1999-2003 Yamaha LS2000 Specs and Review [Video]

The 1999-2003 LS2000 was the larger brother of the lively Exciter 270. These deservedly popular 2-stroke Yamaha jet boats shared the same twin-135hp engine package but the LS2000 was built on a significantly larger hull.

In this post, we’ll take a close look at this vintage Yamaha jet boat and its key specifications.

Yamaha LS2000 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Yamaha introduced the LS2000 (a.k.a. LST1200) for the 1999 model year, as the successor of the proven Exciter series.

But unlike its forerunners, the LS enjoyed a larger platform, measuring 19 feet 6 inches in length and 8 feet in width, while its draft was 18 inches.

Compared to the Exciter, this platform was almost 3 feet longer and 3 inches wider, which converted to greater stability and more capacities.

It featured a relatively shallow hull design, which made the boat very maneuverable. In return, it was very rough on the chop.

The dry weight of the LS was 2100 pounds, 410 pounds more than the twin-engine Exciter 220 and 270.

In terms of capacities, the LS utilized a large, 41-gallon fuel tank with a 7-gallon reserve and a 2.6-gallon oil tank. Although it was rated for 7 people it was actually only comfortable for 5.

The three-person bench seat in the aft section was completed with two bucket seats as its bowrider-style front design was carried over from the Exciter.

It featured two padded seats and a small bench in the front of the bow. Except for the latter, each seat came with well-contoured cushions for maximum comfort and traction.

Despite its greater dimensions, the LS had only a little more storage space than the Exciter.

The list of storage compartments included an under-floor ski locker, an under-seat storage in the bow, a glovebox, a storage tray above the engine bay, and two smaller storage units under the windshields.

Engine and Propulsion

The LS2000 inherited its dual-engine package from the Exciter 270. Each of these 2-stroke, 1131cc, triple-cylinder, reed-valve Yamaha marine engines produced a combined 270hp at 6750 RPM.

Also known as the non-power valved 1200 Yamaha marine engine, this powerhouse came with many advanced features, including,

·         Architecture: 2-stroke, inline-3

·         Displacement: 1131cc

·         Compression ratio: 6.0:1

·         Lubrication: oil injection with variable-rate oil pump

·         Intake system: Reed valve

·         Induction system: Loop charge

·         Cooling system: Open loop

·         Carbs: Triple Mikuni BN44

·         Plugs: NGH BR8HS

·         Start: Electric

This carbureted engine was fed by three 44mm Mikuni carburetors and was lubricated with a variable-rate oil injection system.

Just like these power sources, the Hyper Flow pumps of the LS were also derived from Yamaha’s WaveRunner PWC line.

This propulsion system housed dual axial-flow, single-stage, 155mm jet pumps with triple-blade, stainless-steel impellers.

These were designed with many innovative features like a manual reverse and pump clean-out ports. These unique, screw-in style ports were accessible through a hatch mounted on top of the swim platform.

Features

The LS2000 was designed with many innovative features, the most important of which were the following:

·         Bow light

·         Bow and stern eyelets

·         Ski hook

·         Grab handles

·         Cleats

·         Fuel cock

·         Stern light storage

·         Stern light socket

·         Jet pump cleanout access panel

·         Reboarding step

·         Deck drains

·         Drain plug

·         Trailer strap eyes

·         Bilge pump

·         Engine compartment blower

·         Horn

·         Mirror

Instrumentation of the boat included:

·         Speedometer

·         Tachometers

·         Low oil warning light

·         Fuel gauge

·         Ignition switch

·         Safety lanyard

·         Chokes

The storage compartments of the LS included:

·         Bow storage

·         2 x Windshield storages

·         Under-floor ski locker

·         Glovebox

·         Center storage tray (under the sunbed)

·         Cup holders

Riding Experience

Each 2-stroke Yamaha jet boat was designed with high speed and maneuverability in mind, and the LS2000 was no exception.

Despite its 19.5-foot hull, this boat literally turned on a dime. Its shallow-V hull design made it lively and agile, which ensured adrenalin-filled rides.

Due to its larger and heavier body, it offered less playful rides than Exciter models, yet it was still enjoyable for many boaters.

The drawback of this design was arguably its poor rough water performance since the keel couldn’t cut through the waves effectively. Because of this, the LS wasn’t recommended for the ocean or large lakes.

Engines were operated with a twin throttle lever, which made this boat very easy to maneuver.

Boating at a top speed of 53-54 mpg, the combined fuel consumption was 28 gph, so the 41-gallon fuel tank offered a cruising time of one and a half hours.

Even though it doesn’t seem fast by today’s standards, it was a pretty good speed on the water around the Millennium.

Besides its great top speed, the LS was also known for its fast acceleration and instant throttle response.

It’s safe jet propulsion and great engine power also made the LS a great tow boat. This is why many of them were equipped with an aftermarket wakeboard tower.

However, it wasn’t advisable to carry more than five people onboard when doing watersports.

Yamaha LS2000 Problems

Even though the LS built its reputation on durability and reliability, it had some weak points, which were as follows:

High maintenance

Due to their 2-stroke design, its engines required a more attention and maintenance.

Although they were nowhere near as reliable as their 4-stroke successors, with proper maintenance they provided a relatively problem-free operation.

In proper hands, these 2-stroke Yamaha boat engines ran hundreds of hours without any major rebuild.

Oil line issues

The oil lines of this boat were also prone to cracking or failing off, leaving the engine without any lubrication. To avoid these issues, the oil lines had to be inspected and replaced periodically.

However, best practice was to eliminate the entire oil system by convering to premix.

Noise

The 2-stroke engines of the LS were quite loud whether at idle or higher speeds.

Storage

Due to its jet propulsion system, storing the LS in the water for long periods was not a good idea. Besides potential corrosion issues, debris also often cumulated in its jet pumps.

In the worst-case scenario, a small leak could sink the entire boat.

Poor rough water performance

As we’ve discussed, the flat hull of the LS produced fairly rough rides on the chop.

Looking for a Yamaha LS2000 For Sale?

If you are considering buying a vintage Yamaha LS, note that these 2-stoke jet boats require much more maintenance than their 4-stroke successors.

Since many service shops refuse to work on these aged boats, buy one only if you can service it yourself.

If you want to own one by all means, you can find some LS2000 for sale on Craigslist, eBay, BoatTrader, or other classified boat sites.

You may also want to visit online forums like The Hull Truth (THT), or YamahaJetBoaters for further info and some potential deals.

Based on our research, the asking prices of these aged vessels average between $6,000-$11,000 depending on their year, condition, and accessories.

Yamaha LS2000 Specs Charts

As a last word, we’ve listed the factory specifications of the 1999 Yamaha LS2000 (LST1200) jet boat:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	19’6” (5.9 m)
Overall Width	8’ (2.4 m)
Draft	18” (.5 m)
Dry Weight	2100 lb. (995 kg)
Maximum people on board	7
Maximum load capacity	1300 lb.

Engine Specs

Number of engines	2
Type	2-stroke
Number of cylinders	3
Displacement	1131 cm³ (69 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke	84 × 68 mm
Compression Ratio	6.0:1
Supercharged	No
Lubrication system	Oil Injection
Carburetor type	Triple Mikuni BN 44
Number of carburetors	3
Intake system	Reed valve
Staring system	Electric
Cooling System	Water cooled
Spark Plug (NGK)	BR8HS
Battery Capacity	12 volt / 100 Ah
Recommended Battery	Marine Grade Group 24

Propulsion

Propulsion System	Jet pump
Jet Pump Type	Axial flow, single stage
Impeller material	Stainless steel
Impeller Rotation	Counter clockwise (rear view)
Impeller pitch	15.1°
Transmission	Direct drive from engine
Steering Nozzle Angle	23°+/- 1°

Performance

Maximum Output (each engine)	135hp @ 6750 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption (W.O.T.)	28.0 US gal/h (106 L/h) @ 6730
Cruising Range (W.O.T)	1.5 hr.

Fuel and Oil

Fuel	Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Rating	Minimum research octane: 90 Minimum pump octane: 86
Recommended engine oil	Yamalube 2-stroke outboard oil, or an equivalent TC-W3-certified outboard oil
Fuel tank capacity	41 US gal (155 L)
Fuel tank reserve	7 US gal (27 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