Yamaha 242 Limited S Review: Features, Performance and Tech Specs

Yamaha has always been at the forefront of innovation, and when they launched the 240 Series in 2013 it was no different. The Yamaha 242 Limited S was produced for five years, the compact family jet boat soaring in front of the competition when it came to an exceptional ride, smooth handling, and speed.

At just over 21 feet in length, the 242 Limited S is an easily trailerable, lightweight fiberglass bowrider, but it’s still able to accommodate 10 passengers for watersports, family fun, and cruising on coastal and inland waters. It’s also packed with features to make the day enjoyable, from the removable dinette to the swim platform, the wakeboard tower, and the Bimini top. 

Yamaha made some big changes when they produced the 240 Series, one of the most noticeable being the reduced noise. While jet boats were known to be noisier, significant engineering changes along with sound deadening materials resulted in a much quieter ride—although noise levels are still above those on a sterndrive. The entirely new hull and deck design pushed the boundaries of jet boating innovation, too, resulting in a smooth and responsive ride. 

When the model was new, Yamaha kept the 242 Limited S at a very attractive price, and boats on the used market today remain an appealing option and good value for money in the highly competitive mid-size family runabout sector. 

The Yamaha 242 Limited S offers excellent wakeboarding capabilities in a fun, family-focused jet boat package. All photos by Rightboat sellers.

Yamaha 242 Limited S Key Features 

Jam-packed with features, the Yamaha 242 Limited S is turn-key ready for days on the water with the whole gang. Entertainment is provided by a Polk marine stereo with Bluetooth capabilities, as well as flush-mounted speakers (and jazzy LED lights) in the wakeboard tower. There’s the portside entertainment area and removable integrated cooler box for refreshments for the day.

This series is primed for watersports, with both a tow point between the stern seats for towables, and another on the easy-to-fold watersports tower (which also has a Bimini). Combine that with watersports lockers by the low, spacious swim platform, and the ability to set the “no wake mode” control, and you’ve got an impressively high-performance wake boat. 

On the helm, with its comfortable captain’s and co-pilot swiveling bucket seats, is a 7” touch screen control system—Connext—which gives easy and intuitive control over everything from the engine functions to the broad menu. 

The 242 Limited S carries up to 10 comfortably, thanks to its spacious aft seating, removable dinette table, and stern seats by the swim platform. 

The helm on the Yamaha 242 Limited S is spacious and comfortable and comes equipped with the brand’s Connext touchscreen controls. 

Yamaha 242 Limited S Performance

Yamaha really thought outside of the box when it came to the 242 Limited S and its fellow 240 Series cousins. It was designed with a completely new and different hull and deck, with a stand-out feature—the “articulating keel.” In doing so, they created a sharper-turning, responsive, and generally more capable jet boat. The twin 1812cc High Output Yamaha Marine Engines that come standard are able to produce maximum speeds over 50 mph at 7500 rpm with cruising speeds in the high 30s.

There is ample seating for 10 passengers on the Yamaha 242 Limited S. 

Yamaha 242 Limited S Why Buy It

• Compact, lightweight jet boat ideal for coastal and inland waters
• High-performing twin 1812cc High Output Yamaha Marine Engines
• Excellent wakeboarding and wakesurfing capabilities
• Well-equipped for entertaining, with stereos, coolers, and seating for 10
• Innovative hull design allows for sharp handling
• Buying Used? These boats were built from 2013 to 2019; many later models offer good, almost-new value-for-money on the used market and are competitively priced. For tips when buying used, read our Boat Inspection Checklist

The Yamaha 242 Limited S is powered by twin 1812cc High Output Yamaha Marine Engines. 

Yamaha 242 Limited S Technical Specifications

• Length: 21' 4"
• Beam: 8’6″
• Max people capacity: 10
• Max speed: 50mph
• Fuel capacity: 50 gallons
• Deadrise at transom: 20 degrees
• Dry weight: 3,713 lbs

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