Yamaha 252SD (2024-)

Brief Summary

The new Yamaha 252SD is powered by the company's new 1.9 L engine, which has a wider throttle body and several other tweaks that make her faster off the dime. Boating on this thrilling machine is fun for the whole family. When it comes time to anchor over a sand bar, the kids will love swimming off the stern — and mom and dad will have peace of mind knowing she's a jet boat.  

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	24' 6" 7.47 m
Beam	8' 6" 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,689 lbs 2,127 kg
Draft	19" 48.26 cm
Deadrise/Transom	20 deg
Bridge Clearance	8' 1" 2.46 m
Weight Capacity	2,600 lbs 1,179 kg
Person Capacity	12
Fuel Capacity	75 gal 284 L

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 200-HP 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.9 Liter HO Yamaha Marine Engines
Std. Power	2 x 200-HP 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.9 Liter HO Yamaha Marine Engines

Captain's Report

by Capt. Ken Kreisler

Yamaha 252SD — Sporty Luxury

Mission

Combining Yamaha’s advanced jetboat technology with luxurious surroundings and innovative design features, the 252SD is a bowrider out front. Powered by a pair of four-stroke, four-cylinder, 16 valve High Output engines, this jetboat experiences quick and smooth acceleration with a top speed guaranteed to put a smile on every boating enthusiast aboard.

Major Features

• Ski locker
• Stern-mounted removable dinette table w/pedestal
• Bow filler inserts for multiple seating configurations
• Adjustable captain's chair w/flip-up bolster
• Walk-through bow door
• Integrated removable cooler
• Enclosed head compartment
• Galley with stow-in-place table and storage
• Bow reboarding ladder
• Integrated swim platform
• Connext with 12.3" display Touchscreen, maps and joystick
• Yamaha Drive Control
• DRiVE X
• Twin 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 1.9 Liter High Output Yamaha Marine Engines producing a combined 400-hp

High Tech Advances

Besides quality construction techniques developed over decades of innovation, the Yamaha 252SD offers all the advanced technology the company is known for. Yamaha E Series features push-button start/stop, RPM engine sync and single-throttle lever pairing. 

DRiVE X, located on the wheel, allows you to move your boat forward and aft, laterally, rotate on an axis or hold the boat against the dock while keeping your hands on the steering wheel. This makes slow-speed maneuvering of your boat far easier than ever. 

Then there are the new twin 1.9L high-output Yamaha marine engines that provide the type of power your wakeboarders, skiers and other activity-seekers need for their adrenaline rush.

The Connext® Information System is part of the advanced electronics. Equipped with a 12.3-inch LED color touchscreen, this system allows for complete audio connectivity through your smartphone with the ability to receive phone calls and view incoming text message notifications on the Connext screen. You can also use the voice assistant to make phone calls using the voice command button and integrated microphone.

Other features include a tach, speedometer, trip features, acceleration curves, sound connectivity, boat wellness and settings page. Swim-up stern seating has a pair of removable seats attached to the stern that sits slightly below the water's surface, providing comfortable in-water seating. Add an optional Catalina II gas grill, one of three sizes of Engel high-performance coolers, a Yamaha three-person deck tube, a floating island and an inflatable paddle board and your day out of the water will take on added enjoyment.

Boat Inspection

The bow lounge features seating on both sides with bolstered backs for comfort and sturdy grabrails on either side. 

Helm Area

Spaciousness is key aboard the Yamaha 252SD and here at the helm, a lot of attention has been paid to providing the kind of room that makes for a comfortable area.

The companion seat opposite the starboard helm is a swiveling captain’s chair that also reclines. A glove box and storage compartment are within arm’s length here and a console, just forward, can be used as a day head or storage space. A glass windshield surrounds the helm with a hinged door closing off the top of the space. A bi-fold door below offers additional wind protection when in the closed position. The captain’s seat is bolstered, swivels and reclines.

Aft Section

Comfortable and innovative seating awaits family and friends in the aft section. Yamaha uses its Chill-Cool Technology here and throughout the boat, allowing for richer, more luxurious colors aboard that will be easier to touch on hot, sunny days. 

Summary

The Yamaha 252SD is a well-built, spirited bowrider with a pedigree of innovation and high-tech features. Given Yamaha’s fully found, turn-key approach to providing its owners with all they would need to get going, if this boat is on your shortlist, visit your local dealer and get behind the wheel.

Remember, life is better on a boat!