Who on here owns a 2025 or 2026 Yamaha 255XD I have surf wave questions

[NewBoater]

I am looking for any info for anyone that already has a 2025 or 2026 Yamaha 255XD. I currently have one on order and I am curious about the surf wave. When I watch the videos online, it looks like they have finally figured the ballast out and the surf wave is incredible and there are only a couple of people on the boat so it does not look like you need a ton of people or a ton of extra ballast like the boats from three or four years ago to make a good wave. Teenagers are doing kick flips and all kind of fun stuff in the YouTube videos. I just need to know if this is actual reality for anyone that has one if it makes a much bigger wave than the previous years. Looks like they made the ballast tank way deeper back into the engine compartment so it’s much further back on the boat And more ballast on 2025 in 2026 as there are 5 ballast locations now. With 2 new ones way back deep in engine compartment in each side. I know the wave will never be as good as a dedicated surf boat, but I’m curious if it’s way better than previous years for Yamaha because if it’s not, and it’s just the same old wave, I may decide to get a surf boat instead.

Thanks!

 

[NewBoater]

No one owns a 2025 or 2026? Guess I might have to be the guinea pig to figure out this surf wave haha

 

[F.M.]

I have a 2024, but neither of my kids showed any interest in surfing the last 2 years, so I haven’t even filled the ballasts yet.

There are people here with 2025s that can answer your question about the wave. But for most people, boating season is over and in the back of their minds right now, so they might not check/visit the forum as often. Give them time, they’ll answer/respond eventually.

 

[ahenderson432]

I have a 2024 and have little time with the ballast as well. Hope to spend some time on the water this winter (AZ off season) and dial it in before an upcoming Lake Powell Trip next July. Will let you know how it goes with different fill capacities and speeds.

 

[LittleCarbonite]

No one owns a 2025 or 2026? Guess I might have to be the guinea pig to figure out this surf wave haha

I have a 25 and have about 40 surf hours on it. LOVE it. I ran the boat with 4 people and 12 people and it’s all perfect for my level of experience

 

[Wicked92]

I am looking for any info for anyone that already has a 2025 or 2026 Yamaha 255XD. I currently have one on order and I am curious about the surf wave. When I watch the videos online, it looks like they have finally figured the ballast out and the surf wave is incredible and there are only a couple of people on the boat so it does not look like you need a ton of people or a ton of extra ballast like the boats from three or four years ago to make a good wave. Teenagers are doing kick flips and all kind of fun stuff in the YouTube videos. I just need to know if this is actual reality for anyone that has one if it makes a much bigger wave than the previous years. Looks like they made the ballast tank way deeper back into the engine compartment so it’s much further back on the boat And more ballast on 2025 in 2026 as there are 5 ballast locations now. With 2 new ones way back deep in engine compartment in each side. I know the wave will never be as good as a dedicated surf boat, but I’m curious if it’s way better than previous years for Yamaha because if it’s not, and it’s just the same old wave, I may decide to get a surf boat instead.

Thanks!

Boat has 3 bags. 1600lbs. Same weight and locations as the 21 up boats. Nothing has changed.

All they did was remove the 2 hard tanks and make them bags, to gain storage room under the seats.

Technically the tanks went further back in the boat compared to the bags.

I run an additional 1k in weight ontop of the factory ballast.

 

[LittleCarbonite]

Boat has 3 bags. 1600lbs. Same weight and locations as the 21 up boats. Nothing has changed.

All they did was remove the 2 hard tanks and make them bags, to gain storage room under the seats.

Technically the tanks went further back in the boat compared to the bags.

I run an additional 1k in weight ontop of the factory ballast.

That 1k did you use the steel shot weight bags? Pics if you can would be epic and an explanation of the distribution and a thought on the wave gains would be cool

 

[Wicked92]

I have both. I have the 850 bag from fstsac, and also lead that I can bring. If I'm using Jay the fat sac (no need to change surf sides) ill bring 300/400 in lead that I play with jn bow.


If its all lead. 300/400 in wet locker/clean out hatch, 400 on transom/ back seat surf side, and the rest in bow.

10.3 to 10.8 mph gps app verified (do not go by boat mph)

100/100/35 (non surf side) on factory ballast.

You will need to play with the cruise control for surf speeds as the connext sucks at tight control. I drivers always need to play with the +/- on the cruise buttons while watching speed.

Its alot of work, prep, and patience. It can be done, and a decent (jet boat wave).

But the kyma took zero effort, set up was simple, speed control and sea keeper ride integration.....produced a better wave by 50/75%. All while enjoying everything a jet boat can do in the shallows etc.

If I could do it again...id buy the kyma the 1st time. A dedicated surf boat even used don't work for me with my shallow bay, shallow launch, and wanting to hang at sandbars after.

 

[NewBoater]

I have a 25 and have about 40 surf hours on it. LOVE it. I ran the boat with 4 people and 12 people and it’s all perfect for my level of experience

Are you saying that just stock the way it comes you can have a good surf wave for everyone of every size?

 

[LittleCarbonite]

Are you saying that just stock the way it comes you can have a good surf wave for everyone of every size?

Yep, everyone from 225lbs down has not had an issue tossing the rope