Are Yamaha Boats Good? (Factors You Should Consider!)

If you are up to exploring a new world of enjoyment, Yamaha boats are a great boat to get started with that has the best features and systems. When it comes to their customer, Yamaha strives to provide value to their product and deliver the best boats possible for navigating the open waters. Whether you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned Yamaha, you won’t be disappointed with what it has to offer.

If you’re in the market for a Yamaha boat, they will run you anywhere from $21,000 to $66,000, depending on if it’s new or pre-owned. They are made to withstand a lot of wear and tear, have a top-notch navigation system, and have a control system to make fishing a breeze. Their motors will last anywhere from 1,500-3,000 hours.

Yamaha boats are a great choice and you’ll get the best bang for your buck. If you plan on boating on any lakes or river, Yamaha boats are specifically designed for these in these waters. Before determining if a Yamaha is right for you, you’ll want to know the cost, reliability, if they are a good boat for fishing, if they can operate in ocean waters, and how many hours a motor will give you on the water.

Are Yamaha Boats Good?

When looking for a good jet boat to take out on the water, many boat owners may be wondering, “Are Yamaha boats a good boat?” Yamaha boats are a popular brand, but does that make them good and reliable? Let’s find out!

Cost

Yamaha boats fall in the price range of recreational boats. Yamaha boats that are 15 to 28 feet in length aren’t any less adorable. The price range for Yamaha boats can run you anywhere from $21,000 to $66,000.

When looking at price, you’ll not only have to look at the purchase price, but maintenance costs as well. Depending on the model and what type of oil you use, you’ll need to do oil changes every 50 to 100 hours. Not only will you need to pay for an oil change, but you’ll also need to cover inspection costs that check things like your spark plugs, fuel filter, thermostat, etc.

Lastly, you’ll need to keep in mind operation costs, which include things like your monthly payment, fuel, insurance, registration, maintenance, and storage. Yamaha boats are no more expensive than an inboard, but these are the reoccurring costs that you’ll need to keep in mind.

Reliable

When it comes to reliability, Yamaha boats are very reliable. These jet boats are built to withstand a lot of wear and tear out on the water. When building their boats, Yamaha uses nothing but high-quality materials.

Because of this, it makes their jet boats long-lasting. Yamaha boats have what they call an internal propulsion system. This system operates by the propellers pumping in the water, and the engine pushing out the water once it reaches a designated speed.

The great thing about this system is that it is very efficient and doesn’t require much maintenance. Yamaha jet boats are also designed to handle low speeds with its DRiVE technology which is a dual paddle system. The system is designed to make the boat easier to control at low speeds, making it much easier to dock.

The Yamaha boats also come with an LCD touchscreen. This screen is very user-friendly and gives you all of the information you need.

Good Handling

Yamaha jet boats have an Advanced Responsive Handling Package. Their handling packages help put boat drivers in control of their driving experience. This Yamaha technology includes their No wake model, the thrust directional enhancer, and their patented keel for immediate steering response.

The No Wake Model will allow an optimum engine speed in no wake zones. The thrust directional enhancer with help give water thrusts direction for optimal angles and help slow the speed. Lastly, the articulating keel will help give stability to the boat when you’re docking or adventuring through tricky waters.

Navigation

When it comes to navigating the waters, Yamaha developed an Electric Propulsion System for easier navigation. This system combines their advanced propulsion system that will give you high thrust, easier joystick control, and maneuverability. This is Yamaha’s first attempt at a rim-drive motor that is used for thrusters and has a dedicated outboard.

Those who are new boat owners and have bought a Yamaha will most likely want to test their boats in shallow waters to get used to the navigation. Practicing driving your boat in shallow waters is the easiest way to learn how to navigate your boat.

Yamaha’s Electric Propulsion System pulls water through their house’s propellers and pushes it out with high thrusts. This system will allow Yamaha boat owners to plane quicker, leading to less of a bow rise. This key feature will allow both new and veteran boat owners to easily and safely navigate shallow waters.

Control System

Yamaha’s next-generation control system is called the Helm Master Ex. With the Helm Master Ex, you’ll be able to make the most of every minute on the water. This control system adds to the original Helm Master and expands on functionality and flexibility.

With this system, you’ll get more programmed fishing functions, autopilot with heading and course hold, joystick adjustability, automated essential boat operations, and full electric steering. This is Yamaha’s first single-engine-compatible system. The Helm Master Ex is also compatible with twin, triple, and quad-engine applications.

With their automation, you can troll in a grid pattern until you find productive water. This will put your boat into an automated grid pattern until you can find fish. The pattern search will also complete your grid and return your boat to its origination point.

In addition, Yamaha has an icon-drive interface, a display, and the capability to switch screens and use touchscreens to control functions. Their technology will be sure to improve your boating experience.

Why are Yamaha Boats So Cheap?

Yamaha boats are very afforadable compared to other jet boats on the market, starting at around $20,000. When you’re considering purchasing a Yamaha, you should consider the cabin space, storage, maintenance, and engine. In terms of tag price and maintenance, Yamaha boats are very cost-efficient.

Yamaha boats are cost-efficient because they are durable and efficient on fuel, making maintenance and fuel management a manageable expense. Depending on what kind of make, model, and features that your Yamaha comes with, the Yamaha can be a great starter boat for a boat owner.

To give an example, you can find a Yamaha 2019 SX / 190 on the market for around $25,000. This is a lot cheaper compared to the newer 2023 models being released. This model Yamaha boat has an engine equipped with 370 hours.

If you want to find a cheap Yamaha boat on the market, we recommend buying a used model, as opposed to a newer model on the market.

Are Yamaha Boats Good For Fishing?

Yamaha boats are one of the most versatile and reliable jet boats that you’ll come across. There are several Yamaha models available that will even come with a fishing package option. For example, the Yamaha 210 FSH has a center console design that makes this the perfect jet boat for fishing.

Having a center console on your boat will give you more room on the deck of your boat if you make a big catch. This model also has rod racks, bucket stowage, fish boxes, and even a cooler. These features alone make it one of the best jet boat models on the market.

Can Yamaha Boats Go in the Ocean?

Can Yamaha boats go in the ocean? You may think this is a simple and obvious answer, but when it comes to Yamaha jet boats, that isn’t the case. Let us explain a little more in-depth.

Yamaha boats can go into the ocean, but it comes with some downsides. Yamaha boats do not have the right gear to handle the ocean waters. Due to this, you may experience your boat going at a slower speed and it may be more resistant when trying to steer.

In addition, if you don’t give your Yamaha proper maintenance after an ocean trip, you could see long-term damage to your boat. If you do plan to go out in the ocean, keep in mind that Yamahas can give you a rougher ride in choppy waters.

How Many Hours Will a Yamaha Boat Last?

Did you know that the average boater will rack up around 50 hours on the water per season? This usage alone will give boat owners years of use. Yamaha makes a line of outboard motors that last between 1,500-3,000 hours.

The amount of hours that your Yamaha boat lasts depends on maintenance, storage, and usage. If you properly attend to each of those areas, some models will even last longer than 3,000 hours. Making sure your Yamaha boat is receiving the proper routine maintenance will prevent many future problems and extend its engine life.

You can check a Yamaha Maintenance Schedule just to see how often your boat should be checked. Their maintenance schedule will outline the replacement and inspection activity based on its typical usage. Typical usage includes the various speeds of operation, allowing time for your engine to warm up and cool down, and keeping your cruising speed between 3,000-4,000 rpm.