2003-2005 Yamaha LX210 Specs and Review [Video]

The 2003-2005 LX210 was one of the latest 2-stroke Yamaha jet boats ever built. This model was literally a rebranded LS2000, featuring a swim platform extension and some cosmetic changes. The LX210 was also available with a factory-installed wakeboard tower under the model name of AR210.

In this post, you will find out more about the LX210 and its main specifications.

 

Yamaha LX210 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Yamaha released the LX210 in 2003 as the replacement for its flagship 2-stroke jet boat, the LS2000.

The new model was almost identical to its predecessor, except for its swim platform extension and some tweaks like seat cushions and the color scheme.

In terms of dimensions, the LX210 measured 20 feet 11 inches in length and 8 feet in width. This meant that the extension added almost one and a half feet to its overall length.

The deadrise of this hull was 18 degrees while its draft was 18 inches. Despite its shallow draft, the jet propulsion system of the boat still required a water depth of 3 feet for safe operation.

Due to the lack of a wakeboard tower, the height of the boat on the trailer was only 5 feet 11 inches.

Its dry weight had also increased from 2100 to 2152 pounds.

While the 41-gallon fuel tank was carried over from the LS, the oil capacity was expanded from 2.6 to 3 gallons.

The LX210 was rated for 7 people, but due to its relatively small deck, it was comfortable for only 5.

Its top deck featured a bowrider-style layout with two swivel bucket seats and a 3-person bench seat in the cockpit. You could also find two padded seats in the bow area.

Each of these seats featured cozy cushions that offered great comfort and traction. However, the rear bench was less contoured than the one on its predecessor.

Storage compartments included a glovebox, a storage tray under the sun pad, a ski locker, and two under-windshield storages.

Engine and Propulsion

The LX210 inherited its twin-engine package from the LS2000. Each of these 2-stroke, 1131cc, triple-cylinder power mills produced 135hp out of the box.

Often referred to as the non-power valve 1200 Yamaha marine engine, the key features of this unit were as follows:

·         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

Thanks to its simple reed intake valves and non-power valve exhaust system, it was one of the most reliable 2-stroke Yamaha boat engines ever built.

In contrast, the 1176cc engine of the XR1800 featured power valves and catalytic converters that caused a lot of headaches.

Just like these engines, the propulsion system of 2-stroke Yamaha jet boats had also been borrowed from the WaveRunner PWC lineup.

Just like any other twin-engine model, the XR210 was also propelled by two 155mm, axial-flow, single-stage jet pumps.

They housed stainless-steel impellers, a manual reverse, and practical clean-out ports.

Features

The LX210 shared not only its engine and propulsion but also its features with the LS2000, 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 (single)

Instrumentation on the boat included:

·         4” Speedometer

·         4” Tachometers

·         Low oil warning light

·         Fuel gauge

·         Ignition switch

·         Safety lanyard

·         Chokes

Storage compartments:

·         Bow storage

·         2 x windshield storages

·         Under-floor ski locker

·         Glovebox

·         Center storage tray

·         Cup holders

Riding Experience

The LX210 inherited its relatively shallow-V hull from the LS2000. This highly maneuverable and agile platform made the boat capable of tight turns and spins, which ensured a lively riding experience.

(Sure, it wasn’t as playful as the early twin-engine Exciters, like the 220 and the 270.)

The downside of this design was a poor rough water performance. Since it couldn’t cut through the waves effectively, the LX210 offered very bouncy rides on the chop.

You could expect the top speed of the boat to be in the ballpark of 54-56 mph on the speedo, which was only 52-53 mph on GPS.

At this speed the claimed combined fuel consumption of the engines was 28 gph. Considering the fuel capacity of 41 gallons, the boat could only run one and a half hours at WOT.

Families and watersport lovers appreciated the swim platform extension, which made reboarding far easier.

What’s more, its remarkable engine power was enough to even tow two skiers or wakeboarders with ease.

Another key advantage of this boat was its enclosed jet propulsion system, which proved to be much safer than the props of its I/O and outboard alternatives.

Yamaha LX210 Problems

Even though the LX was one of the most reliable 2-stroke jet boats in Yamaha’s fleet, it had some common problems, including:

Oil line malfunctions

The factory-installed lines on the oil system were prone to aging over time. They often broke, cracked, or fell off, and improper lubrication often caused an engine seizure.

Because of this risk, owners had to frequently inspect and maintain the oil system or – keeping safety in mind – convert it to premix.

Noise

Its outdated 2-stroke engines made the LX louder than its 4-stroke successors.

Storage

Due to the risk of potential leaks in the jet pumps, it wasn’t recommended that owners store this boat in the water for an extended period.

Poor rough water performance

Due to its shallow-V hull, the LX was only recommended for smaller water bodies. On the chop, its performance was very disappointing.

Yamaha LX210 Specs Charts

For your convenience, we’ve listed the key specifications of the 2003 Yamaha LX210:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length	20’ 11”
Overall Width	8’ 0”
Draft	18”
Dry Weight	2152 lb.
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 (3.30 x 2.68 in.)
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
Ignition System	Digital CDI
Staring System	Electric
Cooling System	Water cooled
Spark Plug	NGK BR8HS
Spark Plug Gap	0.6-0.7 mm (0.024” – 0.028”)
Charging System	Flywheel magneto
Battery Capacity	12 volt / 100 Ah
Recommended Battery	Marine Grade Group 24 Dual Purpose 675 Marine Cranking Amp

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 (99.3 kW) @ 6750 RPM
Maximum Fuel Consumption (each engine)	14.0 US gal/h (53 L/h)
Cruising Range (full throttle)	1.5 hr.

Fuel and Oil

Fuel	Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended engine oil	Yamalube 2-W watercraft oil, or an equivalent TC-W3-certified outboard oil
Fuel tank capacity	41 US gal (155.2 L)
Oil Tank Capacity	3 US gal. (11.4 L)

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

Takeaway – Looking for a Yamaha LX210 For Sale?

If you are considering buying one, you can find plenty of Yamaha LX210s for sale on Craigslist, eBay, or classified boat sites.

You can also find some good deals on online forums and Facebook groups.

You can expect the asking prices of these vintage jet boats to be in the ballpark of $8,000-$14,000 depending on their condition, modifications, and accessories.

But before jumping into a deal, you should first think about maintenance.

Note that the majority of repair shops refuse to work on vintage 2-stroke engines, meaning that you will need mechanical skills to maintain this kind of boat.

Consequently, unless you are mechanically inclined, you may want to invest in a newer, 4-stroke model.

References

Yamahaboats.com