2010-2014 Yamaha 242 Limited S Specs and Review [Video]

Introduced in 2010, the Yamaha 242 Limited S was a 24-foot jet boat powered by a twin-180hp 1.8L high-output engines. Her less featured sibling, the base 242 Limited lacked the wakeboard tower and had a less versatile seating configuration.

(Their predecessors were the 232 Limited S and 232 Limited, respectively.)

In this post, we’ll review the first generation of these mid-sized family jet boats and their factory specifications.

2010-2014 Yamaha 242 Limited S Review

Body and Features

Yamaha marketed the first generation of their 242 runabouts from 2010 through 2014 and refreshed them in 2015.

This model was released with two trim levels; the base 242 Limited and the more advanced 242 Limited S.

The latter enjoyed a convertible port-side passenger seat and some extra features like courtesy and docking lights, deluxe upholstery and carpet, and a stylish wakeboard tower.

Aside from these as well as different color schemes, these two models were completely identical.

In this post, we’ll focus on the far more popular 242 Limited S, which was sold in much larger quantities.

Designed from scratch, she was built on a stable and predictable modified-V hull with a transom deadrise of 18 degrees.

In terms of dimensions, the boat measured in at an overall length of 23.6 feet, 9.8 feet in width, with an 18-inch draft.

Due to its wide beam, it was difficult to tow since in most states you are only allowed to trailer a boat with a maximum beam of 8′ 6″ without a permit.

Besides her dimensions, the dry weight of the 242 Limited S was also a remarkable 3,519 pounds.

Considering the weight of a matching tandem-axle trailer, liquids, and some minimal gear, you could expect her gross trailering weight to the north of 5,000 pounds.

The top deck featured a spacious deck boat-style floorplan with plenty of free space and large seatings.

You could easily enter the boat on the solid steps and the front ladder nestled in the bow peak. The latter could be retractable into the spacious anchor locker.

Wide and comfortable, the bow area was designed with two bench lounges, which were completed with two separate filler cushions.

The forward filler cushion doubled as a backrest between the consoles converting the bow into a full-wraparound lounger.

Keeping maximum comfort and entertainment in mind, this area was also fitted with padded armrests, Kicker marine speakers, deep stainless steel cupholders, and under-seat storage.

You could also find two large storage compartments under the consoles; and the port side was large enough to accommodate a porta-potty.

They were enclosed by fiberglass doors, one of them doubled as a bow block-off door.

Protected by a wraparound windshield, the cozy cockpit had a swivel bucket seat at the helm and a full wraparound lounger.

It housed a convertible port side passenger seat, which could be positioned flat as a bench seat or upright as a traditional forward-facing seat.

(The latter was a model-specific feature of the S model, while the base 242 Limited had a swivel bucket seat instead.)

Kicker speakers, premium snap-in Berber carpets, stainless steel cupholders, grab handles, storage trays, a portable cooler, a dinette table, and a tiny glovebox all came as standard.

Captains appreciated the luxury features of the helm, including dual shift/throttle levers, padded tilt steering wheel, sun visor, radio, storage tray, cup holder, and an advanced dashboard.

Enjoying a clean and easy-to-read layout, the latter had simpler analog gauges, a switch panel, and 12V outlets.

The walk-thru transom and the removable center portion of the aft seat ensured easy access to the bi-level transom area.

Positioned just a few inches above water level, the lower section functioned as a traditional swim platform. It was covered by high-quality Hydro-Turf deck mats.

In contrast, the upper section had a solid step and two cushioned aft lounger seats with padded backrests.

This Yamaha-exclusive two-level transom architecture debuted in 2004 and remained unique in the marketplace for many years.

This lounger also had many convenience features like a retractable swim ladder, grab handles, speakers, cup holders, stereo remote, table mount, and a transom shower.

Watersport lovers appreciated the sizeable lockable floor ski locker and the well-designed curved wakeboard tower.

In terms of capacities, the 242 had a 50.2-gallon fuel tank and a passenger capacity of 10 people (increased to 11 in 2012).

Engine and Performance

The 242 Limited and Limited S shared the same twin-1.8L High Output Yamaha Marine engine package. These 4-stroke, naturally-aspirated, 1812cc, 4-cylinder engines produced a combined 360hp.

Engine power was delivered to a dual axial-flow, single-stage Yamaha jet prolusion system, featuring stainless-steel impellers, a reverse system, and revolutionary clean-out ports.

Performance wise, the boat topped out at 50-52 mph at 7500 RPM while burning a combined 25-26 gph and getting a cruising range of around 2 hours or 100 miles.

Best cruise was reached at 37-38 mph where the engines burned a combined 11-12 gph while getting 3-3.5 mpg.

At this speed, on a full tank the range increased up to 150-160 miles.

Thanks to great engine torque, the boat surprised you with outstanding acceleration.

With a light load, she reached planing speed in about 2.5-3 seconds and 30 mph in just 4-5 seconds.

Captains valued the easy-handling fly-by-wire throttles and the Cruise Assist that could be engaged at any speed.

It also could be used for adjusting the speed by 125 RPMs with the press of a button and offered five pre-set automatic throttle settings like no-wake mode, economy mode, ski mode, and more.

The enclosed jet propulsion system ensured a much safer operation and it could go to shallower waters than its sterndrive and inboard alternatives.

Specs Charts

You can read the factory specifications of the 2010-2014 Yamaha 242 Limited S in these charts.

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	23.63’
Overall Width	9.8’
Draft	18”
Dead Rise	20-degree
Dry Weight	3439 lb.
Height on trailer	10.67’
Maximum people on board (’10-’11)	10
Maximum people on board (’12-’14)	11
Maximum load capacity	1800 lb.

Engines

Number of engines	2
Type	4-stroke
Number of cylinders	4 cylinders (each engine)
Induction Type	Naturally-aspirated
Displacement	1812 cm³
Maximum Output	180hp (each engine)
Recommended engine oil	Yamalube 4W or 4-stroke motor oil SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, or SL 10W-30
Fuel tank capacity	50.2 US gal
Oil Capacity	1.1 gal (each engine)

Propulsion

Propulsion System	Jet pumps (2)
Jet Pump Type	Axial flow, single stage
Impeller Pitch	16.8 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 introduced the all-new 242 Limited family in 2010 as the replacement of the bestseller 232 series.

These mid-size Yamaha jet boats remained almost unchanged until its first model update in 2015.

Measuring 23.5 feet in length and 9.8 feet in width, the 242 Limited and Limited S shared the same 18-degree V-shaped fiberglass hull, deck-boat style layout, twin-180hp HO Yamaha jet engine package, and most other features.

These two boats were almost the same except for some model-specific features of the S, including:

• Wakeboard tower
• Convertible port passenger seat
• Courtesy lights
• Docking lights
• Premium upholstery
• Deluxe snap-in carpet

Yamaha jet boats have always been known for outstanding reliability, durability, and high quality, and the 242s were no exception.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they are still among the bestselling used jet boats on the market.

If you are considering busing one, you can find many Yamaha 242 Limiteds for sale by owners and boat brokers as well.

Based on our research, the asking prices of the 2010-2014 models typically start at $20,000 and go all the way up to $60,000.

Prices vary greatly depending on their age, condition, engine hours, and accessories.

If you are open to other brands and aren’t exclusively stuck on jet engines, you should also take a look at the Sea Ray 240 Sundeck.