Yamaha 212SS & 212X Specs and Review [Video]

Introduced in 2008 the Yamaha 212SS and 212X were 21-foot jet boats powered by a twin-160hp high-output engine package. These models were almost identical, except that the 212X had some watersport features and a custom design.

In this post, we’ll review this entry-level Yamaha jet boat series and its factory specifications.

Yamaha 212SS and 212X Review

Body and Features

Yamaha manufactured the first-generation 212 series from 2008 through 2011 with twin 1052cc, 320hp engines.

(In 2012, these models were refreshed and upgraded with larger 1812cc engines.)

In the late 2000s, this family included two models, namely the 212SS and 212X.

They shared the same 20-degree deep-V hull, top deck layout, and most other features. What set the 212x apart was her factory-installed wakeboard tower and a 750-pound ballast system.

Aside from these differences, the SS and X were identical, which is why they were often classed together.

As their name suggests, they measured in at an overall length of 21 feet with a beam of 8.6 feet.

The claimed dry weight of the SS was 3,029 pounds, while the X weighed 3,274 pounds.

Considering the weight of a matching trailer, full tank of fuel (50 gal.), and some basic gear, their estimated trailering weight was roughly 4,500-5,000 pounds.

Even though these Yamahas were not technically deck boats, they had a widened deck-boat-style forward lounger.

This area utilized two cushioned bench lounges, which could be converted into a nice sunbathing area with the optional bow filler cushion.

Stainless steel grab rails, Kicker speakers, integrated cup holders, and a floor storage locker also came standard.

Keeping easy boarding in mind, the bow had a stepped architecture and housed a retractable ladder in the sizable anchor locker.

Enjoying a sporty low-profile design, the darkly tinted walk-thru windshield effectively kept wind and water spray away from the cockpit.

Seatings included a full wraparound lounger and a swivel captain’s chair with a flip-up bolster.

These featured contoured cushions and carved backrests to match the design of the deck.

Standard cockpit features included a removable cocktail table, premium Sony stereo system, snap-in Berber carpet, grab handles, cup holders, courtesy lights, and a glovebox.

A plethora of storage spaces were available under the floor and in the helm and port consoles. The latter featured a one-piece hinged door that doubled as a bow block gate.

The sports car-like cockpit was fitted with a padded tilting steering wheel and a race-inspired dashboard.

Instrumentation included analog gauges like a speedometer, fuel gauge, and two tachometers completed with a digital depth sounder, switch panel, and radio.

Towards the stern, a center walk-through passage in the transom ensured easy access to the integrated swim platform.

Featuring a Yamaha-exclusive bi-level architecture, this platform had significantly more free space than its competitors.

The higher level of this platform functioned as a nice lounger with a removable dinette table, padded backrests, and a stereo remote.

Housing a retractable swim ladder, the lower level offered easy access to the water.

Unlike the 212SS, the 212X came standard with a custom color scheme and some watersport-intended features.

The most noticeable part of this package was its factory-installed, collapsible wakeboard tower.

Rated for a towing capacity of 350 pounds, this tower provided an elevated tow point for wakeboarders and kneeboarders.

It was fitted with a wide-angle rearview mirror and two tower racks but lacked speakers and lights, which came standard on rival Sea-Doo models.

Besides the tower, another model-specific feature of the 212X was its integrated 750-pound ballast system.

This extra weight was intended to increase the size of the wake behind the boat, ensuring a greater wakeboarding experience.

The ballast bladder was nestled in the rear storage compartment.

Engines and Pumps

The Yamaha 212SS and 212X shared the same twin-MR1 HO engine package, producing a combined 320hp at a whopping 10000 RPM.

Derived from Yamaha’s motorcycle division, these high-revving power mills were Marinized R1 motorcycle engines, hence the name.

The Japanese manufacturer also used the same engines in their larger jet boats and WaveRunner PWC line.

These 4-stroke, naturally-aspirated, 1052cc, 4-cylinder, high-output marine engines delivered power to 155mm, axial-flow, and single-stage jet pumps.

Jet boat propulsions are prone to sucking in seaweed and other debris and these Yamaha pumps were no exception.

But to make life easier, they were designed with innovative clean-out ports that allowed you to clean them out easily while onboard without diving into the water.

Performance

Performance wise, these 21-footer Yamahas weren’t the fastest boats on the lake, but their performance was more than enough for most boaters.

Under ideal conditions, the 212SS and 212X topped out at 51-53 mph while burning a combined 22.8 gph and offering a cruising time of 2.11 hours.

The latter converted to an estimated range of 110 miles.

Best cruise was reached at 7000 RPM and 27-28 mph where the estimated usable fuel range was 160 miles.

As far as acceleration goes, the boat got on plane in about 2.5-3 seconds and reached 30 mph in 4.5-5 seconds.

Aside from its remarkable performance and crisp throttle response, another advantage of this jet propulsion system was its completely enclosed impellers.

Compared to traditional prop-driven propulsions, jet drives ensured a safe and hassle-free operation, which made Yamahas appealing for both families and beginner boaters.

What’s more, her 16-inch draft meant the boat could enter very shallow waters.

Thanks to its deep-V hull architecture, she turned sharp and cut through a smaller chop with ease.

It was fun to drive yet it remained stable and predictable even at higher speeds.

Let’s talk about the towing capabilities of the 212X from a rider’s perspective.

Due to its lighter weight, smaller ballast, and jet propulsion system, the wake profile of this boat was vastly different from a dedicated wake boat.

Hence, riders had to deal with smaller and less sharp wakes, which was acceptable for beginners but disappointed more advanced riders.

Contrary to popular belief, the 212X could even be used for wake surfing as well, but with serious compromises.

With the factory ballast, her small wake was only enough for kids or lighter adults but was difficult for heavier riders.

This is why many owners upgraded their stock ballast system with aftermarket bags with larger capacity.

For comparison, the ballast capacity of 20-21-footer wake boats ranges between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds.

Specs Chart

You can read the factory specifications of the 2008-2011 Yamaha 212SS and 212X in these charts.

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	21’
Overall Width	8.6’
Draft	16”
Dead Rise	20-degree
Dry Weight (212SS)	3029 lb.
Dry Weight (212X)	3274 lb.
Height on trailer (SS)	6.92’
Height on trailer (X -Tower Down)	7.8’
Height on trailer (X- Tower Up)	10.9’
Maximum people on board	9
Maximum load capacity	1675 lb.

Engine

Number of engines	2
Type	4-stroke, MR1
Number of cylinders	4-cylinder (each engine)
Displacement	1052 cm³
Maximum Output (combined)	320hp @ 10000 RPM
Recommended engine oil	4-Stroke motor oil SE, SF, SG, SH , or SJ 10W-30
Fuel tank capacity	50 US gal
Oil Capacity	4.5 qt (each engine)

Propulsion

Propulsion System	Jet pump
Jet Pump Type	155mm, Axial flow, single stage
Impeller Pitch	16.5 degrees
Transmission	Direct drive from engine

These specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Yamaha manufactured their first-generation 21-footer runabouts from 2008 through 2011.

Labeled as 212X and 212SS, these boats shared the same body and the twin-160hp high-output MR1 engine package.

(In 2012, the Japanese manufacturer refreshed these models and upgraded them with more powerful twin-1.8L engines.)

Propelled by enclosed impellers, the 212s offered a safe and smooth operation along with a remarkable performance.

Their lively attitude was also emphasized by the race-inspired styling with a low-profile windshield and well-designed top deck.

Boaters valued the unique Yamaha-exclusive features like the pump clean-out ports and the bi-level swim platform.

In terms of features, the SS and the X were also almost identical, except for the latter’s wakeboard tower, rearview mirror, wakeboard racks, and 750-pound ballast system.

Even though the latter was a nice addition, the wake profile of the 212X wasn’t comparable to dedicated wake boats.

This is why these Yamahas were considered more like family runabouts rather than “real” watersport boats.

Thanks to their high quality and outstanding engine durability, many of these aged 212s are still in good shape.

If you are looking for a used Yamaha jet boat, you may find some 212SS and 212X for sale on Craigslist, FB Marketplace, eBay, and boat classifieds.

Based on our research, the asking prices of the first-generation models (2008-2011) with the twin-160hp engine package average between $20,000 and $30,000.

Interestingly, the original price of the SS model was close to $36,000 back in 2008.

If you are open to other brands, you may want to consider a Sea-Doo Challenger 210, Wake 210, or Sea-Ray Sundeck 210.

Just like Yamahas, these rivals also featured a very similar combined bowrider/deck boat architecture.

This unique design successfully merged the performance of a deep-V hull with the spacious deck and luxury amenities of a deck boat.