-1 High Output engines (115hp each) in the SX and AR models - top speed of 44 mph, Twin 1.8L High Output engines in the 212 Series boats (212 Limited, 212 Limited S and 212X) top speed of 54mph. TR1 engines:
5. Bow ladder and anchor locker combo
6. Large port console door and storage area...fits a cooler (provided).
7. Bow door to block wind, large glovebox and under seat storage.
8. Helm with Connext Screen (4.3 inch in base models, 7" in deluxe models). Separate Infinity Stereo in base models, Polk in the Deluxe models integrated to Connext.
9. Easier side to side access to the swim platform....remember that competitor's video of their platform?
10. Forward swept folding towers, and on the 212 Series the base is Cast aluminum and looks a little different (2nd photo)
11. Recessed battery(s)...this was a cool change...they sunk the battery into the floor so there is more storage area in that underseat compartment. Very clever! They also have a big cover over the batteries (single in the base models, dual batteries in the limited/X models. This was a nice touch. You can see the cover in #3 above.

Those are the key items on the base models. See this thread for information on the Limited models and this thread for the full review of the 212X.
Here are the color schemes available:


Now the things to note that I wondered about:

• The SS model is gone. I know lots of people loved the low profile windshield. The flip side is these boats are very good looking...and not sure a low profile window would work on that layout.
• Base model has bench seats while the Limited and X have twin reclining bucket seats. I like the bucket seats, but I'm sure there will be those that prefer the bench (it looks like it could be swapped out if that was your desire, but not certain due to the drinks station/glove box layout.
• No swim deck speakers on the base models...and the cushions make it hard to add them.
• 43MPH seemed like a low number to me for the base models (the TR-1 engine is 115hp), but when I drove the boat...it didn't really bother me. Want more speed....go deluxe!

 

[GTBRMC]

Pic #6 WOOT!!!!!

Not so much for the cooler, but for the (seemingly) much better access to the back of the dash, Thank you for listening, Mother Yamaha!

Edit: Looks as though the starboard compartment wider-door treatment is only on the 21' lineup this year. The 24' look like no primary glass changes, so I would expect this design improvement to carry over to the 24 footers at their next refresh.

 

[djetok]

Ok I'm happy with my 15. Minus the hinges and head storage on the drivers side. Not a fan of the anchor locker. You would be stuck with a Danforth anchor. What's the hp numbers on the tr1?

 

[Julian]

What's the hp numbers on the tr1?

115HP
The engine is 55lbs lighter, 12 inches shorter in length and 1" less in height than the prior engine.

 

[Ancient canoe]

Those tr1 engines look tiny. How was the performance? On par with the previous 210s?

 

[Ancient canoe]

Are those swim deck wraparound cushions remove able if you wanted to add speakers?

 

[djetok]

What would you guess the GPS speed would be. I did 43 with half tank 2 in the boat and a dog. Calm water obviously. 10 more hp should be 1 mph or 2

 

[Julian]

Those tr1 engines look tiny. How was the performance? On par with the previous 210s?

I felt they were similar....but I've not driven a 210 in a while....so hard to say.

 

[haknslash]

New Yamaha video is up

 

[skrip345]

Do the swim deck cushions flip open like the 240s?

 

[Julian]

Do the swim deck cushions flip open like the 240s?

They do not....there isn't the storage room back there like there is on the 240s.

 

[djetok]

@TheGreekTitan you disliked that I'm happy with my 2015?

 

[TheGreekTitan]

@TheGreekTitan you disliked that I'm happy with my 2015?

@djetok Whoops, sorry. Using a tablet, and must have hit by accident.

Rating removed of course

 

[skrip345]

Thats too bad. So, the 212x differmeces above the 210 are 1.8s, sea deckish material, and ballast?

edit: premium speakers amd sound bar also. Accented interior.

 

[djetok]

@djetok Whoops, sorry. Using a tablet, and must have hit by accident.

Rating removed of course

No worries I was just curious what you disliked because we both have the same boat. @TheGreekTitan

 

[Julian]

Triple ballast with 2 inlets, 3 pumps and two hard tanks.
500 watt Polk Stereo, with 6 speakers, sub woofer and wetsounds bar
7" connect screen
Nicer tower
Better fabric and appointments throughout
Big Mirror

 

[TheGreekTitan]

No worries I was just curious what you disliked because we both have the same boat. @TheGreekTitan

@djetok I'm with you on being happy with my choice. I like the anchor for my soft bottom lake, but agree on your other points. The sound deadening would be great, but I made a conscious decision to buy what I did. First boat, and I knew it would get a couple dings...which it has. I'll be ready for a new and improved once I know what the heck I'm doing. The '15 210 is a crowd pleaser, and I'm extremely happy with it.

 

[CDENsomnia]

I'm a bit surprised that they don't fit more ballast in to any of the X editions. 1100lbs is probably just ok but really needs more in my opinion. Plus work with @jcyamaharider on bringing a builtin wake wedge controlled by connext!

 

[swatski]

Pic #6 WOOT!!!!!

Not so much for the cooler, but for the (seemingly) much better access to the back of the dash, Thank you for listening, Mother Yamaha!

Edit: Looks as though the starboard compartment wider-door treatment is only on the 21' lineup this year. The 24' look like no primary glass changes, so I would expect this design improvement to carry over to the 24 footers at their next refresh.

#6 above is the port side access (with a cooler in pic) (which is head compartment in 240s). Starboard side 240 has similar hinged door that doubles as a wind screen. Not sure what I'm missing about glass changes...?

 

[swatski]

I'm a bit surprised that they don't fit more ballast in to any of the X editions. 1100lbs is probably just ok but really needs more in my opinion.

I'm sure that is due to limits by their legal dept/USCG regs/ capacity.