2009 Yamaha Sportboat 212 SS

Many manufacturers call their runabouts sport boats, but Yamaha actually builds a sporty spirit into its bowriders. From power to layout to performance to speed, the twin-engine 212 SS has “super sport” written all over it.

The 21-foot 212 SS has two high-output 1,052-cc inline four-cylinder fourstroke inboard water-jet engines. Revving up to 10100 rpm, the engines provide the punch to pull wakeboarders, water-skiers or tubes. Acceleration tests show 0 to 40 mph in less than 7.3 seconds. The builder promises fuel consumption two gph less than comparable sterndrives.

The layout of the bow, cockpit and swim platform focuses on easy fore-and-aft access, putting relaxation space well out of the way of on-board activities. There are two comfortable lounging seats forward, a swivelling bucket seat at the helm and a J-shaped bench to port, across the aft cockpit and behind the helm seat. A portion of the aft seat cushion removes to expose a pathway of fibreglass non-skid leading to the swim deck. A dip in the aft coaming level eases passage aft.

The aft cockpit has a place for a small table, as does the bi-level swim platform, another of the boat’s recognizable gathering areas. Snap-in berber carpet adds comfort in the cockpit, while Hydro-turf-style foam decking adds comfort to the swim platform and the small forward deck. Storage space abounds, so water toys can be put well out of sight when not being enjoyed.

The 212 SS has performance that can be properly called “nimble” and “quick.” The high-revving twin jet-drives give the boat incredible manoeuvrability. It’s not as light on its feet as a PWC, but can spin and play with the best of them.The twin drives also offer a level of low-speed handling not often found in 21 footers or jet boats.

As for speed, it speaks for itself. Firewall the twin throttles and the boat seems to be on plane instantly. It cruises comfortably at 22.9 mph at 6500 rpm up to 45.6 mph at 9500 rpm, with a top speed of 51.5 mph at 10100 rpm.

But, as with many fast boats, the top speed counts less than how you get there and how much fun you have along the way.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Twin Yamaha 64.2 ci / 1,052 cc, inline four cylinder, four-stroke gasoline inboards producing 160 hp each, drivingwater-jets.

ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 3.25 ; 0-30 / 5.32 ; 0-40 / 7.28

TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
10100 / 51.5

CRUISING SPEEDS (rpm/mph)
7000 / 27.3 ; 8000 / 34.9 ; 9000 / 42.6

SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (7000 rpm)
Helm– 82 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 83 dbA

SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED
Helm– 94 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 96 dbA