1998-1999 Yamaha Exciter 270 Specs and Review [Video]

The Exciter 270 was the most powerful member of the 2-stroke Yamaha Exciter jet boat family. It featured a twin-engine package that produced a whopping 270hp. Its smaller sibling was the Exciter 135, which came with a single engine rated at 135hp. Both of these boats were manufactured from 1998 through 1999, but their legacy was carried over to their LS2000 and XR1800 successors.

In this post, we’ll take a close look at the lively Yamaha jet boat and its factory specifications.

Review

Hull and Top Deck

As a rule of thumb, each Yamaha Exciter jet boat shared the same hull and top deck.

Yamaha introduced this platform in 1995 on the Exciter 220 and carried it over to the 135 and 270 without any significant changes.

This fiberglass shell enjoyed a patented dihedral design, which ensured an outstanding riding experience.

In terms of measurements, its length was only 16.6 feet while its beam was 7.6 feet wide. The draft of this boat was no more than 13 inches.

Even though it was 240 pounds heavier than the single-engine 135, the weight of the Exciter 220 didn’t exceed 1690 pounds dry and 2100-2200 pounds loaded with a trailer.

Its load capacity was 930 pounds and it could legally carry five people comfortably.

The top deck of the boat featured a sleek, low-profile design, including a bowrider-style bow layout.

Keeping the expected high G-forces in mind, the comfy seats utilized well-contoured cushions that worked as race car-like bucket seats.

Two of them were located in the bow area, while the rear bench seat was rated for three people. Integrated cup holders and grab handles came standard for each passenger.

The deck also offered plenty of storage space including a glovebox, front storage, ski locker, and a storage tray under the sun pad.

The helm was also designed with a modern instrument console along with many useful amenities.

Engine and Propulsion

Designed as the flagship Exciter, the 270 was powered by a twin 135hp engine package that delivered 270hp at 6750 RPM. These 2-stroke, 1131cc, triple-cylinder non-powervalved “1200” Yamaha marine engines came from Yamaha’s PWC line.

For example, the GP1200 and XL1200 WaveRunners were powered by the same engine.

You could also find the same power source in the Exciter 135, which was a single-engine version of the 220.

These engines were fed by 3-3 Mikuni BN44 carburetors which were connected to a 34-gallon fuel tank. They were lubricated by an oil injection system utilizing a 2.6-gallon oil reservoir and a variable-rate oil pump.

The latter ensured a better oil economy and cleaner operation than the outdated fixed ratio oil pump in the early 220s.

Just like the engine, the dual Hyper Flow Yamaha jet pumps of the 270 were also derived from the PWC division.

These axial-flow, single-stage, 155mm pumps utilized many advanced technologies including two screw-in style clean-out ports for easy debris removal.

They also housed two triple-blade, stainless-steel, progressive-pitch impellers, and manual reverse buckets.

https://youtu.be/RqNbNR0gxEw

Features

The Exciter 270 shared not only its body but also its features with the single-engine 135.

The most important of these included a deck drain system, 32-quart insulated cooler, ski hook, navigation lights, mooring cleats, eyelets, dual mirrors, grab handles, beverage holders, and jet pump cleanout access panels.

The modern helm was equipped with an advanced instrument console that housed a speedometer, fuel gauge, low oil warning light, and two tachometers.

Storages included a ski locker, glovebox, center storage tray, and a bow storage.

Top Speed and Performance

The Yamaha Exciter 270 was often referred to as the fastest Yamaha jet boat ever built and with good reason. You could expect the claimed top speed of this boat to be 60 mph out of the box, which could be increased into the 65-70mph range with some aftermarket mods.

Besides its amazing top speed, the boat offered industry-leading acceleration and the best handling in the mini jet boat industry.

Its engines were controlled via dual throttle levers that offered many opportunities for play while the six 44mm carbs provided a crisp throttle response.

In tight corners, its purpose-built hull also ensured a great grip, making the 220 highly maneuverable.

An experienced operator could get a lot of tricks out of it including jumps, 180 and 360-degree spins, and even the shocking “submarine.”

At full speed, the claimed fuel consumption of the boat was a combined 28 gph, which ensured a cruising time of 1.25 hours.

Cruising speed happened at 35 mph where it consumed about 18-20 gph, ensuring a mileage of 1.8-1.9 mpg.

Problems

The biggest problem with Exciter mini jet boats was arguably their inadequate rough water performance, and the 270 was no exception.

Its lightweight, low-profile body did a good job on small water bodies but it was not a good idea to take it to the ocean or in larger wakes.

Its pumps were also prone to cavitating in tight turns, although to a lesser extent than the single pump in the 135.

This issue could be reduced with an aftermarket impeller.

In addition, the 270 was one of the most maintenance-intensive 2-stroke Yamaha jet boats.

Its twin engines featured six carburetors that required a lot of “carb work.”

Its oil injection system also required attention and periodic maintenance, since its oil lines were prone to aging, breaking, or falling off, causing an engine seizure.

This is why a lot of owners converted their engines to premix.

Looking for a Yamaha Exciter 270 for Sale?

Even though it was only manufactured in the ’98 and ’99 model years, there are still many 220s running on the water.

This is no surprise since this model is one of the most popular Yamaha jet boats ever built.

If you are looking for an Exciter 270 for sale, you should start your research on eBay, Craigslist, or classified boat sites.

You may also find a great deal of info on these boats or even some possible good deals on Yamaha jet boat forums and social media groups.

Asking prices average between $6,000 and $9,000 depending on the age, condition, modifications, and accessories. Interestingly, the original price of this boat back in 1998 was $16,999 with a trailer.

The Exciter’s biggest competitors were 2-stroke Sea-Doo jet boats, Sugar Sand Tango, and Bayliner Jazz.

Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specs of the 1999 Yamaha Exciter 270:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length

16’7” (5050 mm)

Overall Width

7’7” (2320 mm)

Draft

13” (330 mm)

Dry Weight

1690 lb.

Maximum people on board

5

Maximum load capacity

930 lb.

Engine Specs

Number of engines

2

Type

2-stroke

Number of cylinders

3-cylinders

Displacement

1131 cm³ (69 cu. in.)

Lubrication system

Oil Injection

Number of carburetors

3

Cooling System

Water cooled

Maximum Output

135hp @ 6750 RPM each engine

Maximum Fuel Consumption

14.0 US gal/h (53 L/h) each engine

Cruising Range (full throttle)

1.25 hr.

Fuel tank capacity

34 US gal (129 L)

Oil Tank Capacity

2.6 US gal. (10 L)

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

References:

Yamahaboats.com


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