Should I get a Wake Series Yamaha

[AceKicker]

My main question is should I spring for a Yamaha Wake Series boat, or will I be wasting my money?

My wife and I are looking for our first boat. Originally, she wanted a pontoon boat, but she has now turned the corner and wants a boat where we can do more water activities. I've only wakeboarded once, but had a blast and would like to start doing that. I'm 45, so I am not looking at becoming a professional or doing flips or anything crazy. Just getting pulled and doing some turns will be fun enough. I'd probably like to wake surf, too.
Our primary use will be to hang out with friends inside a barrier island in some ski canal areas and possibly explore islands near the ICW. Secondary use, but I would like to do a lot of it, will be water sports. From other posts, I think I do want to get at least an E or D (for the electronic throttles), but maybe being new to small boats I wouldn't know what I am missing without it.

Monetarily, I don't want to waste money, but I also don't want to regret spending a lot on a boat and wish I had saved a bit longer to get a Wake series 6 months down the road.

We are looking at the 22 footers as a nice middle-ground of more space but not too big.

We really like the Yamaha dealership near our house and we like what we've heard about maintenance and reliability with Yamahas, so we're pretty set on going with a Yamaha.
So...should we get a Wake Series boat or will one of the normal models suffice for our case?

Question 2, should we spend the extra $5k for electronic throttles?

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[Neutron]

My main question is should I spring for a Yamaha Wake Series boat, or will I be wasting my money?

My wife and I are looking for our first boat. Originally, she wanted a pontoon boat, but she has now turned the corner and wants a boat where we can do more water activities. I've only wakeboarded once, but had a blast and would like to start doing that. I'm 45, so I am not looking at becoming a professional or doing flips or anything crazy. Just getting pulled and doing some turns will be fun enough. I'd probably like to wake surf, too.
Our primary use will be to hang out with friends inside a barrier island in some ski canal areas and possibly explore islands near the ICW. Secondary use, but I would like to do a lot of it, will be water sports. From other posts, I think I do want to get at least an E or D (for the electronic throttles), but maybe being new to small boats I wouldn't know what I am missing without it.

Monetarily, I don't want to waste money, but I also don't want to regret spending a lot on a boat and wish I had saved a bit longer to get a Wake series 6 months down the road.

We are looking at the 22 footers as a nice middle-ground of more space but not too big.

We really like the Yamaha dealership near our house and we like what we've heard about maintenance and reliability with Yamahas, so we're pretty set on going with a Yamaha.
So...should we get a Wake Series boat or will one of the normal models suffice for our case?

Question 2, should we spend the extra $5k for electronic throttles?

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

Will your boat be trailered or kept on a lift or in the water?
These boats are not ideal for extended stays in salt water. Not a lot of mechanical maintenance but proper flushing and cleaning is necessary

 

[AceKicker]

Will your boat be trailered or kept on a lift or in the water?
These boats are not ideal for extended stays in salt water. Not a lot of mechanical maintenance but proper flushing and cleaning is necessary

It will be trailered and I plan to wash and rinse the engines every time it comes out.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Well done on your post! That lets us know several things about how and where you’re going to use the boat. Also glad to see your wife made the turn from a pontoon..

Where are you going to keep the boat when not in use?
Will you have the ability to plug in a battery charger to keep the boats batteries fully charged?
How many people do you think will be coming out on the boat with you?

The reason I ask about being able to keep the boat plugged in is that the electronic drive systems need to have fully charged batteries to keep from having annoying faults. These boats don’t have very powerful charging systems in the first place, about 14 amps per engine above 3500 rpm, and, lead acid batteries take quite a few hours to properly charge, 8-12 hours. Even boats without the electric steering should be kept on a charger to have fully charged batteries before heading out for the day which extends battery life and assures the house battery has its full capacity for a day on the water. If you’re running around in the boat or doing water sports the boats alternators will definitely put charge back in the batteries, the battery switch and DVSR will make sure the start battery gets charged up first then charge the house battery when running, and when floating or beached will keep the start battery isolated from house loads so it’s ready to start engines and take off.

Having the ability to thoroughly rinse the engines and use salt away on them to keep salt from building up in the engines is crucial for years of trouble free use. If I’m not mistaken the procedure for using salt away is to flush the engines thoroughly with fresh water then introduce salt away and flush until it is seen coming out then stop the flush and engine and leave the product in the engines to break down the salt.

Salt away is also very helpful in cleaning the boat inside and out.

Here’s something else to consider. The 25’ models come with a head compartment, not big but plenty big enough to put a porta potty in and do your business in. That’s a nice convenience to have for those long days on the water. My boat usage is different from what you’re planning on doing with yours, but I spend long days on the water, I wouldn’t own a boat that didn’t have a head compartment or some way to have a porta potty on it. It’s a large storage for all of your gear and accessories for a day on the water as well.

As many have said…buy your second boat first.

 

[gthorson]

That's a question for the ages, and there is no answer. You're doing the right thing and thinking about it, next step after your research is to decide and don't look back, be happy in your decision.

I erred on the side of buy your next boat now. I got the 252XE, it's convenient to have the wake controls and E drive. No real problems yet. I don't have the auto wake shaper gates, that's what I wish I had. The ballast tanks are convenient but they use up storage space that I wish I had on non ski trips. The wave isn't great, so X or not, you will still wish you had more. I'm not a big music guy so the sound system isn't worth it. I think I would be equally happy with the non X boats, just with a different list of plusses and minuses. Maybe more minuses but I'd have $20k in my pocket.

 

[AceKicker]

Well done on your post! That lets us know several things about how and where you’re going to use the boat. Also glad to see your wife made the turn from a pontoon..

Where are you going to keep the boat when not in use?
Will you have the ability to plug in a battery charger to keep the boats batteries fully charged?
How many people do you think will be coming out on the boat with you?

The reason I ask about being able to keep the boat plugged in is that the electronic drive systems need to have fully charged batteries to keep from having annoying faults. These boats don’t have very powerful charging systems in the first place, about 14 amps per engine above 3500 rpm, and, lead acid batteries take quite a few hours to properly charge, 8-12 hours. Even boats without the electric steering should be kept on a charger to have fully charged batteries before heading out for the day which extends battery life and assures the house battery has its full capacity for a day on the water. If you’re running around in the boat or doing water sports the boats alternators will definitely put charge back in the batteries, the battery switch and DVSR will make sure the start battery gets charged up first then charge the house battery when running, and when floating or beached will keep the start battery isolated from house loads so it’s ready to start engines and take off.

Having the ability to thoroughly rinse the engines and use salt away on them to keep salt from building up in the engines is crucial for years of trouble free use. If I’m not mistaken the procedure for using salt away is to flush the engines thoroughly with fresh water then introduce salt away and flush until it is seen coming out then stop the flush and engine and leave the product in the engines to break down the salt.

Salt away is also very helpful in cleaning the boat inside and out.

Here’s something else to consider. The 25’ models come with a head compartment, not big but plenty big enough to put a porta potty in and do your business in. That’s a nice convenience to have for those long days on the water. My boat usage is different from what you’re planning on doing with yours, but I spend long days on the water, I wouldn’t own a boat that didn’t have a head compartment or some way to have a porta potty on it. It’s a large storage for all of your gear and accessories for a day on the water as well.

As many have said…buy your second boat first.

Thanks for the reply. The boat will be trailered and kept inside a big storage garage for boats. The boat doesn't come with a charger, but I believe the place has the option to plug it in if I do. Talking to the Yamaha rep, they said they've had no one complain about issues with the electronics on those boats from not charging them while out of the water. I know people selling might have a different view on things. I'll keep looking into this issue.

I'll be sure to follow the procedure for washing the engines out. On occasion I might leave it in the water over a weekend, but that would be the longest amount of time in the water.

My wife thinks the 25s look too big for a first boat (from a navigating and operating it perspective). I think the head addition might sway her, though. Thanks for the ammo.

 

[AceKicker]

That's a question for the ages, and there is no answer. You're doing the right thing and thinking about it, next step after your research is to decide and don't look back, be happy in your decision.

I erred on the side of buy your next boat now. I got the 252XE, it's convenient to have the wake controls and E drive. No real problems yet. I don't have the auto wake shaper gates, that's what I wish I had. The ballast tanks are convenient but they use up storage space that I wish I had on non ski trips. The wave isn't great, so X or not, you will still wish you had more. I'm not a big music guy so the sound system isn't worth it. I think I would be equally happy with the non X boats, just with a different list of plusses and minuses. Maybe more minuses but I'd have $20k in my pocket.

Thanks. You brought up a few things I haven't considered. I really don't know if I will need the wake...but at the same time, I might, ha ha. Losing the space does add to the considerations.

 

[MNJets]

Thanks. You brought up a few things I haven't considered. I really don't know if I will need the wake...but at the same time, I might, ha ha. Losing the space does add to the considerations.

I purchased a new 212X back in 2019 and it was my first jet boat. After installing a Cruise Control system, the boat handled all water sports pretty easily. Surfing took a bit of manipulation (installing the wedge, adding a 750# FatSac on the transom). In 2024 I upgraded to the 222XD as Yamaha automated / integrated a lot of items into the boat. Good cruise control, DRiVE technology has helped me as the boat lives in a covered lift (fresh water lake) so the added technology simplifies parking the boat. My kids graduated and are not at the lake much anymore. I'm selling my 2024 222XD and have it listed under Classifieds. I'm not close to you but give the boat a view and I'm flexible.

 

[sgust]

Thanks for the reply. The boat will be trailered and kept inside a big storage garage for boats. The boat doesn't come with a charger, but I believe the place has the option to plug it in if I do. Talking to the Yamaha rep, they said they've had no one complain about issues with the electronics on those boats from not charging them while out of the water. I know people selling might have a different view on things. I'll keep looking into this issue.

I'll be sure to follow the procedure for washing the engines out. On occasion I might leave it in the water over a weekend, but that would be the longest amount of time in the water.

My wife thinks the 25s look too big for a first boat (from a navigating and operating it perspective). I think the head addition might sway her, though. Thanks for the ammo.

My wife thought the same thing when we bought our first boat. I wanted the 25 footer but she insisted that for a first boat we get the 19 footer to see if we like it. Needless to say, we ended up getting a 25 footer a few years later, regretting our purchase of the 19 footer because we wanted more room, power and creature comforts.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

My wife thought the same thing when we bought our first boat. I wanted the 25 footer but she insisted that for a first boat we get the 19 footer to see if we like it. Needless to say, we ended up getting a 25 footer a few years later, regretting our purchase of the 19 footer because we wanted more room, power and creature comforts.

How much did that cost you? As opposed to just buying the 25’ in the first place?

 

[sgust]

How much did that cost you? As opposed to just buying the 25’ in the first place?

We paid about 38k for the 19 footer. At the time the 25s were discounted to mid 60s. So we had no problem with the price, it was mostly being uncomfortable with the bigger size, not knowing how they handle. After knowing how the 25 foots handle, I would definitely just go immediately for the bigger size and get something that fits all your needs and something you can grow into.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

We paid about 38k for the 19 footer. At the time the 25s were discounted to mid 60s. So we had no problem with the price, it was mostly being uncomfortable with the bigger size, not knowing how they handle. After knowing how the 25 foots handle, I would definitely just go immediately for the bigger size and get something that fits all your needs and something you can grow into.

Understood about the size thing, understandable. Thanks for the reply

Let me rephrase my question,

When you bought the 19’ boat you paid _________ amount including taxes, dealer prep, freight etc.. total out the door price.
When you sold the 19’ you got _________ for it.
=‘s $$ money lost________ if any.

When you bought the 25’ boat you paid _______ for it including taxes, freight, dealer prep etc. total out the door price.

I’m not crumbing on you, just want to know how much buying the 19’ boat first then deciding you needed the 25’ boat. It’s a great example for others. Buy your second boat first.

 

[sgust]

Understood about the size thing, understandable. Thanks for the reply

Let me rephrase my question,

When you bought the 19’ boat you paid _________ amount including taxes, dealer prep, freight etc.. total out the door price.
When you sold the 19’ you got _________ for it.
=‘s $$ money lost________ if any.

When you bought the 25’ boat you paid _______ for it including taxes, freight, dealer prep etc. total out the door price.

I’m not crumbing on you, just want to know how much buying the 19’ boat first then deciding you needed the 25’ boat. It’s a great example for others. Buy your second boat first.

Gotcha. We bought the 19 foot for 38 and some change, I dont have the exact on me right now, but probably around the 38,500 mark OTD. When we sold the 19 foot, we got $27,000 exact for it. We lost so much because it's not nearly as desirable as the other models.
When we bought the 25 foot in March of this year, we paid $79,370 OTD price for a 252s.
So I would agree 100% with you to buy the second boat first if you can and don't regret the first purchase like we did.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Gotcha. We bought the 19 foot for 38 and some change, I dont have the exact on me right now, but probably around the 38,500 mark OTD. When we sold the 19 foot, we got $27,000 exact for it. We lost so much because it's not nearly as desirable as the other models.
When we bought the 25 foot in March of this year, we paid $79,370 OTD price for a 252s.
So I would agree 100% with you to buy the second boat first if you can and don't regret the first purchase like we did.

Right on. I really appreciate your candor!!!!

Now, go fill that 25’ up with gas and load up the goodies and go out and burn up some fuel, or the whole tank and have fun!!!

Again, thanks for your candor!