Yamaha Boats 252SD

Accommodations

Even though this boat still has the typical 8’6” (2.59 m) beam, it’s carried much further to the outside creating more space than we’re used to in a typical 25’ (7.62 m) boat.  We measured 37” (93.98 cm) between the opposing seats, as well as a cockpit depth of 37” (93.98 cm).  The two seats consist of L-shaped lounges with high bolsters serving as backrests.  The starboard seat also functions as an aft-facing seat with an additional backrest at the forward end, up against the refreshment center.  At the walkthrough to the transom seating, we can add a filler cushion to create full wraparound seating from one side to the other.  We can add still more seating by swinging the helm and observer’s seats around to join the crowd. Both of those seats are thickly padded with a protruding headrest and flip-down armrests. 

Mechanical Equipment

Specifications
Length Overall
24'6"

Beam
8'6"

Dry Weight
4,612 lbs.

Tested Weight
5,343 lbs.

Draft
19"

Person Capacity
12
Fuel Capacity
70 gallons

Water Capacity
9 gallons

Total Weight
5,343 lbs.

Navigation Systems

DRiVE Technology- No more yelling/swearing when it's time to dock!
DRiVE Technology allows for controllability at the dock by using dual paddles at the backside of the steering wheel.  The right paddle is for forward (go right ahead) and the left is for reverse.  Both are progressive in that squeezing them more adds more throttle, but never more than docking speed. 

So in this manner, we can be standing at the helm, with one hand on the wheel, and dock the boat effortlessly just by turning the wheel and activating one paddle or the other.  It’s a huge deal and so much more comfortable than having to sit and manipulate the usual engine controls to try and get that docking down right. 

Additional Equipment

Technical Features

Not only is this boat exciting and versatile, but it also adds a boatload of technical improvements – most notably in the form of the Floating Connext Touchscreen.  This screen has several features, such as fuel level, battery voltage, bilge pump, blower activation, water depth and time that are permanently docked regardless of what screen is selected.  At the top are seven icons to select alternative screens. 

Home – will always return to the main screen.  This will show the stereo control to one side and water temp to the other, when in float mode (engines not running).  Start the engines and the display reverts to showing the two tachometers with gear indications at the bottom, and boat speed in between the two. 

Map – switches the screen to a GPS-based moving map.  We can scroll in or out on this map and even revert it to a full screen, which will still be inside the permanently docked icons discussed earlier. 

Trip – this screen includes data on trip distance, fuel used, fuel flow, water temp, average speed, highest speed and engine hours.  Most of these are resettable of course. 

Cruise – This page gives us the ability to dial in target speed and acceleration curves for watersports.

Music – gives us controls over the source of our tunes and the ability to control the various levels for volume and tone. 

Switching – The boat icon allows us to control the tower courtesy lights, the water pump for the stern shower, helm lights, interior courtesy lights with the dimming capability and the forward dock lights.

System – Finally, there’s the system controls that provide access to the main menu to set the language, current time, Units (MPH, knots, etc…) as well as the boat’s wellness, which means intervals between various maintenance requirements.