212X or 242X

[31BVeteran]

Glad I found this forum as you all have been helpful.

I’m torn between the 2 models. Ideally I’d like the boat to be family oriented, but also able to perform water sports when possible. Typically I see myself having 8 humans on the boat at any given time. Bodies range from skinny to eating good. My dilemma is space. Is it really that noticeable between the 2? I just don’t want knees and elbows ruining the outting. Any insight would be helpful from your experiences. Thanks again!

 

[31BVeteran]

Also, is this legal?

 

[Jores]

Buy the 242 and don't look back. Bigger is Better in this case, especially with 8 on board.

 

[31BVeteran]

Buy the 242 and don't look back. Bigger is Better in this case, especially with 8 on board.

Thanks for the response. What’s the max occupants you’ve had on your 242? Any complaints?

 

[Jores]

Not legal to sit on the swim deck while underway and for good reason.

 

[BigAbe75]

Also, is this legal?

Depends on your area, but generally no. There are warning stickers against it, as well.

 

[BigAbe75]

Not legal to sit on the swim deck while underway and for good reason.

Reasons:

- Falling off
- But more importantly is probably the carbon monoxide from the exhaust directly under the deck. Especially at surf speeds.

 

[Jores]

Have had 8 adults several times (boat is only one season old)- no complaints- plenty of room for all. Well the stereo does need an amp and sub but other than that a fantastic boat and great to hang out at the sandbar.

 

[DavisAR195]

Also, is this legal?

I think it depends on the state but it’s illegal in Oregon.

 

[buckbuck]

We don't have a problem with 8 on our 21' boat. I feel that most of the spaced gained on bigger Yamaha boats is in the bow.
You probably need to give us more info to give a better answer. If you are on weedy water than I would steer you away from a jetboat. You will need some ballast to use it for watersports but don't expect it to outperform dedicated tow boats. They are great low maintenance boats that provide a lot of family fun. Don't be afraid to pursue the used market as they are quite reliable.

 

[MidnightRider]

Rule #476 - if you can't decided between a bigger boat and a smaller boat, buy the bigger one.

 

[31BVeteran]

Not legal to sit on the swim deck while underway and for good reason.

Never been in the boat while underway to know. Any chance there’s Sacramento natives here that can let me rent their boat to test drive it!? ?

 

[31BVeteran]

Rule #476 - if you can't decided between a bigger boat and a smaller boat, buy the bigger one.

Ha, that’s a fair rule.

 

[31BVeteran]

Reasons:

- Falling off
- But more importantly is probably the carbon monoxide from the exhaust directly under the deck. Especially at surf speeds.

That’s good to know, didn’t think about that.

Thank you!

 

[Dave burke]

I have a 212x and it can hold 8 people no problem. As @buckbuck says, most of the 2’ difference is in bow. 242 does have a small cabin and room for a head if that’s important to you.

My lake is not big so I didn’t want a 24´ boat. But if I was on a big body of water, I’d definitely consider it as the 242 is more stable in choppy waters.

 

[2kwik4u]

Larger is better in 90% of the cases. Budget and storage are things to consider. Tow Vehicle needs to be rated around 6,500+ for the 24. 5,200+ rating will get you there on the 212 I think. Unless it stays on the water all year, then never mind, rent the truck you need when you need it.

You rarely hear people say "I wish I got a smaller boat", or "I wish I got the smaller motor".........

 

[geohil]

Glad the towing was mentioned above. We have the 212X and I would love to have the 242X - almost traded mine away for one - but storage and towing changed our mind. See attached - that is a lifted 2015 4Runner and even with towing mirrors I can't see around it. We actually bought a tundra just to tow the boat.
That said when we are on the water and have a second family with us I would love the extra space, storage, and the super useful wet storage only on 24' boats. Tough call.

 

[31BVeteran]

Larger is better in 90% of the cases. Budget and storage are things to consider. Tow Vehicle needs to be rated around 6,500+ for the 24. 5,200+ rating will get you there on the 212 I think. Unless it stays on the water all year, then never mind, rent the truck you need when you need it.

You rarely hear people say "I wish I got a smaller boat", or "I wish I got the smaller motor".........

luckily my truck is able to pull at least 12,500lbs so I'm good in that aspect, but storage won't be an issue. the facility houses large RVs, boats, etc.. they even clean and store the boat when I drop it off so that's a plus.

 

[31BVeteran]

Glad the towing was mentioned above. We have the 212X and I would love to have the 242X - almost traded mine away for one - but storage and towing changed our mind. See attached - that is a lifted 2015 4Runner and even with towing mirrors I can't see around it. We actually bought a tundra just to tow the boat.
That said when we are on the water and have a second family with us I would love the extra space, storage, and the super useful wet storage only on 24' boats. Tough call.

jealous of that pic, which is awesome by the way. I think I'm heavily leaning towards the 242X at this point as I'd like to have a head installed for my niece and my girlfriends niece in case they need to go.... adults will have to venture into the waters as I'm not cleaning up after them lol.

 

[drewkaree]

That pic you posted looks to me like there's 10 on board, with the guy being towed making 11 total. If that's indeed the case, there's no way that's a 21 footer. (I see 3 in the bow, one in the middle of the walk-through, the captain, the guy taking pics, two on the rear starboard side, and two on the swim deck). Is this just a bad version of Where's Waldo?